Vogue 'Fashion's Night Out' @ Harvey Nichols, Leeds

Last night Vogue and Harvey Nichols teamed up for the Leeds edition of 'Fashion's Night Out'. Shang Ting and Stacey from Hebe Media were at the event, here are their thoughts:

What was the event like?

Shang Ting: FNO in Leeds focused on creating a pleasant shopping experience. Live music, champagne, helpful staff (and of course the discount of brands) created a nice atmosphere. But as I know, it was quite a different scene in FNO London or FNO New York, perhaps this Leeds event was more comparable to the Victoria Quarter Shopping Affair.

Stacey: Fashion's Night out at Harvey Nichols was a nice event. I did not know what to expect as the different #fno events all over the world were doing different things. The store was packed and after a brief belly dancing show on the catwalk there was a fashion show which covered 3 floors. The models were all gorgeous, although the majority of the girls looked so much like Victoria Beckham, it was hard to tell them apart! The guys looked great too. Although the show was cool, there was a few minor hiccups: one shoe lost on the escalator, one slip off the stage and various nipple slips! Afterwards Shang Ting and I decided to have skin consultations with Clinique and we both came away with new products. Before we left, we grabbed one more glass of champagne and caught up with some of our friends.

Your personal highlight of the night? 

Shang Ting: I enjoyed the fashion show, they set catwalks through 3 floors to make sure everyone in the store could catch a glimpse. It was also cool to see the models and clothes so close up, which the made the event feel intimate. 

Stacey: My personal highlight of the night was definitely the male model who came out in referee boxers and stripy socks, the reason being, he completed his 'outfit' with a LUFC scarf! I almost started singing 'Marching On Together'...but i resisted and just took a few snap shots.

Any other observations?

Shang Ting: The FNO shopping bag they sold at the event, which was 10 pounds, said London on it, I thought I was in Leeds? 

Stacey: The live music on the cosmetics floor, it added a nice touch to the evening and the musician was very happy and friendly. Also the Soap and Glory counter... love their shower cream! PS - Where's my goodie bag? ;)

Cultural Conversations: Tales Of Our Cities

Last Friday I attended Cultutal Conversations: Tales of our cities at the Round Foundry, Leeds. The event was the latest in a series organised by The Culture Vulture. During the event different conversation topics are proposed and you take yourself along to which ever one takes your fancy.

The subjects range from 'Blogging without fear' to 'What to do about the council' and the forumla works very well. I often found myself wanting to attend more then one of the conversations which is a great sign. The conversations I attended were 'What to do about the council', 'Better to ask for forgiveness then permission' and a subject which I proposed: 'Retaining Leeds talent'. In each group there are people of different levels of experience, different motives, varied interests and this difference in people often creates a lively dynamic and sometimes heated exchange of views. 

One thing I found myself saying over and over in all three conversations was "Just do it". I really believe that if people are passionate about a project or idea they will find a way to at least get it off the ground and after that anything can happen. There seems to be a lot of people in the city who are feeling the same way. Projects, some at idea stage, some at 'about to go mainstream' are happening all over Leeds. I hear a lot of talk about 'lets take action' and 'so what will be the result' etc and I think people who think of things purely in that way are missing a lot of the magic happening at the moment. There is a big shift taking place right now: people are talking, collaborating, making things happen and this is happening regardless of the support of government or funding bodies. 

The conversations taking place at the moment are building relationships, trust and creating spaces to share knowledge and skills. What I also like about these events is what they allow you to learn in a negative yet still constructive way also. There are people or projects that you will not immediately love or agree with, but this is all part of the process of people connecting. Like-minded people will connect and work together and the 'results' are already there to be seen.

After the afternoons events and conversations we moved onto the 'secret social' where we enjoyed drinks, music and delicious food thanks to Fish&. All in all it was an excellent day and evening, a big "thank you" goes to Emma, Phil, Mike and everyone else who helped to make the event a success.

The Perverse Library sneak preview...

We are following closely the development of The Perverse Library exhibition, which opens in Yorkshire next Friday. The exhibition, which takes place in Shandy Hall, Coxwold just north of York revolves around Craig Douglas Dworkin's unique collection books.

To house the collection, curator Simon Morris has commissioned these beautiful 'invisible shelves' designed by Canadian architect, Michael Farion.

As part of the exhibition programme, a free shuttle bus is running from York Station to Coxwold. Places are still available so book yours now...