From Paul Smith to a Gothic fashion catwalk – Body rounds up the best events from across the North
October’s Halloween-heavy schedule may have you fantasising about ghoulish garms and masterful make-up but there’s much more to obsess over this month than what you’re wearing come the 31st. From themed parties to unmissable beauty bars, here are ten fashion and beauty treats you can enjoy this October.
Watches of Switzerland opens new store|King Street, Manchester, 16 October
Joining the ranks of premium brands lining King Street is luxury watch retailer Watches of Switzerland. The new showroom will offer customers the chance to browse a selection of high end brands including Tag Heur, Omega, Breitling and Hublot in an opulent retail setting.
17 King Street, Manchester, M2 6AW – request an appointment here
Fashion in Leeds Network Series |Leeds City Centre, 18 and 20 October
A series of industry talks on Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 October mark the end of Leeds Digital Fashion Week, with an after party taking place from 6pm at Sheaf St. Cafeteria. BBC Dragon’s Den winner Sarah Agar Brennan, founder of Love Bomb Cushions, and founder of One Line design studio Helen Barlow share their business acumen as guest speakers at the Autumn Fashion Network event on Wednesday evening (6pm – 8pm, The Yorkshire Post - Parkinson Suite).
Whilst Friday’s event sees more industry experts take to the stage, with talks from Richard Kilroy; fashion illustrator, writer and editor who has previously worked with Christian Dior and Elton John, Mandi Lennard; founder of creative consultancy Mandi’s Basement, with clients including GAP, Fiorucci, and Barbie, and Jennifer Lee O’Brien; Editor of The City Talking media company (6pm-8pm, Sheaf St. Cafeteria). Post-talks, Suzy Mason will host the #LDFW6 After Party, following suit of the legendary Leeds club nights SpeedQueen, The Kit Kat Club & Vague of which Mason co-founded (8pm-midnight, Sheaf St. Cafeteria).
For more information, visit the Fashion in Leeds website.
Victoria Seraphina lingerie launch lecture |19 October, The Con Club, Altrincham
It was the 'vintage inspiration taken from the golden era of Hollywood' that led Elle magazine to feature lingerie brand Victoria Seraphina in their December 2016 issue, long before the collection was complete. Almost a year on, and designer Victoria Clegg has officially launched, offering a selection of handmade slips, lingerie and loungewear. Victoria will be hosting a talk at Altrincham’s The Con Club to share some insight into how to develop a brand from original concept to the first collection, and there will be an opportunity to browse through her creations.
7pm – 9pm. Tickets £11.21 – buy them here
Harvey Nichols Leeds 21st Birthday | Leeds store, 19 October
Every 21-year-old plans to celebrate their coming of age with a good old knees-up, and Harvey Nichols Leeds is no different. To mark 21 sweet years since it opened its doors at 107-111 Briggate, the premium department store is having a massive birthday bash, with entertainment planned for every shop floor. Expect DJ sets, photo booths and complimentary refreshments, whilst Rewards members can enjoy a bottle of Harvey Nichols Champagne with purchases over £75.
Free – register here, 6pm – 9.30pm
Paul Smith at the Whitworth | 19 October, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Britain’s foremost designer Paul Smith can’t get enough of Manchester this month. In addition to launching a new 3,000 square foot store on Cathedral Street, the famously eccentric designer will also be visiting the Whitworth to host an exclusive lunchtime talk. Offering an inspirational insight into his early career, the influences of his contemporary-meets-traditional style and how he built a fashion empire whilst retaining his unique designer identity.
Free, but registration is essential – register here.
The Velvet House pop-up | Barton Arcade, 21-22 October
Preloved Parisian glamour is returning to Manchester high street with a new pop-up shop from The Velvet House. Founded in France before it hit the shores of the UK, the unique boutique features a carefully curated selection of one-of-a-kind second-hand pieces. Yves Saint Laurent, Zadig & Voltaire and Lanvin are just a few of the famed French names that adorn the rails, alongside enticingly affordable price tags. Thought you’d never get your hands on a genuine Chanel bag? Well, there may be hope for you yet…
Free – http://thevelvet-house.com/
Professional Beauty North |Manchester Central, 22-23 October
Brow bars to the left of you, salons to the right, there you are, stuck in the middle of the North’s West’s biggest beauty event – Professional Beauty North is a MUA’s dream. Over 600 brands across hair, beauty and aesthetics will descend upon Manchester Central for a two-day exhibition like no other. Browse new collections from top brands including The Body Shop, St Tropez, Spectrum Collections and Elemis or learn new techniques from industry experts at the Live Shows. Body painters, Fashion Stylists, Film MUA’s and Instagram stars – all will be showcased at the Warpaint Live Stage, with the Makeup Championships 2017 competition for budding make-up artists designed to find the next top MU talent (£25 per person per category, £10 for students).
Register for free tickets prior to the event here. Tickets £20 on the door.
Benefit Cosmetics Disco Party | Camp and Furnace, Liverpool, 25-26 October
Flashback to the 70’s, where glitz and glam reigned supreme and everything was supersized – hair, flares, you name it, Benefit is going to recreate it. The beauty brand known for its brow bars and quirky campaigns is now inviting you to join them at their 70’s disco takeover at Liverpool’s Camp and Furnace. The 2-hour immersive experience includes a Benefit makeupper session and x3 cocktails or mocktails each, plus a fun-size product to take away at the end of the night. Come dressed in your finest 70’s attire.
Tickets £12.50 – buy them here
Gothic Styles Street Fashion Show | Exchange Square, Manchester, 29 October
Get ready for a fashion show like no other. Real-life goths, punks and steampunks are set to strut, stomp and stride down the runway to showcase their unique style of dress at this street fashion event. Designed to highlight the influence of gothic style on contemporary haute couture, the event will also showcase creations by Manchester Fashion Institute students and alumni. The event is held in association with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and is part of Halloween in the City produced by Manchester BID.
Free – register here
French Connection new store|Exchange Street, opening end of October
Famed for its controversial slogan tees that hinted at obscenity, French Connection is set to return to Manchester city centre after an 18-month hiatus. Close to the brand’s previous site on the corner of St Ann's Square, the new 2,885 sq ft store will sit at 7-9 Exchange street alongside fellow high-end brands Swarovski and L'Occitane.
7 Exchange Street, Manchester, M2 7EA
