Menswear brand Farah recently set up camp in Manchester to try and find the beating creative heart of the city for its Creatives on Tour series.
Having started the series over the Pennines in Leeds, the brand handpicked five individuals it felt were steering the city towards a new era of creativity.
From daring designers to brazen brewers, they got together with some of Manchester’s most creative folk to find out what makes the city such a hotbed of activity.
As well as dressing them out in the latest ranges from Farah, the brand also created a special video in which they explain why they chose Manchester to make it big in their respective industries.
Here’s what the guys had to say about our (and their) fair city:
Dave Sedgwick, StudioDBD
What is it? StudioDBD is a design practice.
What do you do? We create design work for lovely people.
Why Manchester? I studied here back in the late 90’s because I was a massive fan of the music scene and I fell in love with the place. The creative scene here is really good and it doesn’t rain that much.
What is the company’s style? Creative, simple, considered and crafted.
Manchester in three words: Honest, genuine, passionate.
Liam Russell, Barber Below
What is it? Barber Below was established in late 2014, hidden underneath the lower level of RCNQ. It’s an appointment only, spacious, no attitude, men’s barbers and grooming specialist with a down to earth vibe.
What do you do? Barber Below provides a down to earth atmosphere. It’s a place where guys and girls can come grab a beer or a brew, get a haircut, colour or shave, and everything in between. The service is second to none and it’s a place to relax.
Why Manchester? Manchester is where I’m from, and I think Barber Below’s attitude towards life portrays Manchester. It’s vibrant and busy, yet super chilled and full of fashion and culture from all over. Not to mention us northerners are so talkative and social – much like the Barber Below team.
What is the company’s style? Eccentric and raw with subtle hints of elegance – both in talent and decor.
Manchester in three words: Colourful, intriguing, fun!
Oliver Turton, Squawk Brewing Company
What is it? Squawk is a Manchester based craft brewery established in 2011, with a taste for experimentation!
What do you do? We brew lots of types of beer, completely from scratch, with all the best ingredients. I’m really passionate about flavour and getting the most I can into every brew, and that’s just not possible without putting the right stuff in.
Why Manchester? I came to Manchester because the craft beer scene here is so strong at the moment. There’s a huge local appetite to try new flavours and a huge selection of brewers just next door to me, so I can always borrow a couple of sacks of malt if I need to!
What is the company’s style? Quirky, experimental, and really, really busy!
Manchester in three words: Traffic, buzz, people.
Tom McClung – Francis Lung
What is it? Day to day I work in a bar which is by turns fun and incredibly dull. Dullness is good though, completing menial tasks helps the mind wander, and ideas to bubble up from the unconscious. My other job [being a musician] is taking those ideas and turning them into songs.
What do you do? I’ve been playing in bands ever since I was fifteen, and stayed in Manchester for university to keep playing music with the same people. I’m not sure if anyone really knows how they end up becoming a musician, it just kind of takes over.
Why Manchester? I think there is rarely a shortage of talented people in Manchester, something about the city makes it appear to be a haven for “creatives”. I think being around people who make and create art and/or music as part of their daily routine is really inspiring, and pushes you to find ways to stay creative.
What’s your personal style? Minimal effort, maximum beige.
Manchester in three words: Rain and concrete.
Martin Pearson, TAKK
What is it? Takk Coffee House
What do you do? We make beautiful coffee and food.
Why Manchester? I moved here fifteen years ago, followed my friends to university here. I love it, and will never move back down south! The people, the music the culture.
What is the company’s style? Modern, simple and honest.
Manchester in three words: Mad, friendly and alive.
