On Thursday 20th September I was very proudly invited to the Bench Concept Store Launch in Manchester's Nothern Quarter...
The new look store was buzzing with industry people as I arrived and the very first thing that caught my eye was the stunning new layout...
The store had a sort of urban, warehouse feel to it whilst at the same time creating an open and minimalist space. Amazing artwork by local artist Moot branded the walls with a modern day comic book feel and really gave the store a true 'self-made' personality. This new raw look really complimented the Bench AW '12 collection and it truly felt as though it was the rebirth of Bench!
However, it didn't just end there! A neon sighn reading 'Self Made' lead the way to an accessible downstairs space; something completely new to stores in Manchester today...
The once disused basement had been transformed into a buzzing space filled with people, artwork and even a bar & DJ. For me it truly was a whole new experience!
On tables in the centre of the room lay patterns from key pieces in the Bench AW '12 collection; a little insight into what exactly goes into creating each individual piece...
The idea behind creating this open space was that it would be open to the public daily; a space for Manchester creatives to use as a 'hub' to come up with new ideas and perhaps meet new people to collaborate with. With free Wi-Fi and a selection of large open tables this is the perfect place for creativity to blossom; for new undiscovered talent to be found!
...and I love it!
Don't forget to visit the store yourself at:
61-63 Church St
Northern Quarter
Manchester
M4 1PW
much love
JodieRosanna
x
