VIVA MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE WINTER 2011 / 2012 (issue 7)

VIVA

MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE

THE SATURDAYS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

BOUTIQUE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOCAL BOUTIQUES THIS CHRISTMAS THE FESTIVE SEASON VIVAS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EATING, DRINKING, SHOPPING AND PARTYING THE 2011 NEWS FLASH VIVA’S REMINISCENCES OVER 2011 AND PREDICTIONS FOR 2012

ttttt Boutique Aparthotel

ttttt Boutique Aparthotel

‘Let the Light Shine for you this Christmas’

Imagine a place overlooking city centre landmarks and at the same time hidden away in the intimate settings of the Northern Quarter. The five star Light Boutique ApartHotel is a unique development of luxury boutique apartments, which provide a home away from home, in the heart of Manchester.

The Light Boutique’s stunning 15th floor penthouses are the perfect venue to impress your guests, from holding formal business meetings, weddings, glamorous social events and even chilled-out pamper weekends.

Whatever your specific needs the staff at the Light Boutique ApartHotel are more than happy to make your requests possible.

20 Church St Manchester M4 1PN

t: +44 (0)161 839 4848 f: +44 (0)161 839 4849

www.thelight.co.uk info@thelight.co.uk

VIVA INSIDE FEATuRES 10_ 64_ 40_ 27_ 94_

An exclusive with The Saturdays Success story with Alex Moreau at 63 Degrees Boutique Christmas shopping London Fashion Week The 2011 newsflash & the 2012 VIVA predictions

FASHION 14_ 31_ 32_ 33_ 34_ 35_ 36_ 38_ 44_

Youthful Decadence fashion story Beyonce’s fashion label unveiled in Selfridges Women’s trends ‘winter warmers’ Men’s trends ‘winter warmers’ Women’s from day to night Men’s from day to night The new shop launch of Vicky Martin New season boats and coats Helen Flanagan’s reports

BEAuTY + HEALTH & FITNESS 46_ 48_ 50_ 52_

Manchester gets Body Sculptured Get the celebrity look with Tatiana Hair Extentions VIVA pampering & grooming VIVA’S Christmas hamper give away

54_ 55_ 57_ 58_ 60_ 62_

Deck the halls VIVA gadgets Bang & Olufsen power on!

Jenson Button brings F1 to Manchester Gothenburg, a perfect winter wonderland Royal Garden Hotel, London Kensington

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VIVA recommends Manchester’s best Christmas menus this season Christmas delights with the Mark Addy Christmas and New Year celebratory drinking

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Manchester & Cheshire events guide The bunnies are back in town Festivities at Mint Hotel

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Gio Goi and the Donnelly brothers get the party started at Mohos Were you there this year? VIVAS festival reviews Playing on the Viva iPod Film buzz (top 5 cinema and DVD releases)

HOME, LEISuRE & TRAVEL

FOOD AND DRINK

VIVA LAS MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE

LIVE MuSIC, THE ARTS AND FILM

VIVA Your city, your say.

Keep in touch with Viva magazine.

VIVA team

Issue 7 published November 2011 EMMA LEE ANDERSON Editor REBECCA LEGON Sales & marketing director KEITH McDONNELL Copy sub-editor ED WILKINSON Senior designer ANDRE BUENACOSA Junior designer WRITERS Fashion JORDAN MCDOWELL Fashion NADIA ISMAIL Features ANDRE BUENACOSA Features CARLA GRISCTI Features HAYLEY ASHWORTH Features JORDAN KENNY Features MATT HORWOOD Features SAM QUINTON Film DARREN R L GORDON Contributor ANN RICHARDSON Contributor CLIVE LYNTON Contributor CLEMENCE FLAMEE Contributor OLIVIA LAZENBY Contributor ROSS FORSYTHE Contributor UMAR BHUTTA Contributor YASMIN YIP PHOTOGRAPHERS BEN QUINTON KARIN ALBINSSON KALVIN CAMPBELL ROCKSEE PIXS www.rockseepixs.co.uk SAM FAIRBROTHER www.samfairbrother.com GRAPHIC DESIGN REBECCA PARKINSON RICKI JONES YASMIN YIP

www.myvivaonline.co.uk twitter.com/vivamagazines myspace.com/vivamagazines facebook.com/vivamagazines

VIVA TV MARTIN THELWELL Viva Magazine Suite 131 111 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2HX Tel: 0161 833 4401 email: info@myvivaonline.co.uk website: www.myvivaonline.co.uk A readership of 60,000 in the Manchester and Cheshire areas For annual subscription rates, please ring our enquiry line on 0161 833 4401 or email info@myvivaonline.co.uk. Viva Manchester magazine is published quarterly (4 times a year) and is distributed in and around Manchester and Cheshire which includes Manchester city centre, Didsbury, Hale, Wilmslow, Altrincham, Chorlton and Salford. Unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, photographic prints and transparencies are accepted only on the understanding that Viva accepts no liability for loss or damage. No responsibility can be accepted for any breaches of obligation by advertisers. Strictly copyright all content Viva Magazines. Reproduction, in part or whole, is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers. All prices included within this publication were correct at the time of print. All expressions and opinions demonstrated within this publication are those of the editor(s) including contributors.

HI FROM THE TEAM

W

elcome VIVA readers to our festive party issue. Yes that’s right, it’s that time of year again when we all start freaking out about Christmas and the end to another hectic year. But have no fear VIVA is here! Featured in this issue we have covered everything for the festive season from shopping, decking the halls (with boughs of holly sha la la la) Christmas and New Year partying, what to wear, recommended Christmas menus and most importantly festive cocktail recipes and what fizz you should be uncorking at midnight New Years Eve. 2011 Has been a fantastic year for us at VIVA we’ve been labelled the best lifestyle magazine in the Manchester and Cheshire area plus as well as our glossy publication we now have an events company which has hosted some fabulous events around town this year including one that has gone down in the elite socialites history book the Light Boutquies summer penthouse party.

We hope 2011 has been a successful year for all of you too, a big thank you to all our readers and advertisers for all your surport through 2011 and from the whole team at VIVA HQ we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Bring on 2012

aX v i V m a e t , e Big lov

VIVA i n t h e p i p e l i n e

The Stone Roses reunion

WAREHOUSE PROJECT Running since 2006, every weekend from late September until New Year’s Day, Manchester’s Warehouse Project has created an international name for itself among fans of Dance music. If you’re a die-hard Drum and Bass fan, a House Junkie or a lover of all things Electro, The Warehouse Project will make you want to dance until your feet hurt.

After five years rocking the foundations of Manchester Piccadilly Station, The Warehouse Project is hosting its last ever night on Store Street and, judging from past events, this will undoubtedly go out with a very loud bang. With a huge line up consisting of Laurent Garnier, Derrick Carter, and Jamie Jones, to name a few, the party begins at 12.00 noon on the 1st January and will continue until 5.00am the following day – a seventeen hour marathon to take us into 2012. It is not yet known where The Warehouse Project will set up its new home,although it will be hard pressed to match the vaulted red brick arches that form the capacious underground dance arena of Store Street. This New Year will be a day (and night) to remember. Visit www.thewarehouseproject.com for more info and tickets. ■

The Radar Manchester’s finest are back for two hometown gigs at Heaton Park next summer.

Ian Brown and Co have put aside their very public differences for a much anticipated reunion. Dig out your aviators and relive the 90’s.

DUNHAM MASSY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Dunham Massey in Altrincham has the run up to Christmas sorted. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the Winter Gardens and admire the bright yellow of witch hazel, and fragrances of Mahonia, winter Honeysuckle and Christmas Box, which fill the air with delicate scents?

Take a step indoors to find that this year’s events and workshops have something for everybody, from the aspiring chef to the creative and musical. A Victorian Kitchen at Christmas will be held on 26th and 27th November, will teach you how to make pomanders, crackers and traditional decorations and bake buns to enjoy with mulled wine. Christmas Cookery classes will be taking place on the 1st, 2nd and 8th of December.

There is also a Christmas Wreath Workshop running on the 8th and 9th of December. A hands-on workshop with Dunham Massey’s very own gardeners will teach you to make your own beautiful wreath using natural materials collected from Dunham. Lunch and refreshments are included. The Winter Garden is accessible by paying admission price for entry to the gardens. For all other events contact us and booking is essential. Call 08442491895 for prices and booking. ■

Doc Martens

The timeless winter boots du jour are making a massive comeback. No longer just the footwear of skinheads and punks, they’re enjoying something of a revival.

Well, if they’re good enough for Agyness Deyn..

I love Manchester merchandise

Wear your heart on your shirt with an I love MCR t-shirt. A twist on the now iconic I love NY design, leave everyone in no doubt about the favourite UK city.

Paloma Faith for La Senza

The queen of all things retro makes her design debut for La Senza. Paloma Faith has created a range of satin, 1940’s inspired underwear with a percentage of proceeds going to Breast Cancer Care.

Underwear shopping without the guilt, does it get any better?

B

WHAT’S HOt WhaT’S NOT

E

JUNKANOO BAHAMAS Junkanoo is the Bahamas’ own Festival, reminiscent of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and Rio de Janeiro Carnival. A 200 year old festival based on the dance music and mask traditions of African slaves in the new world, Junkanoo was once celebrated throughout the West Indies but survives today only in the Bahamas. Two separate Junkanoo parades are held annually. The first in the early hours of Boxing Day, the second on New Year’s Day. Bay Street in Nassau is the scene of the most colourful and extravagant masquerades. Tens of thousands of Bahamians and delighted visitors turn out to watch the Junkanoos parade in wildly imaginative and utterly unique, fringed-paper costumes accompanied by the primitive pulsating beat of goat skinned drums, lignum vitae sticks, shak-shak gourds, tin whistles, brass bugles and clanging cow bells. Hundreds of men, women and children don costumes and “rush” to the age-old rhythm. The Bahamin Prime Minister, one of the most enthusiastic rushers has called this festivity the “soul of the Bahamas.” A Rush is the act of joining masked revellers in uninhibited street dances.

Although the origin of the name is unknown, the most popular belief is that it is derived from “John Canoe”, an African tribal chief who demanded that he and his people be allowed to celebrate even after being brought to the West Indies as slaves.

If a White Christmas is not colourful enough for your tastes, perhaps a riotous celebration held on a tropical paradise Island may be more up your street. To experience this cultural carnival, some of the best views are upstairs on Bay Street, or on the streetside bench seats, which you may reserve in advance.

For more information visit: www.bahamasgateway.com/junkanoo. ■

Toms

The hip’s summer shoe of choice doesn’t cope well with torrential Manchester downpours and sub zero temperatures.

Give your soggy shoes a well-deserved winter break, these Toms weren’t made for walking.

Chuggers on Market Street

SPINNINGFIELDS ICE RINK After the huge success of last year, Spinningfields is again taking to the ice this Christmas with one of Manchester’s most popular festive attractions. Hardman Boulevard will be transformed into the ultimate arena for winter fun, complete with ice rink, Christmas Trees and contemporary yuletide decorations. Situated off Deansgate, it is conveniently located close to an array of quality restaurants including Strada, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Australasia, Giraffe and Carluccio’s, making it an ideal choice for a night out with family, friends or even an office Christmas party with a twist. The Moose Bar will also be open, bringing a festive Canadian log cabin environment to Spinningfields, complete with comfy sofas, hot cocktails, mulled wine and spiced cider, the ideal cure for rosy cheeks and frozen fingers after a spin on the ice!

Running from 18th November until 2nd January 2012, there will be plenty of time to don your new Christmas bob hats and scarves and take to the ice. For more information visit www.spinningfieldsicerink.com or call 0844 815 4866 to book. ■ words: Olivia Lazenby

VIVA 8

Still wincing from the eye-watering amount you’ve just spent ,struggling to stack shopping bags up each arm and juggling a phone, the last thing on your mind is dodging charity muggers, pac man style down Market Street.

PEOPLE THAT Blatantly ignore you

It’s so rude not to get back to someone when they have called or text you. Even if its a “sorry I don’t want to speak to you right now” or “the answers no” man up and say it how it is, don’t leave the person hanging.

MEAN BOUNCERS DOWN CANAL STREET

Seriously guys are you on a massive power trip or something? Stop being so mean and greet your guests with a smile on your face.

This issue’s radar was brought to you by THE VIVA GIRLS

Girls The Viva

In the wake of their new album and first arena tour,Viva were lucky enough to have a quick chat with The Saturdays and talk about all things baby, music and spanxs!

O O

VIVA I N T E R V I E W VIVA: Hi, how are you all today?

TS: Hi, we’re good thanks, busy day of interviews! How are you?

VIVA: I’m great thanks! So congratulations on your pregnancy una! Any weird food cravings yet? uNA: Not so much weird but I am getting a bit of a sweet tooth. Normally I prefer savoury snacks like crisps but now all I want is chocolate bars which I’m quite happy about.

VIVA: Yeah I guess there could be worse things to crave! Your new album has a different vibe compared to the others; is this something you looked to achieve or has it been a natural development?

TS: It’s a bit of both really; this is our third album so we didn’t want it to sound the same as the previous two but the confidence to do something different has come from us maturing and gaining new experiences. Our new single ‘My Heart Takes Over’ is a slow one and sounds more like The Saturdays but after ‘Notorious’ and ‘All Fired up’ we needed to take the pace down otherwise we would have a heart attack or something! This album is also really personal to us as we’ve written a couple of the songs so we are really proud of it.

VIVA: The ‘All Fired up’ tour kicks off in December; what can we expect to see?

TS: This is our first arena tour so we’re really excited. You can expect to see a lot of high energy performances; we’ve got loads of dancers and a band...oh and lots of outfit changes! As it’s the festive season we wanted to make it a great night out or a great start to a night out so we’re singing all the hits as well as tracks from our new album.

VIVA: You’re in Manchester on the 9th December; what do you love most about coming here?

TS: The best thing is definitely the people and the crowd! We always get a great response from you guys and you are by far the loudest, can’t wait to hear you all in the M.E.N Arena!

VIVA: I imagine the crowd will be pretty loud there. You’ve already done so many things with fashion, T.V and music... is there any new projects you can tell us about? Rumours are that you‘re creating a 5 series show with E! Entertainment?

TS: It’s early days yet, nothing official has been decided but we would love to do something with E! Entertainment so we’ll see. We’ve got a lot going on with our music at the moment; the new single comes out November 13th and the album November 21th, then we have the tour before Christmas. In the New Year we plan to

release a couple more singles and we hope to venture out into new markets like Europe and America. Molly recently presented the Radio 1 Teen Awards which she was amazing at but for the moment we are really taking it a day at a time and not overwhelming ourselves with too many projects.

VIVA: Here at Viva we love our fashion and you girls always look amazing! What would be your top piece of fashion advice?

TS: Aww thank you! Well as it’s winter now we recommend that you start covering up so you don’t catch a cold! Winter fashion is our favourite and we love to wear coloured tights and hats. It’s important to be comfortable in what you wear but that doesn’t mean that you can’t look glamorous underneath your coat.

You can still wear shorts and dresses just pair them with tights and boots!

one by one. By the time it got to me the dress I was wearing underneath had risen up to like my waist so when I took my Mac off everyone on the front row got a great view of my lovely flesh coloured Spanxs. I hadn’t even realised my dress had come up until it was too late!

VIVA: You must get a lot of fan mail, what’s the most outrageous thing a fan has given or said to you?

TS: We don’t really get outrageous things in the sense of rude things but our fans certainly do have a sense of humour. We get sent a lot of tea in all different flavours which is great because we love to drink it! On our birthdays we get sent fan books which have photos of things we’ve done and pictures of our fans and all little things like that. We generally get things we personally like so they are always thoughtful!

VIVA: That’s nice, so nothing that has made you go ‘urgh’?

TS: No, not really!

VIVA: Girls of all ages, all over the country want to be in your band. What’s the best thing about being a Saturday?

TS: As corny as this may sound, the best thing is being able to do what you have always wanted to do. Not many people can say that they live for their work! Having other people to share it with as well is pretty special. We don’t know how solo artists cope with not having someone who understands what they have experienced.

VIVA: Who’s the biggest shopaholic?

TS: Vanessa without a doubt. She’ll go on a huge shopping spree not shop for a little while then go on another huge shopping spree! I’m (Molly) a bit more tight with my money and una has a massive mortgage and a baby on the way so she has to be sensible. We all love to have a good internet browse though, especially on ASOS...and Net-A-Porter but only when we want something special.

VIVA: What’s the most exciting thing you’ve got to do?

TS: We’ve had the opportunity to do loads of amazing things and go to beautiful places but the most exciting thing is touring as we get to go onstage and do the thing we love most and it’s when we really get to interact with our fans.

VIVA: What’s the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you?

TS: I think I’ve (una) had the most embarrassing moment. It was on our first tour and we all wore black Macs so we could reveal our outfits

VIVA 13

VIVA: You girls have worked with and met lots of different people. Who’s been your favourite?

TS: Cheryl Crow has to be our favourite. She found out that una is a fan and invited us to a private gig. We got to meet her backstage and she was so lovely, it was kind of like a dream come true. It’s horrible when you idolise someone and they disappoint you when you meet them.

VIVA: Final question. If The Saturdays were a cocktail, which one would you be?

TS: Collectively we would be a Mojito but individually Molly would be a mocktail because she doesn’t drink and I don’t know I think we’d still all be Mojito’s but maybe different flavours.

VIVA: Thank you very much ladies and good luck with your tour!

The Saturdays new album ‘On Your Radar’ is available from November 21st and their new single ‘My Heart Takes Over’ from November 13th. The girls begin touring from 1st December. ■ Interview by: Hayley Ashworth

FASHION STORY CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER & RE-TOuCHING Sam Fairbrother www.samfairbrother.com PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Duncan Elliott dgselliott@gmail.com STYLIST Sonia Genders & Assistant Beth Gowland www.fashionstylist.me HAIR & MAKE-uP Nadia Altinbas & Assistant Claire Clarkson www.nadiaaltinbas.com All make-up Chanel AW2011 FILMING Martin Thelwell martthel@msn.com MODELS Lauren, Amy, Jess, Dominic & Alfie www.bossmodelmanagement.co.uk LOCATION The Light Boutique Hotel www.thelight.co.uk LIGHT HIRE Calumet www.calumetphoto.co.uk

Youthful Decadence

Rich, bold and sumptuous colours are combined with indulgent and luxurious textures to give a truly sinful play on this season’s collections.

Lauren wears dress by Vicky Martin £190 from Vicky Martin.

Shaun Leane Earings £445, Shaun Leane resin cuff £195 and Rachel Galley Ring £208 all by Wave Jewellery Shoes by Jimmy Choo £525 from Harvey Nichols.

Amy wears Lanie wears dress dress £115,

by Roberto from Runway Cavalli £2755 Knutsford & Shoes or Alderley

by Jeffery Edge Campbell and online £120 at www.runwaystyle.co.uk both @Harvey Nichols. Leather crown by Lora Avedian. Gloves Stylists own Shoes by Christian Louboutin £445, from Harvey Nichols Bangles Stylists own.

Lauren wears dressy by T by Alexander Wang £275, from Harvey Nichols Purple Fur Gilet £225, from Runway Knutsford or Alderley Edge and online at www.runwaystyle.co.uk Earings by Rachel Galley £218, from Wave Jewellery Bangles stylists own Dominic wears watch by Maurice Lacroix £2120, from Wave Jewellery Jacket, Skirt and Scarf, all stylists own.

Dominic wears Jacket £760, Shirt £180, Bow Tie £85, all by D&G, from Harvey Nichols.

Lauren wears purple Fur Coat £495, from Runway Knutsford or Alderley Edge and online at www.runwaystyle.co.uk Shorts, Stylist’s own.

Lauren wears dress by Roland Mouret £690, from Harvey Nichols Cuff by Gilmar £1666, from Wave Jewellery Shoes, Stylist’s own.

Amy wears dress by Vicky Martin £225 from Vicky Martin.

Clutch Bag by Dolce & Gabbana £825, from Harvey Nichols, Shoes by Jimmy Choo £525, from Harvey Nichols

Jessica wears purple Fur Coat £495, from Runway Knutsford or Alderley Edge and online at www.runwaystyle.co.uk Pendant Necklace by Rachel Galley £295 from Wave Jewellery

Alfie wears Jacket by Paul Smith £465, Trousers by D&G £210, both from Harvey Nichols.

Bracelet by Stephen Webster £512 and Ring by Stephen Webster £360, both from Wave Jewellery.

Amy wears teal lace dress by Vicky Martin £120, from Vicky Martin. Fur Scarf by Karl Donoghue, from Harvey Nichols £145 Alfie wears Jacket £760, Shirt £180, and Bow Tie £85, all by D&G from Harvey Nichols.

Lauren wears dress by Vicky Martin £190 from Vicky Martin.

Shaun Leane Earings £445, Shaun Leane resin cuff £195 and Rachel Galley Ring £208 all by Wave Jewellery Shoes by Jimmy Choo £525 from Harvey Nichols.

RUNWAY

33 King Street, Knutsford 01565 220023 41 London Rd, Alderley Edge 01625 584180

Lauren wears BODA Kay leather jacket £369, Fur Gilet £225 both from from Runway & online at www.runwaystyle.co.uk Rings are Intensity £120, Surreal £110, Noir £70 all from Runway & online www.runwaystyle.co.uk

London Fashion Week Brings on the Glamour As the Fashion Elite Descend Upon London VIVA Goes Down to the Catwalks to Strike a Pose....

W

ith the clicking of heels and the buzzing of the press, Fashion Week descended upon London this September to showcase the best of British fashion.

As one of the most prestigious fashion events in the world London Fashion Week not only brought in some of the best of British Fashion but also attracted the starlets and fashionistas that captivated the press with their fashion forward frocks.

Based in the idyllic Somerset House, the grounds were filled with designers and models rushing to-an-fro between showcases and catwalks, while the event made a perfect hunting ground for press and photographers to shoot glamazons in that perfect high fashion item.

As with all Fashion Weeks schedules are hectic and time is always an enemy to the most punctual individual. Catwalks, installations and events were spread thin and far around London, making those worshiped stilettos an enemy to all.

But with tenacity and perseverance there were many jaw dropping and forward thinking collections for the up coming Spring/Summer season to be seen.

As with most fashion events people are interested in what can be seen on the catwalks

and how it is translated to the high street.

There were many designers that brought in collections that inspired, reinvented and, of course, upheld the British tradition of master tailoring.

To start off Burberry and designer Chrisopher Bailey presented and encapsulated a collection that the public would love. Over 1,500 guests attended the Burberry show in Hyde Park which was the first time the brand has chosen to do a “tweetwalk’ where Twitter followers were able to view each look before it came on the runway.

With a more wearable collection that was dotted with deep colours of plum and mustard yellow, Bailey has created a line that will bring spark and colour to the up coming British summer, however grim and wet it is.

When one thinks of spring, one thinks of colour, flowers and freshness. A mastermind behind prints the label Erdem brought forward florals reminiscent of tropical themed wallpaper, and designs inspired by the femme fatales of Hitchcock’s thrillers.

Of course flowers and spring aren’t a new all inspiring idea, but Erdem’s use of bigger prints combined with tailoring reminiscent of the vixens on the 1950s screen brought a more sophisticated and fresher view for the warmer season.

Another collection that impressed was Jonathan Saunders and his use of light vine paisleys, polka dots and the over all Miami waterfront colour palette of blue, coral and sunny yellow.

Saunders’ collection incorporated notes of sophistication with an uncomplicated air, easily wearable and modern.

“A more sophisticated and fresh view for the warmer season”

Baileys collection also used busy tribal prints and geometric shapes that brought in a more playful side to the British fashion house. The runway collection will be available exclusively for one week on the website after eight weeks of showing at London Fashion Week. This would make a perfect Christmas Present to stay ahead in the fashion game.

VIVA 28

A highlight of Saunders’ show was his baby blue and light brown polka dot dress. With loose short sleeves and an airy carefree feel, this would be a perfect addtion in your summer wardrobe. >

While London Fashion Week is primarily a woman’s affair of five days of non stop fashion, the men’s day offered some of the best men’s collections to come from Britain.

Of the designers at men’s day Topman Design will always be an in house favourite. Titled ‘Rebellious Decadence’ Topman Design’s collection screamed of a youthful bohemia that was littered with Eastern inspired prints on top of silk shirts and bomber jackets.

The vibrancy of colour and the busyness of the prints alone carried the collection to a far away land of warmer seas with a touch of luxury. What Gordon Richardson, creative director of Topman, does brilliantly is connecting the dots between runway and high street. The collection is wearable and will always be a favourite.

On the other hand Christopher Shannon interpreted sports luxe in a more insightful British way. Sports wear material was transformed into a more modern, smarter wear with magnificent tailoring.

Burberry

Topman Design

Originally hailing from Liverpool Shannon transforms sports wear into a more dapper occasion, which over all gave the entire collection a slick look.

Attention was given to the bright head pieces that some models wore made out of multicoloured combs, which added a bit of flare to the collection. Effectively Shannon Transformed his trademark combination of tailoring and sportswear into a cleaner cohesive collection.

“The vibrancy of colour and the busyness of the prints alone carried the collection to a far away land of warmer seas with a touch of luxury”

Erdem

Agi & Sam

What London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Council do so well with the event is to promote, nurture and develop up-and-coming British talents. The BFC created NEWGEN which sponsors and develops the next generation of British fashion.

Under NEWGEN sponsorship the duo Agi & Sam created an installation that stood out from the rest, being cohesive and reminiscing of a far away beach that is matched with a multitude of bright block colours.

Jackets and shorts were adorned with busy ornate geometric patterns that were splashed with vibrant colours and contrasted with even brighter socks. Overall it was a colourful affair that will certainly brighten up any day, making the collection by Agi & Sam as bold as their colours.

Aside from the catwalks and installations Somerset House hosted a plethora of stalls manned by unique and creative designers ranging from delicately made jewellery, ecofriendly clothes and even a dress that is hauntingly Lady Gaga-esque.

A highlight of London Fashion Week’s exhibition area was its dedicated Estethica space. Five years ago the British Fashion Council set up Estethica to showcase cutting edge designers that were committed to working eco-sustainably.

Designer Rachel Freire sparked controversy with her leather nipple dress where leather cow nipples were >

Jonathan Saunders

Christopher Shannon

-Press Images

Styling

Around

transformed into elaborate florets. Although slightly weird the design uses scraps of leather that would otherwise be wasted and, to be honest, one would never know unless someone said.

While there was a massive exhibition to be seen within Somerset House, photographers were having a field day with the many fashion pushing and trendsetting fashionistas outside surrounding the grounds.

Before catwalks some designers would send models out to display their work from long flowing gowns to more conceptual pieces where multiple models were stitched together, reminiscent of a botched horror show.

With infamous bloggers and fashion elite editors scrambling around various catwalks people were able to see quirky, stylish and bizarre street styles. Fashion Week is the time when you get your best frocks out to impress and to be seen. Although some would dress in bizarre outfits such as full Victorian wear or bunny ears, some displayed their feathers

Town

in a more fashionable way.

For the girls cosmic prints and furs were a winner, striking a new out -of-this-world feel, yet reminiscent of the true glamour. The winners for street style on guys would be great attention to detail such as a penny collar or more form-fitting tailoring. Street style is a magnificent way for people and designers alike to gain inspiration and to look more closely in how we wear our clothes.

Overall the collections from London Fashion Week displayed a strong group of designers that is building British Fashion. From nipple cladded dresses to flowers springing up on your dress designers created collections that will certainly give inspiration for the spring/summer season.

Although it may be raining constantly or the snow is about to fall, we can all still think of the warmer months and what we should wear. â– words and photos: AndrĂŠ Buenacosa

VIVA F A S H I O N

BeYONCe’S FASHION lABel UNveIleD IN UK AND lAUNCHeS eXClUSIvelY IN SelFRIDgeS

Q

ueen of Pop Beyonce launched her fashion legacy, House of Deréon, exclusively in Selfridges, the AW2011 collection, City Jungle, is available now in Selfridges Trafford and Exchange.

House of Deréon encompasses designs from a bold trio of designers, Beyonce Knowles, her mother Tina Knowles and the late Agnés Deréon, Beyonce’s grandmother.

The City Jungle collection reworks a range of exotic patterns and prints. using figure flattering cuts and blending tribal cues with edgy silhouettes, each piece makes a bold statement.

The range demonstrates the innovation of the trio as they skilfully bridge sportswear pieces that are both trend-right and fashion forward and short and maxi style dresses, with fashionable active-wear hoodies, jumpsuit bodies and ultra-suede shorts.

Tina Knowles is the visionary creative director behind the brand, infusing trend breaking style mixed with pure attitude. Based on her experience as an award-winning designer, author and celebrity stylist, Tina brings excitement, creativity and in-depth knowledge in regard to cut and fit to the collection. Beyoncé Knowles serves as the muse and inspiration for the line, collaborating with her mother on every aspect of the collection.

House of Deréon presents the slogan ‘Couture.

Soul.Kick’, which accurately sums the characteristics of the three generations of Beyonce’s family. ‘Couture’ was chosen to symbolise her mother’s tasteful style; ‘soul’ was selected for the elegance of her grandmother’s designs; and ‘Kick’ was the deemed to be the only single word able to describe Beyonce herself.

House of Deréon is stocked at Selfridges Trafford Centre or check out the website: www.houseofdereon.com ■

VIVA 31

VIVA T R E N D S

WOMEN’S WINTER WARMERS Is this really a man’s world?

Whoever said beauty was on the inside must not have been a big fan of winter, Chunky Jumper, £45.99 from Zara as this issue Viva is all about outerwear. But if it’s figure-hugging tailoring and delicate tones then you may want to look away now. Despite the unexpected and much welcomed heat wave of last month, the time to wrap up and start piling on the layers is very much upon us. I personally eagerly anticipate the onset of the cold weather and this season is no different as this autumn/winter brings together some of my all time favourite looks. Sixties, masculine silhouettes and piles of tweed.

Tartan Jacket £620 from Vivienne Westwood

The Coats…

Masculine and oversized is predominantly the way to go, the idea is to appear as though you’ve lifted your gorgeous winter warmer straight from his wardrobe. (if you haven’t actually) Vogue, Elle and our many top fashion compasses have been advocating the draped over the shoulders look. Not only is this ‘just one of those trends’ but it actually makes sense too. After all the desired result is not to look completely swamped in those oversized sleeves.

Alternatively, take a step back and we mean way back, approximately fifty years.

Sixties tailoring for me is the epitome of a woman in a man’s world. Bold shapes, sharp angles marked a definitive shift from the ultra feminine fifties and if you thought the Spice Girls invented girl power think again. Hemlines above the knee (rule) eye-catching block colours and sturdy shape defining fabrics have dominated the catwalks and swiftly filtered onto the high streets for an ultimately swinging winter season.

Mustard Jacket £75 from Topshop

The Jumpers…

Two words: chunky knits. Although some may argue, is winter not always about the chunky knits? I, very diplomatically and respectfully, decline, and here comes why… This winter it’s not simply the texture or sheer thickness of the wool but its entire aesthetic. Bold primary colour in a block pattern, contrasting bright tones and boxy forms redefine the 2011/2012 chunky knit. We recommended opting for simple shapes with two dominant colour blocks or only really chilly days don the thickest and largest woolly offerings you can find. Cable knits and thick ribbed detailing are the ultimate in winter wares, and we must report jumpers have taken precedence over the former favourite granddad cardigan for the year.

Colour Block Jumper, Josepth £195 from Flannels

The Details…

Pattern: clashing patterns are going to be an undeniable winner next summer, so why not get ahead of the trends and start mixing it up this season. This winter we’ll be clashing tartans and textures, a tartan print blouse with a tweed tartan skirt? I say yes.

Collars: and at number one it’s the Peter Pan, I’m sure everyone is sick of hearing this but to be fair they are rather popular. If you’re feeling a little sceptical about this then can we please recommend opting for this season’s top accessory the detachable collar, a simple way to update your lovely winter overcoat, jacket, shirt…the list goes on.

Colour: Not one to discriminate however, it has to be rich, luxurious and simply heart-warming jewel tones; emerald, ruby and all your favourite gems sparkled across the catwalks of February 2011. Ruby reds and burgundy hues are beyond doubt the favourite shade of the moment, a simple winter colour update can come in the form of the many gorgeous knits available at all time favourite high street retailer Zara from as little as £15. ■

Beige Coat, Stella Mccartney £1,275 from Selfridges

words: Nadia Ismail

Blue Chunky Cardigan, Maison Scotch £197 from 3 Eleven Boutique

Leather Peter Pan Collar £15 from www.asos.com

Bebaroque Tartan Cape, Love Moschino £460 from Harvey Nichols

VIVA T R E N D S

MEN’S WINTER WARMERS Welcome to Autumn/Winter 2011. Allow me to introduce to you what you need to keep warm this season, the coat. This might seem the most obvious apparel for colder weather but most of you won’t want to invest in a new winter warmer and even fewer of you will take the time to select the right one. Don’t fret, I shall do the leg work for you.

Duffel Coat £295.00 from my-wardrobe.com

Burberry Trench Coat £650 from mrporter.com

I present six coats in very different styles but all perfect for city living in the North West this season. Firstly The Pride Fisherman Coat from Northern label Stone-Dri, exclusive to AW11 and only 25 in production.

Perfectly symmetrical with all the pockets a gent could need when fishing this coat doubles as a great tool for the urban man. A pocket for unused gloves, smartphone, ipod and wallet. Just in case you need a little more storage whilst on expeditions, wear with the Martlesham rucksack in Cognac from thomaslyte.com.

Feeling a little more swish? Victor and Rolf can be of assistance, this overcoat straight out of madmen is every bit cool and every bit show-off. A sharp shoulder shape and a dominating silhouette will ensure you’re the man to be noticed. Keep things a little youthful with the Markus Lupfer skull sweater underneath. Both from Harvey Nichols Manchester.

A trench is something that every man will meet at one point in his life.

Make sure you meet the right one. This classic trench is from Burberry London at mrporter.com. There are a million and one ways to wear the trench, over a suit, with Wellington boots or – keep it casual with the Etro sweater, jeans and the Fin’s For Him Cooper Brogue. Timeless.

Knitted Collar Coat £755

by Viktor & Rolf from Harvey Nichols

Navy Wool Coat £550 from Liberty London

The Mayfair coat reminds me of my dad. Dell-Boy wannabe in mustard hues and tan leathers. Quintessentially early 1990s and brought right upto-date by J CREW with a modern twist and seamless simplicity. Style with a Baeme & Mercier watch and the Thomas Lyte Albemarle in cognac to look the part (not the Dell-Boy part though).

When feeling a touch nautical I feel a toggle coat works best. This from YMC at my-wardrobe.com is a cropped number perfect for over suit commutes and weekend jaunts. Throw the Martlesham rucksack in patent over one arm for a little urban edge.

Lastly, a trend that we’ll see continuously, military. Only with this from Liberty London’s own label is a navy inspired coat that suits the look without being conformist. A long woollen blue overcoat that looks great with jeans or your workwear attire. Stand straight, look sharp.

Stripey Jumper £215

by ETRO from Harvey Nichols

When grabbing that shabby parka from under the stairs or making do with the denim jacket that doesn’t protect against the cold remember these six coats and invest in yourself this season. ■ words: Jordan McDowell

Monkee Genes £60.00 from Selfridges The Pride Fisherman Coat (unique order) from www.stone-dri.com

Brief Case £595 by Albermarle in Cognac from www.thomaslyte.com

Sequin Skull Jumper by Markus Lupher £280 from Harvey Nichols

Martlesham Bag £350 from www.cognacthomastyle.com The Cooper Brogue £185 from www.finsforhim.com

Tan Coat by J CREW £400 from Mayfair

VIVA 33

VIVA T R E N D S This month VIVA is embracing the party season providing the simplest ways to remove the stress from the hectic office dash to glamorous venue in a few simple wardrobe changes. We don’t see the need to completely overhaul your office outfit but a few light tweaks that can be folded neatly into your daytime handbag in anticipation of the much awaited festive party! We have combined two of the catwalks biggest trends this season, from demure daytime forties inspired glamour to the sultry, sexy, sensual and all the major s’s of evening wear or as it has also been dubbed, ‘fetish’.

FROM DAY

TO NIgHT

A crucial element when it comes to accessorising this look is to keep it subtle small hints of pearls and fine jewels are acceptable. These blossom branch earrings nicely complement the floral pattern of the blouse and an element of careful sophistication. Shaun Leane blossom earrings from Wave Jewellery £695

>>

Please do not confuse this look with ‘trashy’, the clothes themselves project an image of sultry sophistication, If we go overloading the outfit with excessive amounts of bling the image may slowly lose its air of class. Keep it simple. Tom Binns safety pin earings from Hervia Bazaar £175

>>

Not a tote in sight, the runways were lined with petite examples of ‘ladies purses’, finished with simple clip fastenings and dainty little handles. The simple tone of this bag is essential as not to detract from the blouse or over fuss the ensemble. City Bag from Zara £99.99

If you were to ask anyone to summarise this trend I can guarantee you now the first words out of their mouths would be…black lace. The lace panel detail of this top is sexy without being revealing, wear it tucked inside the skirt for a defined silhouette. American retro tank from 3 Eleven Boutique £133

>>

Prints were a key underlying trend for autumn/winter, miu miu’s heavily forties inspired range displayed a plethora of flora and fauna patterns. This delicate frilled blouse is a beautifully balanced offering of this season’s key looks. See By Chloe from Harvey Nichols £345.00

>>

>>

>>

The pencil skirt is a timeless wardrobe classic and has once again graced the catwalks as a key component in this seasons highly coveted forties inspired collections. This particular example combines the elegant profile of forties sophistication combined with a sexy contemporary twist. From Runway £42.50

It is very rare I advocate an >> entirely head to toe black ensemble but this style calls for it. So you should take the chance to use your handbag as a means to inject some texture and alternative pattern into your outfit. Angel Sackson samaya satchel from Urban Outfitters Boutique £248

>> >>

Court shoes and lace up shoe boots are synonymous with this style, and the so the delicate rounded toe and simplicity of the two tones make these ankle boots a modest yet elegantly in keeping choice of footwear. Glory Boots from Topshop £68.00

These boots are the exact finish to this look, the leather detail of the toe, harness straps and angular buckle add to verging on dominatrix appeal of this trend. We just love them! Atlanta Weller wedges from Hervia Bazaar £490

VIVA T R E N D S We’re slap-bang right in the middle of party season but you’re not dressed! Never fear, VIVA is here with a genius way to keep you looking sharp lads without missing the first round at cocktail hour.

TO NIgHT

FROM DAY

>>

>>

We’re keeping the trousers and adding a shirt with a little more night time finesse. From Victor & Rolf at Harvey Nichols this shirt, with cut-away collar is understated and sexy. Just the bloke you want to be £260.00

>>

Whilst behind the desk, team your Tuxedo bottoms with a shirt from the king of the boardroom, Paul Smith. A touch of pink will complement the rosey hue of your cheeks against the cold weather (we think of everything here). From my-wardrobe.com £ £95

Work time can be made that bit more novel with a pair of skinny, wool Tuxedo trousers from D&G. Smart, sexy, David Gandy approved and above all perfect for after work drinks! From my-wardrobe. com £220

or change your tie and do it like a toff with this black and white spotty bow tie, D&G from my-wardrobe.com £95

>>

Team your shirt with a tie. Why not opt for something different like this knitted tie from Inis Meain. From >> my-wardrobe.com £194.00

BOTH

>>

Time to hit the bar, throw the work shirt, neck tie and patent pumps in this handy case from Thomas Lyte at £595. Perfectly sized for your laptop and party clothes.

>>

>> Keep the pantaloons swish with these super glossy patent pumps from Fin’s For Him at £175 Perfect shiny slippers!

Who said you couldn’t wear high-tops with smart trousers? If P Diddy can do it, so can you (possibly). These limited edition masterpieces from Gola are in collaboration with Tado and come in at £75

VIVA 35

Vicky Martin VIVA F A S H I O N

Roxanne Pallett launches Vicky Martin in the grade ll listed Barton Arcade...

B

arton Arcade is getting a makeover in the dream of becoming Manchester’s hub for independent designers; think the Royal Exchange pre 1995 and, with a number of cute and quirky boutiques already taking residence, it’s no wonder celebrity designer Vicky Martin wanted to get involved!

On the hottest 1st October in uK history, Vicky Martin opened her doors to the public. With a champagne reception and an appearance by top client and ex Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett, shoppers were more than happy to take refuge from the hot climate in Vicky’s boutique. Roxanne, who was wearing a one shoulder, white lace, fitted dress posed for cameras and with fans before ushering people into the shop and telling them all about Vicky and her collections.

Finished moments before the official opening time the beautifully decorated store holds her readyto-wear collection which is full of gorgeous dresses suitable for every occasion, every age and every body

shape! From navy kaftan inspired pieces to more fitted, formal ones there really is something for everyone and what’s best is that they are reasonably priced and are manufactured here in Manchester; something Vicky takes great pride in. She tells us that her favourite piece is the “Mitzy” a one shoulder sheer chiffon dress (£85) that she recently wore on her travels to Spain. The flowey material falls to the knee on one leg and finishes at the ankle on the other.

Vicky Martin established her brand in 1987 and has built up a portfolio of devoted and satisfied customers that include Katie Price, Michelle Heaton, Kym Marsh and Michelle Keegan. She says that her clothes are for “the young at heart who have a love of dress and glamour” which could explain why some of her top clients are 80 years old and why some of her youngest are 13! The high end quality of her clothing has allowed her to develop other collections such as swimwear, bridal, lingerie and bespoke.

If you still haven’t decided on your Christmas or New Year’s Eve outfit, Vicky Martin is on the ground floor of the Barton Arcade (a couple of doors down from Circle Club) and open from 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-5pm Sunday. ■

“My clothes are for the young at heart who have a love of dress and glamour”

words: Hayley Ashworth photos: Andre Buenacosa

New Season Ted Baker volin oversize coat beige £269 www.houseoffraser.co.uk << This beige Ted Baker coat embraces the oversized trend without losing an ounce of femininity. Remain bang on trend by teaming it with a pair of Carvela heeled hiking boots.

The yellow laces will provide a splash of colour on the dreariest of winter days.’

<< Barbour continue to top the winter coat wish-list with this iconic jacket. The British brand remains a firm favourite with fashionistas. These patent Regent Hurlingham wellingtons boast a flattering slim ankle fit and metal Hunter emblems that promise to fend off the winter conditions in style.

Barbour international Wax Jacket £229 Barbour Knutsford 36a Princess Street Knutsford

Carvela Sundance Crepe Sole Hiking Boot £150 www.asos.com

Hunter regent Hurlingham boots £195.00 www.hunter-boot.com

s n e m Wo

ASOS ACORN Leather Platform Chealsea Ankle Boot www.asos.com

Topshop Astrid Suede Glitter Boots £80.00 Topshop, Arndale Centre, Manchester

Hobbs Victoria Coat Hobbs Manchester £289.00

<< Following Autumn/Winter catwalks , Hobbs’ long double-breasted coat will keep you warm this cold winter. Suitably chic shoes perfect the look and these Bertie lace up wedges ooze effortless elegance.

<< Throw this vintage style fur trim coat over your favourite LBD for effortless instant glamour. Teamed with these glittering Topshop ankle boots, it’s the perfect outfit for a night of new year’s eve celebrations.

Motel 90’s Style Fur Trim Coat £99.00 www.asos.com

Boots & Coats Plectrum By Ben Sherman Luxury Down Filled Military Parka £350.00 www.asos.com Revisit the quadrophenia era with Ben Sherman’s Mod influenced military parka. Featuring a trademark faux fur trimmed hood and a down filled lining, the design is a practical take on a modern classic.

Top the look off with a pair of Morgen black suede desert boots.

Moped optional. >>

Ask the Missus - Morgen desert black suede boot £59.99 Office Manchester

DR MARTENS Vintage 1490 boots £168.00 www.store.drmartens.co.uk

Mens

Viva sees you through this Autumn/Winter with pairings of coat and

Topman have announced a six piece strong capsule collection of this seasons must-have staple item, the pea coat. The ‘classics’ range includes this creation crafted from luxurious Italian wool.

Toughen up the look with a timeless pair of cherry red vintage Doc Martens. >>

All Saints Hazel Alpine Boot £145.00 www.asos.com

Capsule collection ‘peacoat project’ Coat from £130 Topman Arndale Centre Manchester M4 3AQ

Grenson leather brogue boot £180.00 www.asos.com Burberry HOODED WOOL DUFFLE COAT £695.00 2 New Cathedral Street, Manchester M1 1AD ‘Quintessentially English label Burberry have presented their take on geek chic with this navy hooded wool duffle coat, add All Saints famous, pioneering work boots for an authentic vintage look.’ >>

Banana republic’s limited edition Mad Men collection showcases this sharply tailored 60’s esque mac. Wear it with this Grenson soft leather brown boot for a refreshing alternative to the typical black, brogue shoe. >> The Mad Men collection Mac Banana Republic £150 Manchester www.bananarepublic.gap.eu

VIVA 39

Runway

3:Eleven Richar

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BOUTIQUe SHOPPINg

As Christmas is just over the horizon, here at VIVA we offer an alternative to the High Street shopping, something small, unique and even more special...

C

hristmas is a time of love and happiness! That one time of year that guarantees family gatherings and lots of food. Christmas shopping; a time of stress and despair! That one time of year that guarantees long queues and debates over whether to buy the perfume gift box or play it safe with vouchers!

Each year the entire nation goes into a frenzy of buying the perfect presents for everyone on their shopping list and with all the big department stores and retail giants providing a variety of money saving offers it’s no wonder we all flee to the high street.

Whilst some of us are organised and start collecting presents a few months in advance, others wait until the weekend before but no matter if you are super organised or incredibly last minute there are always doubts as to whether the recipient already has that particular item or if someone else has gotten it for them!

This year why not take a different approach.

Drive past the Trafford Centre and walk away

tain piece comes into stock. Shopping in a boutique is almost like having a personal shopper as the staff are there to help you which is extremely useful when you’re a guy buying for your mother/sister/girlfriend.

The 3 Eleven boutique in Hale prides itself on its customer service as they really like to get to know their customers and offer little extras like alterations. They blog daily looks, fashion week reviews, style tips and anything else fashion related to give you more advice and support whenever you need it.

3:Eleven

Established two years ago, the owners set up shop straight out of their fashion buying degree and with the buying knowhow 3 Eleven stocks some of the best brands in the world from American Retro, Lauren Moshi, J Brand to Sass and Bide, Vintage 1 and ChloBo. With the variety of brands available, 3 Eleven is the perfect place for mother/ daughter shopping and for those who aren’t brave enough to face the shops www.3elevenboutique.com has finally

Richard Smith Bespoke

“Paris, New York, Milan, they all have chic little neighbourhoods devoted to boutiques and the treasures inside them would make amazing Christmas presents” from the high street, head to the suburbs and have a mooch down the lesser known streets; you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. All over England there are so many amazing boutiques that get forgotten about because the national retailers are cheaper and less daunting.

It’s something we, as a nation, have yet to really discover but look to the other fashion capitals of the world; Paris, New York, Milan, they all have chic little neighbourhoods devoted to boutiques and the treasures inside them would make amazing Christmas presents.

launched and offers everything that is in the boutique (their website also runs competitions with fabulous prizes).

In keeping with that one-on-one service is Richard Smith, located just by Kendals. Specialising in men’s suiting, Richard Smith offers tailor made services to get that perfect suit. During his time at university Richard worked for Armani which is where he developed his love for fine clothing and his ‘nothing is too much’ attitude.

But that’s not the only reason why they love boutique shopping; the service you receive is second to none.

He will go above and beyond to find you what you’re looking for and make sure that you leave feeling happy. The best thing about Richard Smith is his gift and accessories department; cravats, bow-ties, handkerchiefs, ties, scarves and cufflinks.

As boutiques are independently owned and often run by the owner, it is in their advantage to provide the best service they can.

All handmade, all available in the colour and fabric of your choosing and can even be personalised with Swarovski Crystals.

Many have ‘little black books’ with all their customers’ details so they can call if a cer-

Just round the corner in Barton Arcade is one of the longest running boutiques Jil >

Phil Black

Each To Their Own

Got to stop by 3:Eleven the customer service and clothes are impressive.

Year in year out Jil Black always stocks amazing fashion.

Black. Jil and her partner Phil set up shop 18 years ago and pride themselves on stocking one of a kind pieces from independent European designers that they have come across on their travels.

Jil has recently stocked new designer Eliza Cavaletti and the Diva London label offers some stunning party dresses. Downstairs in menswear one-off shirts, t-shirts, jackets and jeans can be seen from Claudio Lugli, Florentino and Le Brave.

Following the theme of one-off pieces is Runway where their Alderley Edge and Knutsford boutiques has a New York punk vibe.

The only designer they stock is Manchester leather designer Boda Skin; everything else is handpicked by owner Sharon who bases her buying choices on her own trendy grunge style.

The most compelling thing about Runway is the fact that they restock the entire shop every month. Granted, Runway will always have the basics such as leather jackets, jeans and tops but the unique bits come in on a monthly basis keeping it fresh and ahead of the trends.

The reason for this quick turnover is to avoid shoppers wearing the same outfits as each other; something they dislike about the high street and one of the main reason they opened a boutique.

The leath ers at Runw , the vibe, the clo thes ay are p erfect.

A new boutique to grace Manchester is Vicky Martin which is just across the way from Jil Black in Barton Arcade. Her gorgeous dresses would make great Christmas presents and at reasonable prices too!

Once again the customer service is high end, meaning you won’t be stuck in there for ages with no clue and no help. All the clothes stocked are Vicky Martin designs and, as a favourite with the Manchester celebs, you could see your favourite soap star wearing a similar dress on the red carpet.

Each To Their Own, also in Barton Arcade opened in September and currently has stores in Sheffield and Leeds. The idea behind the boutique is to give local designers the chance to showcase their collections; one of which is the owner’s own label Alex Christopher.

His very British designs have created quite a following amongst men and women and, as his pieces are limited edition - one of a kind types, they are never around for very long so regular visits and snap decisions are a must!

So now you know a little more about boutique shopping and where the best boutiques are you have no excuse not to give it a try this Christmas...it could even be a New Year’s resolution! ■ words: Hayley Ashworth

photos: Andre Buenacosa

d Smith r a h ic R om e suit fr ividualised gift. d a m r o d A tail perfect in e h t e b would

Jil BLack & Phil black

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BARTON ARCADE jilblackwomens@gmail .com

0161 834 5160

‘Fashion & Beauty is right up my street’

Rocksee Pixs wedding photography

HELEN FLANAGAN REPORTS...

The Party Season

Party Looks

So Christmas is just round the corner and I’m starting to get really excited! My brother is visiting from Thailand so all our family will be together which is what I love most about Christmas. I don’t have any special plans this year other than relax and spend good quality time with all my loved ones.

My style is glam but with a bit of quirkiness. I love the Agent Provocateur dress line- they are always so different and they make you feel really sexy. Afflecks Palace is always a great place to go as the boutiques in there are one of a kind. I think when it comes to Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties it’s always best to mix things up and really make an effort. I have this amazing Louis Vuitton Masquerade headpiece that I am determined to wear.

Winter Fashion Winter is my favourite time of year for fashion. I’m obsessed with earmuffs and I’ve recently just bought a pair of Chanel ones which are so cute! I’ve also just bought a camel DVF coat which feels like a grownup’s coat but I love it. I really love polo necks which luckily, have come back into trend this winter. Overall, I think the accessories that come with the cold weather are my favourite like tights, scarves and gloves!

Festive Beauty

Christmas List I have a tradition of buying a new designer handbag every Christmas which I normally start to look for in December; other than that anything from Agent Provocateur and maybe a pair of Christian Louboutins. I love Jack Wills as they always do really cool Christmas gifts and I love their whole English University vibe!

I think this time of year is all about being daring and fun with your make-up; I love to experiment with Shu Uemura eyelashes and Illamasqua always suggest really fun looks. Red lips are always a must for Christmas and Artdeco Couture has the perfect shade of red to be wearing this festive season. I don’t really like to play it safe, I like to experiment and see what looks I can create.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Dress Shopping

I absolutely love New Year. I love the prospect of new beginnings and new adventures. I do make New Year resolutions and I’m pretty good at sticking to them but I haven’t decided what they are yet. I do always try and make them challenging and different though.

For party outfits I think French Connection is the best place. Their clothes always fit the occasion and look like they are designer. Reiss is a great shop too; they are a bit more sophisticated but they do sell some amazing pieces.

I think it’s more fun to have more intimate gatherings rather than big parties so for New Year’s Eve I’d go for a really nice meal.

My favourite places at the moment are Australasia and Linen. I went to Australasia for the first time a couple of weeks ago and the food is amazing! It would be the perfect place to bring in the New Year.

New Year Resolutions

Follow me on twitter: @helenflanagan1

www.rockseepixs.co.uk info@rockseepixs.co.uk 0161 736 6339 | 07702 088 064

VIVA F A S H I O N WHO’S ON THe vIvA FASHION RADAR...

VIVA’S VERY OWN FASHION WRITER DRESSES TO IMPRESS VOGUE.COM! Local lad, Jordan McDowell of the Manchester fashion blog www.fashionrambler.com always dresses to impress and has this month been nominated for the Best Dressed Male category in the upcoming Fashion’s Top 100 List in conjunction with VOGuE.com’s Online Fashion Week 2012 .

announced as part of our first Online Fashion Week on VOGuE.com – it is such an appropriate partnership: to unveil the third list during a week that will be all about celebrating fashion’s potential online, by highlighting all the key people working so hard to realise that potential, makes perfect sense.”

The Fashion’s Top 100 list and vOgUe.com’s Online Fashion Week Leon Bailey-Green and his team at DirectorsOf.Com publish the Fashion’s Top 100 List annually to draw attention to the most influential figures in the online fashion community. To coincide with VOGuE.com’s Online Fashion Week this December, this year the list includes eight new categories as voted for by the public;

Jordan’s day-to-day life in the fashion industry is documented on his blog, www.fashionrambler.com, a funny and lighthearted look at fashion from inside the industry. Expect everything from fashion party reports to interviews with industry figures like Jeff Banks and Grazia’s Charlie Miller.

Top Blogger, Top Entrepreneur Top Director, Top Family unit Top International, Best Dressed Male, Best Dressed Female and Outstanding Contribution The winners will be announced during Online Fashion Week which runs from 5th to the 9th December 2012.

VOGuE.com Editor Dolly Jones says “It’s fantastic to have the Online Fashion 100 being

S TYLE S

About Jordan McDowell and www.fashionrambler.com Jordan is an English Literature student at the university of Manchester in his third and

TREET

John-Paul has got the Manchester swag down to a tee. Topping off his Edwin jeans and jacket with a pair of shades and Clarks Originals, he names Oi Polloi as his go to store for key wardrobe pieces.

final year of study. Alongside his studies Jordan works in many areas of the fashion industry in the North West. Jordan works with Wilmslow based blackwhitedenim.com, the online ladies fashion store, managing the Blog, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter as well as this Jordan also works an internship at Manchester Fashion Network managing the b2b portal’s online editorial and writes for local magazines both print and online.

Jordan McDowell says “I couldn’t believe it when I got told about the nomination. I’ve read the Fashion’s Top 100 List since it started in 2009 and can’t believe I’ve been given the opportunity to appear in the pages. Just to be nominated and stand alongside the likes of Steve Salter is a real thrill.”

Voting open from now until 5pm 11/11/11 at www.directorsof.com/of100-bestdressedmale/

Lina’s Scandinavian heritage is evident through her minimalist style. Born in Sweden, she loves Commes Des Garcons and tends to wear baggier styles of clothes. Her most prized piece is a Diane Von Furstenburg dress as ‘it’s really classic, fits nicely and it’s black.’

Mels’ look oozes classic style with a modern edge as she teams a simple navy dress and Middleton-esque LK Bennett heels with this season’s oversized camel coat from Jaeger. Her favourite buy this season is a pair of skinny jeans from Whistles.

Oxfam volunteer Constance embraces retro chic and often dons her grandma’s clothes. She doesn’t shop in large chain stores, instead favouring vintage shops and boutiques.

If she could own any item it would be the impossibly sky high Alexander McQueen heels that Lady Gaga sports.

Paddy loves 50’s and 60’s clothing and is dressed head to toe in second hand clothing from Northern Quarter shop, Ryan Vintage.

One of his trademark items is his braces which he ‘wouldn’t feel complete without.’

VIVA B E A U T Y Manchester gets Body Sculptured!

We all suffer from cellulite, and for Michelle Borrell the situation was sadly no different.

However, what Michelle didn’t anticipate was that having cellulite would actually represent her first steps into a new career!

Michelle suffered from cellulite on her tummy, and with a New Year’s Eve bash at Gleneagles and her wedding fast approaching, she turned to good old fashioned exercise and healthy eating to try and slim down.

Sadly, after weeks of trying, her new-found diet and exercise regime wasn’t having the desired effect. A friend of Michelle’s, however, had managed to lose an amazing 24 inches in the same amount of time, without hitting the gym. Michelle’s friend had abandoned the treadmill and signed up for a course of Body Sculpture treatments, and suggested that Michelle do the same.

Michelle decided to give it a try – it was hard to argue with results that were standing right in front of her, looking fabulous in a brand new dress! “I was sceptical at first, and after 8 sessions I still hadn’t noticed a difference,” said Michelle. But 14 sessions later she had lost 19 inches and felt amazing!

Body Sculpture uses acoustic wave therapy (AWT) to fight cellulite. Sound waves travel through the body to increase blood circulation and push collagen to the surface of the skin, making it smoother

and “orange peel” free. And the miracles don’t stop there! AWT also reduces the appearance of stretch marks and thread veins, and even encourages skin regeneration, perfect for those who have lost a lot of weight suddenly or have had children. If you have spent hours in the gym and haven’t yet achieved the results you want, Body Sculpture can be used to shape your body and help define your muscles and curves. And as you will only need an average of 6-10 sessions, you can get the results you want in only 2-3 weeks.

Whilst the ‘£600 for 10 sessions’ price tag might seem costly, just think about how much you would otherwise spend on anti-cellulite cream, moisturisers and gym memberships per year! And with the average person losing up to 21 inches after just 6 sessions, it’s no wonder Body Sculpture is becoming so popular! Who wants to sweat it out in a gym when you can lie on a bed for 3 hours a week and watch the inches just melt away?

Certainly not Michelle. Michelle tried Body Sculpture for herself, saw the results, and now believes in the treatment so much that she opened her own franchise in Manchester. ‘We’ve only been open since August,’ said Michelle, ‘and we’ve been fully booked right throughout October! It’s been great to be able to help so many people.’ And with Christmas and New Year just around the corner, we at Viva are guessing that November and December will be booking up fast, so don’t miss out!

Still not convinced? Madonna recently purchased her own machine to keep in her house! ■ To book your appointment today call Michelle on 07970 184710

Manchester Branch now open

Be the Best that You can Be! To book an appointment call Michelle Borrell on 07970 184710 or Email: michelle@mborrell.com Milton Hall, 3rd Floor, 244 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4BQ Visit the website for more information

www.bodysculpture.me.uk

Quote ‘VIVA’ for special offer £500 for 10 sessions offer ends Jan 31st 2012

Stacey Solomon

Sam Faiers

Claire Cooper

Jorgie Porter

GET THE CELEBRITY LOOK WITH TATIANA HAIR EXTENSIONS

Lauren Goodger

Celebrity hair without the tantrums >

you to change your style completely in next to no time at all, no matter what the state of your own hair.

reproduce any celebrity style - in most cases it’s how the celebrities achieve their styles in the first place.

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Create Highlights In Minutes >

And the best thing about Hair Extensions you can try any style and if you don’t like it you can change it instantly, as often as you want, until you find the style that really suits you! ■

he stars seem to change their hair almost daily without ever suffering the damage or stress that intense styling can usually cause. Why? One of the secrets of celebrity hair styling is Hair Extensions which allow an almost endless variety of styles and even help to maintain healthier hair.

Add Some Extra Vibrancy To Your Hair > Hair Extensions can give volume, length and body to your existing hair and can even be used to hide areas that are damaged or thinning. They are amazingly versatile allowing

Hair Extensions allow you to have great looking highlights in any range of colours without resorting to the usual damaging chemical treatments. Even the popular naturally Sunkissed Dip-Dye look can achieved almost instantly.

Get The Celebrity Look > Hair Extensions, matched to your own natural hair colour and texture, can be used to

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For more information visit:

www.manchester.tatianahairextensions.co.uk call: 0161 236 4467 Or pop into the salon: 56 Port Street, Manchester, M1 2EQ

VIVA P A M P E R I N G 1. Double Radiance Scrub Available from www.decleor.co.uk £27.50. Let your skin’s natural radiance come through with this two in one moisture mask and skin polish, containing three types of natural exfoliating particles – Egyptian Luffa fibres, Madagascan Cardamom seeds and Jojoba beads.

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2. Perfekt Eye Perfection Gel Available from House of Fraser £39. Party Season is upon us and puffy, tired looking eyes just won’t do when wearing that gorgeous dress - use this anti-ageing skin perfector to smooth away the appearance of under eye shadows whilst hydrating the skin.

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3. CID i-Glow Compact Shimmer Powder Available from newcidcosmetics.com £22.50 Dust this marbleised powder to achieve a fresh, radiant look over the face 4. Spiced Vanilla Lip Balm Available from The Body Shop £4. Lips can now look and smell good with this moisturising balm fragranced with a sweet scent of vanilla and hint of spice. And with an added delicate shimmer when applied, this product is a l little Christmas beauty treat that can’t be resisted.

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Luxurious Products this Festive Season... ...for HER 5. Aromatherapy Associates Little Star Available from www.aromatherapyassociates.com £10. Relax this Christmas with these deep relax bath & shower oil for a peaceful night’s sleep.

6. Lee Stafford Nourishing Miracle Oil for Hair 50ml Available from Boots £11.99. Create luxurious, healthy hair for the festivities using this nourishing Argan oil that will also help repair hair 7. bareMinerals High Shine Trio Available from www.bareminderals.co.uk £29. Create sparkling, high impact eyes with these high shine colours of silver, gold and pink 8. Versace Vanitas Christmas Coffret £60. This eau de Parfum combines tiare flower, lime and cedar wood notes. The inclusion of a body lotion and exquisite Versace handbag completes a great gift for her or as a treat for you this Christmas.

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1. Versace Man Eau Fraiche Christmas Coffret Available from £35.50 Surprise a love one this Christmas with this set including the Eau Fraiche that has notes of lemon, rose and sycamore wood. A bath & shower gel and body lotion complements the fresh fragrance for men.

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2. Dry by Superdry Available from £55. A fragrance that houses scents of woods & musks with top notes of bergamot & red fruits. A dark suede label wraps around Dry’s rich, aromatic scent.

3. Hemp Foot, Hand and Body Trio Available from The Body Shop £15.00. These three intensive moisturisers soothes and rehydrates very dry skin and all come in this aluminium gift box. The hand protector and foot protector and body butter products contain Community Fair Trade hemp seed oil.

4. Elemis Superstar Grooming Kit Available from £45. A complete grooming kit with facial wash, ice-cool foaming shave gel, daily moisture boost and shower body wash. These products deliver smooth, soothed and recharged skin with the active bases and high-grade extracts.

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5. Moose Head Hair Styling and Body Wash Kit Available from www.moosehead.com.au.

This pack contains the Moosehead defining paste to shape and define hair, keeping your finished style in place. An energising body wash and loofer completes the set.

6. De-Stress Muscle Gel Available from Aromatherapy Associates.com £20. Gaining stresses and strains from everyday life? Apply this gel to muscles or joints which has been expertly formulated with ingredients including rosemary, ginger and aromatic waters.

7. Ted Baker’s Tool Box Available from Boots £8.50. Men love their toolsheds, that’s why Ted Baker have created bath ‘tools’ to mimic the same, relaxed haven for the bathroom. The products in the set include the Toolshed hair & body wash and body spray.

...for HIM

8. Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders Gift Set Available from www.olehenriksen.com £72. Working together these products lift, firm, hydrates, and evens out skin tone. The set features the Truth Serum Collagen Booster, Invigorating Night Gel and Sheer Transformation Crème.

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Christmas Hamper Giveaway Answer the question below to be in with a chance to win VIVA’s Christmas hampers.

Email answer, name, gender, address, telephone no. to: competition@myvivaonline.co.uk Q. Who’s on the front cover of this VIVA magazine?

For Her...

Connock (London) Kukui Oil Smoothing Bath Oil; Rituals Yogi Flow Shower gel; New CID Products: i-prime, i-flutter, i-glow in ice pop and i-gloss in tickled pink; Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Muscle Bath and Shower Oil;Yes to Carrots Hand and Nail Spa; Boux Avenue Lingerie £25 voucher; Natio: Sweet Woman Gift Set; Tous H20 Incense Gift Set; Trevor Sorbie Gift Set; Caudalie Gift Set: includes hand cream and body butter; Ted Baker Butterfly Blossom Gift Set; Melvita Apicosma Fondant Body Balm and Hand Cream; Pond’s Eye Cream.; Mrs Crimble’s Cranberry Macaroons; Bliss Bath and Shower Set

Inside the Hampers!

For Him...

Rituals Blue Dragon Shower Gel; Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Muscle Gel;Yes to Carrots Body Butter ; Natio for Men: Keep It Clean; Collector’s Edition Seasons 1-4 Ice Road Truckers;Vodafone Sure Signal for great phone signal; Vodafone SMART phone; Connock (London) Kukui Oil Candle; Mrs Crimble’s Chocolate Macaroons; Muelhens 4711 Eau de Cologne

VIVA C R I B S

Deck the Halls...

Wave goodbye to your inner Scrooge and embrace that tinsel. This year indulge in some of the quirkiest, coolest and most fabulously festive decorations around. Even Ebenezer wouldn’t be able to resist.

1. Gisela Graham folk wood Nordic advent calendar in white £65 - Selfridges Kick off the Christmas countdown with this cute Nordic advent calendar. There’s enough space behind the doors to hide your own daily treats 2. Eastern jewel 14 in diameter feather wreath - £30 - House Of Fraser Add a hint of exotic glamour to your celebrations with this feather wreath. A mixture of peacock inspired hues offers an alternative to the traditional wreath.

3. ‘I Love Manchester’ bauble - £5.95 - Selfridges Flaunt your pride for everyone’s favourite city with a Selfridge’s ‘I Love Manchester’ bauble 4. Georg Jensen Johanne Christmas Tree Top Star Decoration £79 – John Lewis This art deco inspired Christmas tree star is a quirky take on a timeless design. Part of John Lewis’ Georg Jensen Johanne collection, it provides the perfect finish to a well turned out tree.

5. Laser-cut Snowflake Stocking - £10 - John Lewis Fill up this classic red stocking with lots of Christmas treats and surprises.

6. Deco Bloomers: Plantable Christmas Decorations £12.50 - Harvey Nichols Handmade with seed paper, these recycled decorations can be planted after use. They’re both pretty and practical.

7. Peridot Silver Shade Winter Berries - £59.00 - Swarovski Retro and extravagance come together with this winter berry crystal decoration. The classic design will bring a touch of elegance to even the dowdiest of Christmas trees.

8. Gisela Graham faux fur reindeer - £33.95 - Selfridges No Christmas is complete without a kitsch faux fur reindeer. This irresistible ornament is guaranteed to be the sweetest thing on your mantelpiece this winter.

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1. TDK 3 Speaker Boom Box

3. Panasonic HX-WA10 Camcorder

5. Marshall ‘Minor’ Headphones

The TDK 3 Speaker Boombox Audio System is the ultimate piece for the gadget-lover who is still totally retro at heart. The old-school boom box allows for iPod and iPhone connectivity, blasting out the latest tunes in top quality through 6” subwoofer with perfect bass and 35 watts of sound – it’s what we at VIVA would think to call “an absolute banger”. A built in USB connection also lets you use a flash drive with the system, or charge your iPhone, and has LED display and radio functionality; and yes, for all you real cool kids, there is a shoulder strap so you can ‘keep it real’ and play on the go.

From Panasonic, this waterproof camcorder is the ideal family Christmas present for those who like a miniature adventure. With a 5x optical zoom and 11.9 megapixel motion or still image, this gadget does more than just look good. The HX-WA10 is perfect for summers by the sea (or just the pool) or just in time for a snowy winter’s break away, video capture will last up to sixty minutes at the maximum depth of three meters.

These in-ear phones carry both style and substance, with Marshall’s trademark slick look and the fantastic EarClick feature, which secures the earphones in to your ear (patented by the brand).

Along with microphone and remote control to integrate the headphones with your smart phone, they may be a pretty penny, but they are the champion of headphones.

RRP: £499.99

Or, perfect for filming in and around town here in Manchester, the camera is rain (or even thunderstorm) proof – perfect for our ‘fickle’ North West weather conditions…

RRP: £299.99

2. Selfridges limited edition R1 Clock Radio from vITA

4. SodaStream 1012112445 Drinks Maker

Simple, slick, sophisticate and standing out – we would expect nothing less from a Selfridges and VITA collaboration.

For the stocking that contains every other gadget thinkable comes the SodaStream 1012112445 Drinks Maker, that uses CO2 from gas cylinders to turn tap water into a carbonated beverage, which are refillable each time you run out. There are a variety of flavours that can be used with the SodaStream, and it acts as a very green and cost-effective appliance to have (if you are a lover of fizzy drinks).

The Yellow R1 clock radio can be used with an iPod/iPhone, as a bedside radio or alarm clock (with daily, weekly or monthly settings). There are also sleep timers and snooze functions included.

For the clock radio that does everything you could possibly ask of it – the Yellow R1 for Selfridges from VITA is the one we recommend here at VIVA – and it will get you up just in time for Christmas morning!

RRP: £18

For something a little different this Christmas, VIVA suggests the SodaStream machine for a seasonal present he or she will never forget!

RRP: £49.99

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RRP: £50.00

6. BlackBerry Bold 9900 The new BlackBerry Bold 9900 brings choice, style and practicality to both the loyal BlackBerry user and any intrigued newbies. Bringing together a QWERTY keyboard as well as its hi-res touch screen, unlike its hybrid predecessor the BlackBerry Torch, this is not a ‘slide’ handset but an ‘all in one’.

For tech-buffs, the processor on the 9900 flies at 1.2 GHz, comes with 8GB memory (extendable to 40GB) and is complete with dual-band Wi-Fi to get at all your web browsing needs in a flash.

Just in time for the latest BlackBerry Messenger – the unique selling point of the BlackBerry brand for many – Augmented Reality technology lets your BBM contacts integrate on games and other applications downloaded from BlackBerry App World. So, if it’s time for an upgrade or you just fancy treating yourself, VIVA recommends the BlackBerry Bold 9900 as this season’s hottest Smartphone. words: Matt Horwood

VIVA g a d g e t s

BANG & OLuFSEN POWER ON!

Ian Kinsella MD Bang & Olufsen

VIVA SPOKE TO IAN KINSELLA, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BANG & OLUFSEN, MANCHESTER, ON THE RAMPAGE DESTRUCTION AND RIOTS, WHICH CAUSED SIX WEEKS OF REFURBISHMENT.

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hen news of the London rioting broke we all assumed (and hoped) that the issue would be resolved and everything would be back to normal within a day or so. How very wrong we were! What started as a peaceful march turned into 4 days of violence and destruction; beginning in Tottenham, the riots spread to other London boroughs before creeping North to Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. Without cause or reason local gangs looted, destroyed and set fire to various retail stores.

One of the worst affected stores in Manchester was Bang and Olufsen. Known for its expensive price tags and top of the range technology rioters pulled back the metal shutters and helped themselves to everything the store had to offer. All through the night gangs took the products they could and destroyed the rest.

As a result the store had to close for six weeks to undergo a full refurbishment. Determined not to become long-term victims Bang and Olufsen handed over 4 hours worth of CCTV footage which enabled police to identify a large number of those involved; DNA and blood samples left in the shop were also taken to ensure the maximum amount of looters were arrested.

During the six weeks they were closed, Bang and Olufsen received an enormous amount of support with Manchester City Council freezing their business rates and members of the community calling them to offer words of encouragementsome of which have never shopped at Bang and Olufsen before! The incident also reached the media, with Bang and Olufsen been given prime slots on consumer T.V shows.

The Manchester store proudly opened its doors again on the 22nd September and normal trade is finally resuming. Ian Kinsella said “I’m really grateful for all the support the community have given us, even from those who don’t shop here. It has really meant a lot and helped us to get back on our feet as quick as we did”.

Whilst there are success stories to arise from the riots, let us not forget the businesses that have not been able to recover quite so quickly; the families of the 5 fatalities; the damage caused and the people who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Bang and Olufsen and Manchester are thankful to the Greater Manchester Police Department for their handling of the riots and their swift action in arresting and prosecuting those involved. ■

words: Hayley Ashworth photos: Andre Buenacosa

Racing Through the Streets Jenson Button Brings F1 to Manchester Words by Sam Quinton Photos by Ben Quinton & Chris Brown

VIVA M O T O R I N G

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nly a few weeks after the riots, Manchester was back in the headlines but this time for the right reasons. As well as ‘We Love Manchester Day’ and the 21st Pride weekend taking place, the city played host to a three day event staged by the Formula 1 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

All August Bank Holiday weekend, Vodafone VIP hosted the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Fan Zone in Albert Square which included a bespoke Go Kart track, an F1 simulator and an exhibition of F1 race suits and helmets. The Hilton Deansgate saw its forecourt transformed into a working Pit Garage.

The whole event aimed to bring the excitement of Formula 1 racing that bit closer, and give fans the chance to experience aspects of F1 first hand.

The Bank Holiday Monday was the culmination of the event and despite the weather, thousands of people gathered in the city centre to see the 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button.

Following an impressive race and a podium finish at the Belgium Grand Prix on Sunday, Button swapped the circuit at Spa for the streets of Manchester.

After meeting the crowd and signing autographs, he drove two lucky Vodafone winners through the streets in a new McLaren MP4-12 road car. Jenson then thrilled fans by driving his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 at close to 100 miles per hour around a purpose built track in the city centre.

‘To see the looks on people’s faces when I opened up the throttle, was a fantastic moment’ Starting from Deansgate, the 2008 spec MP423 McLaren, sporting an ‘I Love Manchester’ sticker roared deafeningly along John Dalton Street and through Albert Square where Button slowed to perform several ‘doughnuts’ in front of the crowds. At the end of the demonstration, and in true Formula 1 style, Button stood on top of the car to acknowledge the cheering fans.

Finally, he finished the day off by taking part in an on stage Q&A session in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Fan Zone.

Jenson Button wasn’t the only celebrity in the city that weekend. Sporting celebrities were out in force enjoying the excitement of Formula 1 in Manchester. Boxer Amir Khan, world champion gymnast Beth Tweddle, England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and gold medal cyclist Sir Chris Hoy were among those enjoying the spectacle.

VIVA 59

Jenson enjoyed the day enormously, commenting: “I think Vodafone VIP has done a brilliant job to make this happen – it can’t have been easy – but to see the looks on people’s faces when I opened up the throttle, was a fantastic moment. It is all about giving something back to the fans and just unleashing the awesome power of a Formula 1 car. ■

VIVA T R A V E L

GOTHENBuRG

King Prawn sandwich @ Heaven 23 Bar

A PeRFeCT WINTeR WONDeRlAND

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ith so many City breaks to choose from, the Scandinavian countries offer a culture and atmosphere quite different from the rest of Europe. Gothenburg, the second city of Sweden, is situated on its west coast on the outlet of the Gota River less than a two-hour flight from Manchester.

As we exited the airport our senses immediately took in the clean pine fresh air, and the realisation that we are going to indulge ourselves in a “healthy” lifestyle that the majority Swedes enjoy.

A thirty-minute taxi ride brought us to the doorstep of the Hotel Flora, which is situated in the heart of the City, while overlooking one of its many canals and the city centre park, Tradgardsforiningen.

Being VIVA it seemed only right that we were staying in the Rock room, which oozed classic clinical Swedish decor with a twist of “rock” coming with the union jack fridge and built in sound system not to mention the 24-hour bar downstairs. Emma, the hotel manager couldn’t have been more helpful or her English more perfect, providing us with numerous ideas and places to visit, all within walking distance or a quick hop on the tram.

We duly strolled off to Haga, a traditional area of the city, and sat down at Cafe Husaren and indulged in some “fika”; a coffee with a Hagabullen, a plate filling giant cinnamon bun, something that the Swedes like to do twice a day if they can, and took in the relaxed “green “atmosphere before heading off to Heaven 23 Bar. >

Boats at Styrso Island Brunnsparken Gothenburg

VIVA T R A V E L

Fantastic cuisine at Magnus & Magnus Restaurant

Hotel Flora

Its like Manchester’s Cloud 23 bar, being situated on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Gothia Towers, and has unbeatable views of the whole of the city. Along with an extensive cocktail list it has something that Manchester cannot offer the famous “King Prawn sandwich”, which the say, once finished it (which after a hagabullen was proving difficult), provides you with enough omega vitamins for a whole week! Feeling suitably healthy, and full, we sped down the glass wall climber lift over the road and entered Liseberg, the biggest amusement park in all of Scandinavia.

We thought about trying Balder, the newly opened wooden roller coaster but I’m pleased to say we both had a good get out clause with all that food inside us. As the night drew in it became apparent we should return at Christmas time as the whole park is lit up with 5 million light bulbs and transformed into a true winter wonderland!

The next morning after a smorgasbord breakfast, we hopped onto the nearby tram to Saltholmen, and then took a ferry out to Styrso, one of the Southern Archipelago islands.

Styrso, like all the islands is car free, and with its traditional clapper board architecture and stunning scenery, it was like we were going back in time especially when we sat down in the herb garden of Obergska house and the local Taube group burst into tune.

On returning to City that evening it was time to sample one of its many restaurants. They say Gothenburg has the greatest density of restaurant “stars” than any where else in the world, and a restaurant that was highly recommended Magnus and Magnus.

Julmarknad Liseberg

A superb-tasting seven course menu with different wines to every dish was memorable to say the least...beautifully prepared and displayed with ingredients foraged locally with the backdrop of a traditional and elegant surrounding and then a further surprise as once finished we were ushered into their back garden, and their outdoor “club” with DJs spinning ambient dance tunes into the clear night sky.

What more can you say? The Swedes are certainly healthy (with a small h) and are definitely full of surprises... ■ Christmas Markets

words: Clive Lynton

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VIVA T R A V E L

Park Suite bedroom

ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL LONDON, KENSINGTON

BuSINESS OR PLEASuRE SPOIL YOuRSELF AT ROYAL GARDEN

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et in the heart of busy Kensington with stunning views of Hyde Park, this modern hotel offers superb five-star service yet has a surprisingly unpretentious and laid-back atmosphere. The décor is modern and sleek, without being too ostentatious.

Royal Garden boasts the most impressive views of London’s skyline, and is set in the perfect location to indulge in some serious shopping.

After a warm and friendly welcome we relaxed and enjoyed a refreshing gin and tonic in the Park Terrace bar where you can also order a selection of bar snacks, light bites and afternoon tea.

A much needed, relaxing treat after an indulgent girly shopping spree.

There is a selection of simple yet elegantly designed spacious rooms ranging from standard doubles to master suites. The Penthouse and Royal suites were sectioned off providing ultimate privacy. With a separate lounge, guest-sleeping area, king-size beds and breathtaking views of London’s landmark buildings, it is not surprising the Royal Garden is popular with A-list celebrities. Kensington acts as London’s musical hub and the home of major record companies such as universal and EMI. The area is renowned for its industry hipsters and superstars that regularly frequent the Royal Garden.

The most impressive feature was the award-winning restaurant Min Jiang.

Situated on the tenth floor, with incredible panoramic views of the whole of London, it was simply breathtaking.

The restaurant was subtle and ambient with bold red and black symmetrical features to create a traditional Chinese words: Carla Griscti

Stunning views of London

feel. With an extensive menu we were slightly overwhelmed and left the decision in the hands of our affable hostess. We started with crispy chilli squid, followed by a selection of Dim Sum. We were informed it was a popular lunchtime haunt where you can take full advantage of the beautiful view.

We were expertly advised on each dish and we were blown away by the fusion of flavours. The signature dish was their authentic wood-fired Beijing crispy duck. Presented by the chef and carved in front of us, we started off with some crispy duck skin dipped in granulated sugar to soak up the oil and give a contrasting flavour. Pancakes, shredded leeks with cucumber, garlic paste and cabbage accompanied the succulent duck breast. The remainder of the duck was used for a selection of appetising main dishes. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with authentic and delicious dishes complemented by some warm saké and a smooth bottle of Malbec. A definite must whilst you are staying in the hotel.

The hotel features three bars where you can enjoy a quiet after-dinner nightcap or, if you have the luxury of the Penthouse suite, an intimate private gathering. We were admittedly slightly overwhelmed with the amount of food we over-indulged in, so quietly retired to our cosy room to drop off into a peaceful night’s slumber. We were sure not to miss our early morning breakfast, delivered to our room with no additional charge. The perfect way to start the day with a full English breakfast, freshly squeezed orange juice and a spectacular London sunrise.

For more information visit the hotels website, www.royalgardenhotelco.uk.

Min Jiang, beautiful restaurant

Royal Suite bathroom

Min Jiang, Chong Qing private dining room.

VIVA S U C C E S S S T O R Y

Alex Moreau with his mother [Florence] and father [Eric]

VIVA GOES 63 DEGREES WITH ALEX MOREAU

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his issue VIVA’s success story is twenty seven year old Parisian Alex Moreau, who was previously running Simple at the Light and is now opening new French restaurant ‘63 Degrees’... _____________________________________________

The Northern Quarter is a great place to start this venture, as it is fresh, young and similar to what ’63 Degrees’ is all about. The cultural change in Manchester over the past ten years is huge, people are more educated with what they eat and they want to try new things.

SO, ALEX, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF...

“Food had not been the original plan... I have a Masters in International Business and have travelled all over the world, always originally wanting to go into business.

To reflect this sort of social culture, our interior encompasses French elements with a modern twist. It is a relaxed and cosy restaurant, neither awkward nor pretentious. Our lower area is darker and above you is light, which gives an impression of being outside. It’s a great interior – lots of quirky furnishings help it also fit into the vibe we love about the Northern Quarter.

However, I moved to Manchester with my girlfriend and I was looking at jobs and I saw the position at Simple. I went for it and had been running the restaurant ever since, with my history of and background in food.

My father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather were always involved in the catering industry and owned their own restaurants, and since I was little I had been in the kitchen. I have worked all sorts of positions in restaurants, from cleaning the bathrooms, to working behind the bar and waiting – and of course, cooking.

Recently my parents retired, and it was always a dream of my father [Eric] and mother [Florence] to run his own business. When the opportunity for 63 Degrees came along I contacted him and asked if he would be interested. He was and my mother and he are now residing in Chorlton and he is the head chef here at 63 Degrees. My father has worked with some well known two-starred Michelin chefs and his most recent job was the head of Research & Development and Quality Control for the second biggest catering company in France, Riem Becker. The role at ‘63 Degrees’ seemed perfect for him.

The name, ’63 Degrees’, comes from years of my father experimenting with cooking... It is what he has found to be the perfect temperature at which to cook chicken, duck and other meats. This is encompassed in two of our signature dishes.

WHAT MAKES THE NORTHERN QUARTER THE IDEAL SPOT FOR THE RESTAURANT? There is little competition in terms of French cuisine in Manchester, so we are bringing something new to the table. We love food, being creative and playing with it. Food and wine is a passion of my family’s and we love to look after people and make them feel welcome.

SO, WHEN TEAM VIVA SWING BY FOR DINNER, WHAT SHOULD WE HAVE? Are you adventurous? (laughs) For the adventurous diner, I would say start with our snails, which come in parsley butter alongside ratte potatoes, and young greens, then move onto our signature dish ’63 Degrees’ chicken breast with morel mushroom sauce and gratin dauphinois... To finish, perhaps ‘Le delice de Florence’, which is a large pistachio macaron filled with raspberries and cream. It is delicious!

We have a range of dishes to choose from – at very affordable prices, including our lunch menu, offering salads, omelettes and gourmet sandwiches (12-5pm) and our Sunday ‘patisserie’ styled brunch (11-5pm). For cocktail lovers, we have a special ‘boutique’ list of ten, including the dessert inspired ‘L’ile flottante’ and the delicious ‘Bonne Maman’. We can also make anything classic and off-the-menu, from your mojitos to your martinis.

If you are looking for somewhere to hold your Christmas dinner this year, ’63 Degrees’ has two set menus at £25 (starter, main, dessert and glass of wine) as well as one at £35 (a starter, choice of two mains, a French cheeseboard, dessert and champagne). You will not be disappointed! _____________________________________________ ’63 Degrees’ opens at the end of October and can be found next door to The Light Boutique hotel on Joiner Street in the Northern Quarter. The restaurant is open between midday and 11pm Tuesday-Thursday, 12pm-12am Friday and Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. ■ words: Matt Horwood

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viva events i

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VIVA recommends the best Christmas menus in Manchester this season...

SMOAK gRIll AT MAlMAISON Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 1lz

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hen it comes to choosing somewhere to eat out, Manchester has a phenomenal choice of restaurants but in this vast array of eateries finding the right one can be daunting. With the festive season fast approaching, Christmas Menu offers and deals are being flaunted for venues across the city. So how do you find the perfect place with that ‘certain something’ to get your seasonal celebrations off to a deliciously decadent start?

Fortunately this year the hard work has been done for you. In the midst of this abundance of variety, VIVA has found three crackers – ‘Smoak’ at Malmaison, ‘110’ at Circus Casino, and ‘The Twisted Med Restaurant’ in Castlefield. Over the last two weeks we have had the guilty pleasure of indulging in their mouthwatering menus and vibrant atmospheres, all in the name of research!

A stone’s throw from Piccadilly Train Station is Manchester’s recently refurbished Malmaison.

The moment you walk into the hotel you know that it’s going to be a memorable experience.

The reception area with its eye-catching black and white chequered floor is only the start. To the right the seating areas are lush, dark and seductive. Strategically placed lighting and the decadent Parisian, Moulin Rouge style red and black colour scheme makes a theatrical state-

ment. To the left of the reception is the equally unique hotel restaurant and bar, ‘Smoak.’

Replacing the former brasserie, Smoak Bar and Grill is definitely not your average Steakhouse. As you enter the restaurant, the curved sunken bar area immediately catches your eye.

You could easily spend the evening relaxing here in a comfy lounge chair or pull up a bar stool and enjoy a cocktail or two. Seating in the restaurant itself comes in many quirky shapes and sizes and options include eating at the bar, the banquettes or in one of the booths. Wherever you sit, you can’t fail to notice the decor of distressed brickwork and wooden panelling - a combination of industrial rawness and 1950’s Americanisation. Aluminium air ducts hang side by side with vintage light fittings above the tables and on the walls. The large windows are curtained with hessian style sacks held in place with large knotted ropes whilst the bottom half has a ‘blind’ of chains draped over a metal pole.

The decor may well be a conversation starter, but wait until you try the food.

Head Chef David Sharp sources his produce locally and the knowledgeable and passionate staff are more than willing to let you know where key ingredients have come from.

Smoak’s ‘raison d’ être’ is obviously delicious high quality aged, oak smoked steaks and BBQ

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style dishes cooked on the impressive charcoal fuelled Josper Grill but don’t worry, the sophisticated menu also includes fish, salads and vegetarian dishes. We started with the Goats Cheese Soufflé and the immaculately presented Three Sausage Sampler and both were delicious. Main courses of Kansas City BBQ Ribs and Fillet steak followed. The tender smoky meat on the ribs just fell off the bone and the oak smoked fillet steak was nothing short of divine. Sauces and sides of Paprika Fries and coleslaw were served in quirky metal pails and miniature metal ‘pans’ adding to the whole ‘Smoak’ dining adventure. With just enough room for dessert, we managed the Profiteroles and a Strawberry Sundae which rounded the meal off perfectly.

Christmas Celebration Menus start from £19.95 for two courses and half a bottle of house wine per person. Smoak can accommodate tables of up to 8 people but bookings can be taken for larger groups as private rooms can be hired for your event. The whole Smoak experience can only be described as an indulgent feast for the senses. If you’re looking for good service and a unique atmospheric venue for a Christmas meal then Smoak at Malmaison is definitely worth a visit. >

VIVA C U I S I N E VIVA recommends the best Christmas menus in Manchester this season...

THe TWISTeD MeD AT BOHeMIA Bohemia / The Twisted Med, Arch 8-9 Catalan Square, Castlefield M3 4RU

Manchester’s Castlefield always has appeal during the warm summer months but what could entice you there on a chilly October evening? The answer is simple and can be found in the picturesque canal front setting of Catalan Square where you will find The Twisted Med Restaurant. The restaurant sits above Bohemia Bar and Grill occupying the space where the popular Barca used to be. Since opening in August 2011, The Twisted Med has already attracted a lot interest and has established a following of regular customers. The restaurant itself is on the second floor which means it has the added bonus of a large outdoor balcony overlooking the water. The interior has a warm, modern mediterranean feel with a relaxed atmosphere which is complemented by subtle lighting, chic table settings and intimate seating areas. Run by experienced restaurateur Alessio Muccio and with Head Chef Steven Smith formerly of Stock, there is an “emphasis on exciting tastes, a warm and hospitable welcome and a unique way of eating”. Spanish, Italian and Greek influences are

combined to produce an exciting menu with a fusion of modern mediterranean flavours. The restaurants sumptuous Mezze Platters have proved to be incredibly popular and with fresh fish and other produce delivered daily it is easy to see why.

We were lucky enough to be able to sample some of the impressive options from the Christmas Menu. Our starters were Venison Carpaccio and Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and Italian bread sourced from a local bakery.

The starters were wonderfully presented and the white wine that Alessio had recommended to go with them really brought out the subtle flavours in both dishes. We had the Turkey Escallop for our main courses and again, the wine, this time a Christmassy Red, enhanced the meal superbly and emphasised the delicious medley of seasonal tastes. For dessert, we shared the Hazelnut Chocolate Brownie and the Cheeseboard and again Alessio impressed us by suggesting yet another wine; this time a sweet white dessert wine which rounded the

meal off flawlessly. The Twisted Med Festive menu has a very good choice of dishes which complement each other perfectly and includes vegetarian options too.

Restaurant Manager Alessio has a fine dining CV to be proud of and this is evidenced is his knowledge and his hands on approach to the staff, the menu and the customers themselves.

Nothing is too much trouble. He is currently working on a new and refreshed menu which reflects customers’ positive feedback on the existing menu but adds that little bit extra.

The Twisted Med Restaurant offers excellent service, outstanding food, and a great atmosphere. Whether you choose to have an intimate Christmas meal in the restaurant or a larger festive celebration in their function room, you can be assured of exquisite food and exceptional service from Alessio and the staff at any time. >

VIVA C U I S I N E VIVA recommends the best Christmas menus in Manchester this season...

CIRCUS CASINOS 110 ReSTAURANT 110-114 Portland Street, Manchester

Next on the agenda was Circus Casino Manchester. Ideally situated in the city centre this venue offers an outstanding combination of gaming, entertainment, bars and first class dining. With good public transport links and free parking getting here is easy but be warned, you might hit a winning streak and be reluctant to leave!

After passing through the Casino reception area, glass doors lead you down a few steps and to the top of another descending staircase. From this vantage point you are afforded an impressive view across the gaming floor with its ‘Las Vegas’ style atmosphere. The modern, contemporary interior extends through into the ‘a la carte’ 110 Restaurant which is located on the far side of the casino. The restaurant is set at a slightly lower level than the main gaming area and a subtle ‘curtain’ provides a see-through divide between the two. This means that whether you choose to sit at one of the central tables or in a more intimate booth whilst you dine, you can still soak up the vibrant atmosphere without it being intrusive. At the far end of the restaurant there is a striking glass fronted kitchen where you can see culinary masterpieces taking shape. Head Chef, James Lunham ensures that all the meals are freshly prepared using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Our table was beautifully decorated with a candlelit centre piece, red berry wreath and Christmas crackers giving it a very warm seasonal feel. From the Christmas Menu we tried the Oven Baked Salmon and the vegetarian option, a Mushroom, Brie and Cranberry Open Tart, both of which were impressive to look at and even more impressive to taste. These dishes words: Sam Quinton photos: Ben Quinton

were complemented by wine from the restaurants extensive list. The desserts, Chocolate and Black Cherry Cheesecake and a Cheeseboard were again strikingly presented with great attention paid to the smallest details. The quality of the food at ‘110’ is outstanding and is equalled by the excellent service from the restaurant staff. This is reflected by the fact that ‘110’ has recently been voted one of the ‘Top Ten’ restaurants in Manchester based on reviews submitted to manchesterrestaurants. com by its members. As if all this isn’t enough, Circus Casino also has regular live entertainment, a private VIP Dining Room and a function room both of which are available for larger groups.

Whether you are looking for a dining experience to start or end your evening, ‘110’ offers the ultimate night out. With Christmas Menu Packages starting from £19.95 for three courses, and with the option to add on extras, it has to be a serious contender for anyone’s Festive Celebrations.

So that concludes VIVA’S top 3 recommended Christmas menus in Manchester this season and whether you’re looking for somewhere to eat with a loved one, family, friends or colleagues over the Festive Season, Smoak, 110 and The Twisted Med all have a lot to offer with great venues, food and service. Each has their own unique twist on the traditional Seasonal Menu and their own vibrant atmosphere. If you don’t make it to one of them this Christmas, then find an excuse to eat out anyway as they are all a must to indulge in at any time throughout the year. ■

Brought to life by the talented and enthusiastic Head chef Eric Moreau and son Alexandre Moreau, 63 Degrees was born out of a love and passion for food. The menu is a reflection of modern French cuisine using only the freshest ingredients and local produce. Complemented by unique cooking techniques, 63 Degrees will delight the senses and allow you to experience a whole new world of taste.

20 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PN | 0161 832 5438 | dine@63degrees.co.uk | www.63degrees.co.uk

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Christmas Delights with The Mark Addy T

his year’s Christmas offering at The Mark Addy showcases the best of local produce cooked and presented in Robert Owen Brown’s usual inimitable style.

On the great day itself R.O.B will once again be serving a feast fit for a King, priced at £65.00, tables will groan under an extravagance of dishes including Goose Liver terrine and Coddled Duck egg, a soup course of Royal Game Broth, choice of Capon or Lobster, followed by dessert, fine cheese selection and coffee & mince pies.

Seasonal menus will be available from December 1st priced at £21.00 for the Lunch option and £27.00 for Dinner.

Booking is essential, for more details and reservations please give us a call on 0161 832 4080 or email info@markaddy.co.uk.

If you are thinking of hosting your own Festive Dinner Party this year, plan ahead to make it easier to spend quality time with your guests, instead of just toiling away in the kitchen! This impressive three course menu from Robert Owen Brown lets you do just that: the main course is perfect for a family gathering with starter and dessert recipes that can easily be scaled up to cater for larger parties.

STARTeR – DUCK lIveR PATe. Begin by preparing the duck livers by rinsing in cold water. Next, trim and remove any sinew and the gall bladder, that’s the yellow bits. It is very important not to overcook the offal as this would release too much fat affecting the texture and taste of the pate. use unsalted butter as this allows you to control the amount of salt in your cooking; it also has a distinctly different taste to the salted variety.

INgReDIeNTS: 1 Carrot, 1 stick of celery, 1 clove of garlic, 1 onion, 450 grams of duck liver, 2 blocks of good unsalted butter, 1 spoon of parsley (roughly chopped) and a pinch of salt and pepper MeTHOD: Finely chop the vegetables and garlic, sweat them gently in half a block of butter, till soft, try not to get any colour on them, then remove from the pan. Increase the heat until the pan is just smoking, add the livers, and seal them. Reduce the heat, add the remaining butter and cook until just pink in the middle, season and add the parsley.

Place the mixture, together with the vegetables, into a blender and blitz until smooth.Force through a fine sieve and, after checking the seasoning, place in a terrine and chill for 3 hours. Once set, remove from container, cut into slices and serve.

DeSSeRT - DARK CINDeR TOFFee COATeD CHOCOlATe MOUSSe lACeD WITH HONeY. Like the starter this rich and indulgent dessert can be prepared in advance helping to keep things simple on the day itself. use chocolate that has 70% cocoa solids; to melt, break into small pieces and place in a heatproof glass bowl then heat very gently over a pan of water that is just simmering: the water must not come into contact with the bowl. Never over-heat chocolate as it will “seize,” producing a grainy unpleasant texture, just the opposite of the glossy effect that you are looking for. use a sharp-edged metal spoon when folding the chocolate, rum and honey mixture into the cream as this will help to ensure a thorough mix as well as adding air.

INgReDIeNTS: 400g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), 750ml double cream, 6 tsps runny honey and 2 blocks cinder toffee MeTHOD: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Gently melt the chocolate, together with the rum and the honey, over a simmering pan of water, Three quarters whip the cream Fold the chocolate, rum and honey mixture into cream, ensuring it’s completely mixed together.

Place into a terrine and refrigerate. It will be ready in around two hours.

To serve – cut into portions, finely crumble the cinder toffee and sprinkle on top of the mousse.

Main course – Roast Saddle of Venison with Cranberries.

Venison, the King of all the game meats, is low in cholesterol, high in protein and absolutely packed with flavour.

You are going to need a large roasting tray for this one and we are going to cook it fast and keep it pink.

INGREDIENTS: 3.5kg saddle of venison, salt and pepper, 170g cranberries, 550ml of thickened beef stock, 1 pack of unsalted butter, 1 finely chopped onion, 375 ml of red wine, 115g brown sugar and 2tsp olive oil 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

method: Heat the roasting tray and add the oil, brown the venison saddle and remove from the tray to cool then smear evenly with the butter.

Add all the other ingredients to the roasting tray.

Sit the buttered venison on the top.

Place in a very hot oven and roast for 15 minutes per kilo, basting occsionally.

Remove from the oven. Rest the venison.

Strain off the sauce and serve.

You’re not the best in the kitchen but still want to taste the best home cooking available in Manchester? Then get yourself to The Mark Addy, Manchester’s original Riverside Pub. The Mark Addy Stanley Street Salford Manchester M3 5EJ Tel: 0161 832 4080 email: info@markaddy.co.uk

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Christmas & New Year Celebratory Drinking The Ones to uncork when the Clock Strikes Twelve: Welcome the New Year with Harvey Nichols’ own-label Prosecco (£14.50). Try the recipes and celebrate with family & friends.

Prosecco with Asperol bitters -3 parts Prosecco -2 parts Aperol bitters -1 part soda -slice of orange Place ice into a wine glass and add soda, top up with Prosecco and garnish with a slice orange.

Prosecco with White Peach Bellini -25g peach purée -75ml Prosecco Squeeze 25g of the bellini into a chilled champagne flute, top up with Prosecco.

Gift Ideas

Barefoot Shiraz (£6.28) Mulled Wine Ingredients: -1 bottle of Barefoot Shiraz -1 carton of fresh orange juice Sugar -2 cardamom pods -12 whole cloves -1 cinnamon stick -Small chunk of fresh ginger -1 teaspoon of mixed spice -Lemon peel -Cracked black pepper Directions: Add carton of orange juice to pan with about a quarter of the amount of sugar, 2 cardamom pods, two cloves, a cinnamon stick, a small chunk of fresh ginger, a teaspoon of mixed spice, lemon peel and some cracked black pepper.

-Boil down until it forms a spiced syrup.

-Warm up a bottle of Barefoot Shiraz (don’t let it boil).

-Strain your spiced syrup through a sieve.

-Add 2 tablespoons of the syrup to the warmed wine.

-Stir for a few minutes and taste. Add more syrup to taste.

Gosset Champagne Grand Blanc de Blancs (£64.95) Recommended way to serve: between 8-10 C. Perfect aperitif and complements seafood dishes.

This 100% chardonnay champagne is crisp, fresh and full of finesse. Cellar master Jean Pierre Mareigner has skilfully sought a new blend to join the Gosset Antique line including Grande Reserve, Grand Rose and Grand Millesime. The finesse grapes have been chosen from more than 60 villages. The Grand Blanc de Blancs is a precious concentration of the Côte des Blancs and Côtes des Noirs. This exceptional cuvée is definitely the champagne to open to welcome the New Year 2012.

Coppa Ready-to-Serve Cocktails >> www.coppacocktails.co.uk £7.99 each These cocktails have been developed by professional bartenders and feature cosmopolitan, mojito and Long Island iced tea in the range. They have won a number of awards at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2010. Just open the impressive silver cocktail shaker style bottles, add ice and enjoy - great party gift where all can share their Tom Cruise cocktail moves. << Johnnir Walker Blue Label Limited Edition Collection

by Porsche Design Studio Available from Selfridges and Harvey Nichols (1) Chiller £240 and The Cube £490

The special collection consists of ‘The Chiller’ & ‘The Cube’ where function has been blended with exquisite aesthetics to present two perfect pieces to serve your bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended whisky.

(2)

The Chiller (1) holds a single bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, encased in sophisticated dark blue leather and brushed titanium, whilst the top removes to function as an ice chiller.

The Cube (2) comes with an individually numbered bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label alongside an ice chiller, stainless steel tongs, and four bespoke Blue Label crystal glasses, ideal for entertaining.

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Festive Cocktail Recipes

Thorntons Choclate Liqueur

Classic Serve – Over Ice 50ml Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur served over ice in a rocks glass.

Goldschlager Glitterball 25ml Goldschläger Top with Kick Energy drink Serve in a highball glass with plenty of ice

Chocolatini 25ml Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur 25ml Sobieski Vodka 25ml Teichenne Vanilla Schnapps *Combine all ingredients together with ice, shake and fine strain into a martini glass with lemon and dip in baker’s cocoa

Midnight Cocktail 25ml Goldschläger Top with champagne or sparkling wine Serve in a champagne flute Cinnamon Toffee Apple 25ml Goldschläger 25ml Toffee liqueur Top with Apple juice Serve in a highball glass with plenty of ice

700ml Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur £17

700ml Goldschlager £25

and theClassic Alternative...

Myer’s Rum Myers’s Sunset 25ml Myers’s –Jamaica’s finesse dark rum Orange juice Pineapple Juice One dash of grenadine *Pour Myers’s over ice in a highball glass, fill with equal parts pineapple juice and orange juice. Add a splash of grenadine and stir The Classic – Planter’s Punch 50ml Myers’s rum 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice 25ml gomme 50ml chilled mineral water 4 dashes of Angostura bitters *Shake all ingredients and serve over ice in a highball.

Garnish with lime wedge, orange wedge and cherry 700 ml Myer’s Rum £18.75

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...Sloane Gin Sloane Gin If your taste palate would rather have a classic this Christmas, make it a Sloane gin and tonic. This premium dry gin has won Best Gin, Best White Spirit and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2011.

Using whole fresh citrus fruits and individually distilling 9 botanicals, including juniper berries and angelica root, their unique distillation process creates a smooth and beautifully balanced premium dry gin.

700 ml Sloane’s Dry Gin £27.99

VIVA E V E N T S eveNTS NOT TO MISS THIS AUTUMN/WINTeR IN MANCHeSTeR & CHeSHIRe

ARLEY HALL SHOPPING SPECTACuLAR

THE WAREHOuSE PROJECT

VINTAGE THREADS

Venue: Arley Hall, Northwich Date: 7th November Tickets: from £8

Venue: Store Street Date: 5th November Tickets: £20 The Warehouse Project offers the hottest bonfire night in Manchester, minus the flames. Top dubstep pioneers Benga and Rusko join drum and bass DJ Andy C to take over FABRICLIVE at the underground Manchester venue.

Arley Hall Northwich is holding a Shopping Spectacular in aid of the Seashell Trust. The night begins with a pop at a Champagne reception before a night of shopping. With stallholders trading everything from books to bath bombs, this is guilt free shopping at it’s best.

Venue: The Circle Club, Barton ArcadeDate: 5th November Tickets: Free entry If flinging your summer dresses back into the wardrobe has left you longing for a fashion fix, it’s time to indulge in some winter shopping. Vintage Threads will be taking over Manchester’s Circle Club with a host of retro chic accessories to make winter that little bit more bearable.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Venue: MEN Arena Date: 14th & 15th November Tickets: from £45

BRITNEY SPEARS Venue: MEN Arena Date: 6th November Tickets: from £50

The cool boys of Californiacation will be rolling into Manchester for their first tour in the uK since 2006. The band will be touring their new album I’m With You with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer formerly of Warpaint. With rave reviews of their new album it will be a unmissable show.

CHILDREN IN NEED ROCKS

The queen of pop has snatched back her crown. Britney Spears is returning to Manchester with her highly anticipated Femme Fatale tour. The ‘oops…I did it again’ sensation will bring her latest number one album to the Manchester Evening News Arena in November.

Venue: MEN Arena Date: 17th November Tickets: from £60

Take That favourite Gary Barlow hosts the charity event of the year at the MEN Arena. Boasting a huge roster of artists from pop maverick Lady Gaga to the infamoust Elbow, the gig has something for everyone to dance out of their seats to.

RIHANNA

Venue: MEN Arena, Date: 21st, 28th Nov, 2nd Dec Tickets: from £40 Barbadian beauty Rihanna is embarking on a 3 date stint at the Men Arena. The most talked about pop show of the year ‘Loud’ features support from uuber-cool DJ Calvin Harris and will see her perform from her extensive back catalogue of chart favourites.

CRAIG CHARLES FuNK & SOuL CLuB Venue: Band On The Wall Date: 26th November Tickets: £15

Comedian, actor and soap star Craig Charles dons his DJ title to bring his ‘Funk & Soul club’ to Manchester. Performing at the Northern Quarters’ iconic Band On The Wall, the infamous actor brings his BBC 6 music show to life with the help of fine funk masters, Push.

VIVA E V E N T S eveNTS NOT TO MISS THIS AUTUMN/WINTeR IN MANCHeSTeR & CHeSHIRe

CHRISTMAS AT CAPESTHORNE HALL Venue: Capesthorne Hall Date: 25th-26th NovemberTickets: Adults £7 Children (over 4 years) £3.50

MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS

THE NuTCRACKER

Venue: The Opera House Date: 22nd – 26th NovemberTickets: From £15

Venue: Albert Square and Etc. Date: 17th Nov – 21st Dec

Manchester is yet again transformed into a winter wonderland with the arrival of the international Christmas markets. Chalets and stalls will be packed into the city centre offering a range of delectable delicacies and tempting treats.

Grandeur-oozing stately home, Capesthorne Hall is embracing Christmas and inviting the public to join its festivities. The Christmas event offers entertainment from local musicians, craft stalls and traditional school choirs. You can even top off the experience with a mulled wine and mince pie from the Butler’s Pantry.

This year the Rambert Dance Company celebrates 85 years at the heart of British Dance, and to commemorate it returns to The Lowry with a brand new programme. The three works to be performed will be accompanied by the Rambert Orchestra and promise to wow audiences with their magical and playful qualities, with some of the world’s most talented dancers.

DIRTY DANCING

THE COuRTEENERS

Venue: The Palace Theatre Date: 22nd Nov to 7th Jan 2012 Tickets: from £22.95

Venue: 02 Apollo Manchester Date: 8th, 9th, 10th December Tickets: £17.25

The classic hit movie Dirty Dancing braves its first national tour this November. The musical calls in on Manchester’s Palace Theatre in November. The sell-out London production sees a glittering array of costume changes and timeless dance moves.

Manchester’s finest The Courteeners take on the Apollo with their distinctive indie rock. With more swagger than the Gallagher brothers, the band have gained a huge Manchester following since their first album ‘St Jude’ in 2008.

Catch them at one of their three dates in December.

GREG DAVIES – FIRING CHEESEBALLS AT A DOG

LANTERN PARADE

Venue: Tatton Park Date: 9th December 6pm-8pm Tickets: Free Tatton Park enters into the festive spirit with a brand new lantern parade. The parade includes the opportunity to meet the parks two reindeer, Prancer and Dancer along with a special appearance from Father Christmas himself. This is a must for anyone entertaining the kids through the Christmas break.

Venue: The Lowry Date: 11th December Tickets: £15

Following a sell-out comedy tour earlier this year, Greg Davies returns to the Salford Lowry with his award winning show ‘firing cheeseballs at a dog.’ Already renowned for his role as Mr Gilbert in hit TV show The Inbetweeners, this is your chance to catch the comedian performing his standup debut

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VIVA Lf A S M A N C H E S T E R

The Bunnies Are Back In Town....

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ore than half a century after the opening of the first Playboy Club in 1960’s Chicago, June 2011 saw the hugely successful re-launch of the Playboy Club and Casino in London’s West End. After a 30 year absence from the capital, the opening of the London Club marked the return of the Playboy Bunnies to Europe. With legendary founder and infamous Playboy Hugh Hefner in attendance, the Bunnies were most definitely back!

The brand has always attracted controversy and even now, nearly 30 years after the original Manchester Playboy Club and Casino closed, Manchester235’s Playboy Themed evening in October saw a small number of campaigners take to the streets again. London Clubs International owns both the Manchester Club and the London Mayfair Club, where similar protests against Hefner’s Bunnies were seen at the re-launch earlier this year.

words: Sam Quinton photos: Ben Quinton

Outside protests were quickly forgotten as the event got off to an exciting Las Vegas style start with the Bunnies taking to the Blackjack and Roulette tables to show off their skills as croupiers. Dressed in the trademark corset, bowtie, ears and fluffy tail, they injected an extra special shot of glamour into the evening and the gaming tables soon filled up. Those who managed to tear themselves away from the gorgeous Bunnies had the opportunity to enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of Linen Restaurant. Set away from the gaming floor, this luxurious dining venue had prepared a delicious Playboy themed menu. In the bar area, live music from acoustic duo Taylor and Leigh and then Jim Whitely and his band added to an already vibrant atmosphere. The resident DJ took over and kept the party going until the early hours downstairs, whilst the celebs, VIP’s and Bunnies moved upstairs to the ‘invitation only’ Icon Bar. This upmarket bar provides a more exclusive casino experience for any VIP

guests and offers the use of private Blackjack and Roulette tables. The added bonus at this event was that the croupiers were the Bunnies who unfortunately, as yet, don’t come as standard!

Manchester235 is now open 24 hours and with bars, restaurants, live music and state of the art gaming, it has all the right ingredients for a great night out. As for the Playboy Bunnies, will this ‘one off’ event become a regular occurrence at Manchester235? Anyone looking for that extra special and exclusive venue will certainly hope so. ■

Manchester 235 Casino 2 Watson St 0161 828 0300 events@manchester235.com www.manchester235.com

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Festivities at Mint Hotel W

ith three months still to go until Christmas, retailers are already selling Christmas merchandise and it seems that the festive season is starting early. Now could be the ideal time to begin planning this year’s Christmas Party. With a multitude of venues to choose from it can be difficult finding the perfect festive package but Mint Hotel Manchester seems to offer it all.

Ideally located in the new Piccadilly Place development, Mint Hotel is easily accessed from all major transport systems. Parking is readily available and should an overnight stay be on the agenda, why not take advantage of one of the 285 modern guest rooms all with exceptional facilities for business or leisure.

At a recent event, I was able to enjoy some of the festive options offered by Mint Hotel. The evening started with a fantastic set from local band ‘This Devastated Fan.’ They were followed by Manchester’s own renowned Drag Queen, Princess Jordan performing some classic Christmas songs. Princess Jordan recently made it through to Boot Camp on the x Factor with group ‘Intrigue’ and has also appeared in ‘Coronation Street.’ She has already been booked by the hotel for six Christmas Party nights throughout December.

Guests were also entertained by the amazing talents and humour of Magician Alex D. Fisher.

The event was held in the City Café which is situated on the ground floor of the hotel and is an ideal setting for a Christmas Party. With floor to ceiling windows along one wall and warm neutral tones, the space is contemporary but still maintains an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. The hotel staff were outstanding, and the drinks and canapés they served gave a delicious hint of how good the three course Christmas meal here would be.

If a modern, centrally located venue is what you want for your Christmas Party, then Mint Hotel Manchester ticks all the right boxes and more. ■ Mint Hotel Manchester 0161 242 1000 www.minthotel.com

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words: Sam Quinton photos: Kalvin Campbell

RETAILERS RAISE OVER £50K FOR RETAIL TRUST AT THE POINT FOR RETAIL TRUST’S

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he elite of Northern retail convened in Manchester for the Retail Trust Great Northern Ball and raised a massive £50,000 for Retail Trust, the only charity that looks after three million people in retail. The Point at Lancashire County Cricket Club saw high profile guests from N Brown Group, Matalan, Shop Direct Group, Deloitte, Liverpool One, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Debenhams, BrightHouse, Manchester Airport Group, Ultimate Products, Timpson, World Duty Free and many more.

the real need for our charity. Money raised tonight will help people in retail get access to counselling, emergency hardship grants and critical incident support, plus of course funds raised will benefit our retirement estates in Liverpool and Salford.” ■

The silent auction raised over £10,000 with the prize of flights to Las Vegas going for £1,400. Other prizes included tickets to Man United vs. Man City going for £500 and a Harvey Nichols Cocktail Masterclass going for £625.

Guests feasted on an eclectic three course meal prepared by The Point’s Executive Head Chef Nic Ashurst and were then treated to Vegas-style entertainment with a cabaret and special performances from ‘Elvis’ and ‘Tom Jones’.

Nigel J L Rothband, Chief Executive Officer at Retail Trust says: “The Great Northern Ball is the first Retail Trust event to take place since the recent rioting, which has highlighted

SIROCCO LAUNCHES IN STYLE The legendary Circle Club has transformed its bar restaurant with a new head chef, new menu, new look and name...

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he stunning eatery in the grade ll listed Barton Arcade off Deansgate is now called Sirocco Restaurant and Bar and has introduced a menu based on a fusion of Mediterranean dishes inspired by Italian, Spanish, French, Lebanese and North African recipes. “Kitchen at the Circle has been great for us since we launched in April, 2010 but we have a new head chef and team in place so the time is right for change. The time is right for Sirocco,” said Circle Managing Director Craig Ince. New Head Chef Maros Surovka has worked for prestigious restaurants throughout Manchester including Grand Sasso, Palmiro and Harvey Nichols but it’s his mum who provides his biggest inspiration.

He started cooking at the age of 16, following in his mother’s footsteps as she is a top chef in Slavakia and Maros himself has been described as the country’s answer to Heston Blumethal

because he loves to experiment with new techniques and flavours.“It has been a fantastic opportunity to create a new menu from scratch and we have spent months experimenting with dishes.

We have also chosen some of the best chefs to work with us who are from the Mediterranean. We may all speak different languages but we all understand the language of food and are passionate about it,” said Maros. The launch of Sirocco follows the Circle’s opening of its new champagne and cocktail bar The Circle 360 in the Trafford Centre last month. “Circle 360 is smashing all our expectations and we know that Sirocco is a fantastic concept and one we can’t wait to bring to life,” said Craig.

Sirocco is also taking bookings for Christmas parties and dinners where it will be providing traditional turkey and all the trimmings as well as Mediterranean alternatives. ■

30th

VIVA Lf A S M A N C H E S T E R

A Round-Up of Manchester Pride 2011

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his year Manchester Pride celebrated its 21st birthday and did so with as much glamour, punch and pizzazz as ever.

Its ‘Big Weekend’ (Friday 26th – Monday 29th August), kicked off its first night with the wonderful Angie Brown and hysterical Aussie ‘trolley dolly’ comedienne Pam Ann. On Saturday we saw the Manchester Pride Parade, this year’s theme being ‘Best of British’, with float entries from the likes of Coronation Street, The Co-operative and Royal Bank of Scotland, as well as smaller community groups and organisations. Headlining the Gaydar Main Arena that night was new girl group Soundgirl, and the sassy songstress Pixie Lott, whose acoustic set blew the full capacity crowd away.

Despite many pounding hangovers in time for the final Monday – as the Gay Village was filled with themed club nights all weekend – festival goers partied on into the festival’s last day. A cheesier feel, we enjoyed Toyah Willcox, Bucks Fizz, Hazel Dean and new boy band The Mend, as the main arena closed with a spectacular set from headliners Blue.

Lastly, Manchester Pride’s George House Trust Candlelit Vigil then took place in Sackville Gardens, with readings and speeches, as thousands came together to commemorate those lost to the HIV virus. The park became a sea of candles as in unison, they were held up by all in attendance (a stunning sight for anyone nearby). Various closing parties then divided the crowd as fireworks shot into the sky and we bid farewell to Manchester’s biggest festival for one more year.

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On the Sunday, the music across all three stages continued, including a ‘Women’s Stage’ that took place from 4pm onwards in Sackville Gardens. The markets and lifestyle and expo stalls remained busy throughout, whilst the music on the festival’s main stage once again got the crowd more and more in the mood as the night went on. From the evening onwards we saw a set from Lip Service’s Heather Peace, the stunning and talented Patrick Wolf, pop favourites the Sugababes and the magnificent Alexandra Burke.

As Press Officer for Manchester Pride I may sound slightly biased but, from what I saw of Team VIVA over the Big Weekend, we were all feeling as ‘Loud & Proud’ as one another!

Manchester Pride is a charity organisation and has raised over £895, 000 for LGBT and HIV groups since 2003. For more information on the organisation see www.manchesterpride.com. ■ words: Matt Horwood

Pierre Navarro Comes to Manchester and hosts a lavish event at Harvey Nichols

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ierre Navarro recently made an appearance at Harvey Nichols Manchester’s Personal Shopping Suite to launch his new luxury Orravan Design Paris 2011 collection. The star-studded event took place on Sunday 16 October and saw players from North West Football teams Wigan, Bolton, Blackpool and Manchester united come to Harvey Nichols Manchester to celebrate.

Over a decade on from Pierre’s initial collection in 2000, the brand Orravan has continued to grow and is renowned for crystallising and embellishing footwear, football boots and accessories and already has a dedicated following by key stylesetters in Manchester. Each item is handcrafted for its owner, in order to create an elite, personalised touch.

The guests were served champagne and delicious canapés, designed exclusively for the intimate event whilst previewing Orravan Design lavish crystal personalised football boots as well as talking to Pierre himself about his collection and the inspiration behind his designs. ■

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VIVA Lf A S M A N C H E S T E R

Gio Goi and the Donnelly Brothers get the party started at Moho’s...

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usic and fashion, two creative mediums that help us to define ourselves and use as common grounds with others. With collaborations between musicians and fashion designers being a standard nowadays, here at Viva, we believe the biggest and best of these can be summed up in two words; Gio Goi. A brand conceived in the hazy days of Acid house by Manchester brothers Anthony and Chris Donnelly, Gio Goi continues to create a fusion of great music events and incredible clothing.

With the opening of the new Gio Goi shop in the Arndale Centre (go check it out, it is AMAZING) the Viva team was invited down to Moho Live for the debut screening of the new documentary “They Call It Acid” by Gordon Mason, a fantastic film in collaboration with the Donnelly brothers that pays tribute to the beginnings of Acid House and its effect on the Manchester Club scene. Nostalgia for these times was remedied by outstanding DJ sets by Hacienda legends Mike Pickering, Graeme Park and Jon Da Silva, who provided club classic after club classic for the pumped up crowd.

On board the extremely glamorous (and now unfortunately defunct) Gio Goi tour bus, we managed to tear Mike Pickering

words: Ross Forsythe

photos: Karin Albinsson

and Jon Da Silva away from their awesome sets for a quick chat about music, Manchester, fashion, nudity and diva demands. Describing the Donnelly brothers as “Chaotic, passionate and good friends” we endeavoured to get some juicy gossip out of them but to no avail.

Whilst currently working and DJing in Stockholm, Jon still cites Manchester s music and club scene as “more credible and vibrant, if you’re in Manchester and love club music you will have a ball. Manchester is much more engaged with the music scene.” Also dismissing unsubstantiated rumours of demanding a white range rover to travel in for the event, Jon proved that he can be a superstar dj whilst still maintaining his working class roots. Mike Pickering, DJ of institutional Hacienda nights such as Nude and Hot impressed us with his tales of 96-hour parties with the likes of New Order and when asked who he would least like to see naked, he quipped “John McCririck” and we couldn’t agree more.

With the interviews over, the Viva team were let loose to enjoy the rest of the evening by throwing some extreme shapes on the dance floor and quaffing some cheeky vimtos. ■

VIVA l i v e m u s i c

WHO WAS THeRe THIS YeAR....

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or those festival virgins who like their home comforts and can’t quite muster the courage to immerse themselves in true festival frolics (i.e. camp in a field in the middle of nowhere, miles away from civilisation) V Festival will be right up your street.

Only 30 minutes from Birmingham, you can escape to normality without too much of a fuss. Loaded with an ‘eclectic’ fusion of musical genres this festival certainly has followers by the dozen. Renowned for having the biggest names in pop, this year was no exception. With superstars such as Rihanna, Eminem, Dizzee Rascal and Arctic Monkeys set to make appearances, the festival was sure to be a sell-out. Certainly with cameo appearances from longhaired teenyboppers Hanson as one of the opening acts, V always maintains an element of humorous fun.

With the variety in music V brings a diverse crowd and a strong sense of ‘lager louts’ were dotted around but everyone seemed friendly enough. The backstage area was a great place to relax, with gastro burgers, sun loungers and cocktails-a-plenty. A few unfortunate karaoke performances were rife on the Saturday night but the bar stayed open until the early hours busting out some classic 80’s disco.

Electro-pop sensations Fenech Soler and enchanting girl duo the Pierces played early evening sets in the undercover tent to a mod-

est crowd, both giving artistic performances with an air of originality. The masses flocked to see the penultimate set performed by Caribbean songstress Rihanna. Admittedly I wasn’t a massive fan before but her incredible voice and stage presence was utterly captivating. She churned out massive hits including ‘What’s My Name’ and ‘umbrella’ prancing around on stage wearing enviably tiny denim hot pants with thousands of fans chanting en-masse.

Headlining the main stage was Eminem playing his first uK set since 2003. He, by all accounts, played an energetic set, with early hits including ‘My Name Is’ and ‘The Real Slim Shady’. His duet with Rihanna, ‘Love the way you are’, particularly went down a storm. Not being a massive fan we decided to see old time rockers Primal Scream headlining the Channel 4 stage. They smashed their set and penetrated the crowd with massive hits from their 1991 album, Screamdelica.

Rocking tunes such as ‘Country Girl’, ‘Moving on up’ and ‘Rocks’ whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Bobby Gillespie was truly magnetic and the band seemed to enjoy their performance as much as the fans. They gave a spectacular performance and the atmosphere was electric, we could have danced well into the night. Instead we retreated to the backstage area to indulge in a few too many cocktails and far too much 80’s power ballads. words: Carla Griscti

Rhianna

Eminem

BESTIVAL

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he Grandaddy of all festivals, Bestival always manages to bring the season to an explosive end but this year was exceptional even by their own very high standards. Rob de Bank, organiser and über cool music dude saw reward for his last eight years of trying when The Cure finally agreed to play Bestival. Robert Smith and the boys were lined up to headline on Saturday night on the main stage.

The Isle of Wight was awash with many costumed festival goers who had adopted this years fancy dress theme of Pop stars, rock stars and divas. (pm Saturday and The Cure took to the stage.

Their fans ranged from older people who had witnessed their arrival on the music scene to a substantial number of much younger members of the audience. As the hits rolled out - In-between days, Just like Heaven, Friday I’m in Love - the audience lifted with the band and when they played The Lovecats they turned us pretty much into wildcats.

It would be unfair not to mention other good acts that played Bestival. The headliner on Friday was Pendulum a great crowd-pleaser. Public Enemy also managed to get the place rocking.

There was a six hour experiment into the future of dance music hosted by Friendly Fires who got really into their gig by wearing monkey masks and provided laptop accompaniment to other acts.

The Cure

The unique things about Bestival is their take on kids. They provide activities to distract and entertain younger children accompanying their parents to the festival making it truly a family affair.

Friends and family are always important and when your friend - The wonderful Mr Howard Marks aka Mr Nice - gets you backstage with all that that entails well . . . That’s what friends are for! words: Rebecca Legon

Pendulum

KENDAL CALLING

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nything with the word “Kendal” in it is sweet and twee and nice and not at all what you would expect from a music festival. Kendal Calling in now in its fifth year and it is indeed not what you’d expect from a music festival. It is so very much better!

Sascha Lord, founder of the festival describes the location as the most scenic and beautiful festival site in the UK and maybe that’s what made Kendal Calling such a very special weekend. Or perhaps it was Blondie - Debbie Harry to those that know - trekking all the way up the M6 just to be there.

The festival seems to be the gig of choice for those - artists and audience - that want to get away from the commercialism that rules most of the other major events across the UK and Europe.

Debbie Harry You want different? Try this They held a pub quiz - a very amazingly entertaining quiz - but nonetheless a pub quiz at the festival. And it worked! Providing three hour long quizzes each day of the festival Quizimodo played to over 200 people on the final day. They danced, they played kazoo, they acted out movies and told jokes. It was surreal but it worked. What can you say?

Finally, Derrick Carter used to be my favourite DJ. If you were at Kendal Calling you’ll understand why that is no longer the case. Why? Derrick, Why? words: Umar Bhutta

The Whip

VIVA l i v e m u s i c

The Rob Ellis Show Weekdays 6-10 am

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t’s been a busy few weeks at Capital Manchester. We’ve just finished our appeal for Help A Capital Child with which we raised over £180, 000 for young people in Manchester living with cancer. We had loads of guests through the door to help with the appeal and they all brought in items for us to auction off.

John Bishop & Antony Cotton joined us live on the breakfast show as well as Jason Manford and Paddy McGuinness all getting involved. Thanks to everyone who donated and helped us make a difference.

To kick off the appeal, our very own Rachel jumped out of a plane at 10, 000ft and in April 2012 she will be running the Manchester Marathon alongside Ant Payne and Producer Gorgeous. Get signed up yourself at capitalfm.com if you fancy 26 miles of agony! The Manchester Marathon returns after 10 years so it should be a great event. Rob Ellis & Wingman will be DJ-ing on the day, that’s enough exercise for them.

on something slightly less sensible and bought a 25% share in a 2 seater plane.

You can listen back to when he broke the news to his other half at capitalfm. com. There’s loads of interviews and videos on the website that are worth checking out and coming up we have Tinchy Stryder in the studio as well as a special live session from The Wanted.

Now festival season has come to an end, the live music venues have began to fill up. The MEN has just had Rihanna and she’ll be back there in November & December.

Comedian Stephen Merchant (The Office, Extra’s, An Idiot Abroad) is at The Apollo and we’ll have some exciting news about our annual Jingle Bell Ball that is always an amazing event with loads of top artists.

We’ll be giving away tickets for that and loads of other gigs in Manchester so make sure you’re listening!

“Rob bought a 25% share in a 2 seater plane with his pension”

What happens when the pension company you’ve been paying into for years goes bust? Well you get a decent little pay-out of what you’ve put away so far and decide where to re-invest it. Do up the house? Go on holiday? unfortunately Rob decided to spend it

Finally, as we get closer to Christmas we can expect the Christmas Markets to begin setting up and the office Christmas parties will be in full swing. So if you’re after a pay-rise it’s best to ask the boss now rather than after 2 bottles of wine.

The Rob Ellis Show

5TH eleMeNT ROCKS...

(Please) Don’t Love Me Anymore is the first ever original single from North West classic rock covers band, 5th Element.

Featuring Ann Richardson on vocals, Neil Hughes on lead guitar, Richard Mawdsley on bass, Dave Spink on rhythm guitar and Neil Tomkinson on drums, the song showcases the band’s classic rock style influences but with a modern twist.

5th Element are an established classic rock covers band gigging rock venues and biker rallies across the North-West.

Their set lists include tracks by AC/DC, The Cult, Muse, Bon Jovi, Nirvana, Whitesnake, The Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, and more. The group are a high quality, high energy, experienced band who work hard and play hard to rock out and get the audience going - whether they’re playing for a crowd of one or one thousand, they always give 110% to keep their fans shakin’ all night long...

Ann says: ‘This is our first ever original track, and we are really pleased with it. It was a very different experience for all of us collaborating on something new that we could shape from scratch, but we work well together and it came together really nicely. Before I joined 5th Element, I was a solo performer, so I’m used to song writing, but mainly limited to acoustic stuff that I could perform on my own, just me and a guitar. I was really excited about having a full, kick-ass rock band sound behind something I’d written. I laid down the basics of the melody and the lyrics, and then it was over to the boys. It’s weird handing over your ‘baby’ to someone else, even if it’s people you’ve been playing in a band with for several years, but it’s a good habit to get into as a musician, otherwise you’d only ever influence yourself - you’d just end up internalising, and that’s never good for creativity, you get stale really quickly.

The boys added so much to the track, I love what we produced.’

So what’s the song about? ‘It’s based on a relationship, as many songs are, where the feelings were really intense on both sides but the path never ran smoothly. Sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, it just doesn’t work and you want out.’

With driving rock beats, thumping bass, powerful vocals and Gary Moore-style riffs, (Please) Don’t Love Me Anymore takes the best of old school rock and drags it kicking and screaming into 2011. We like!

You will be able to hear the new track soon on 5th Element’s MySpace page at www.myspace.com/5thelementrocks

Photo: Dee Durkin

Visit www.5thelementrocks.co.uk to find out more about the band and check out gigs near you. You can also follow 5th Element on Facebook at www.facebook.com/5thelementrocks and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/5thElementRocks

VIVA 88

ADvANCeD

ACTINg, IT’S All

ABOUT

BeINg NATURAl

eMMA RePORTS....

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ike any other teaching establishment, DNA Performance Resource begin their new classes in September. So I am very excited about the Advanced Acting class I have just started. We will soon be filming ourselves to enable us to see how we appear to the camera and, of course, on screen.

This time around we are learning characterisation. We have to learn to create three-dimensional characters so that we can become the people we play. While we are those people we then have to understand ourselves, our place in the scene we are playing and our interaction with other characters around us. We have to be someone else until we can be them naturally.

“To have to generalise,” says Chris Hargreaves, the Tutor, “is one of the worst attributes that any actor can have. By exploring our characters and our scenes from every possible angle we will learn not to generalise.

To help us even more we have to devise a scene that we can take out onto the streets of Manchester and act out in front of the unknowing public. Although it will be stage-managed it should appear completely real to people passing by.

I’ll let you know how my partner and I get on.

It’s a very exciting time for me because the work I have done on this so far has made me think about acting as a full-time career. So it’s just as well that Chris is going to show us how to put a cv together; how to handle and audition properly and how to get an agent.

Regular readers will remember that I was thinking of joining a casting agency to get a little experience. Well I did (Industry Casting - www.industrycasting .co.uk) and I have.

My first job was an an extra on Hollyoaks. Getting involved and watching the regular characters do their bit was really exciting but I was there, mostly hanging around between scenes from 8am until 6.30pm. But that’s acting for you.

If you watch carefully, you might see me on Hollyoaks in the second week of November that’s me, big blonde hair over there in the background.

VIVA PLAYING ON THE VIVA IPOD...

Annie Mac Ben Howard Annie Mac Presents Every Kingdom October 24th October 3rd

Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac has long championed the world’s most exciting, refreshing and downright different artists.Following her first compilation disc in 2009, she has continued to collate the coolest sounds around and whirl them together on one yearly cd. This year’s selection features the hottest sounds of the fast disappearing summer, from dubstep goddess Katy B’s ‘Broken Record’ to Jamie XX’s alternative take on Adele’s ‘Rolling In The Deep’.’ Annie Mac not only brings together the musical highlights of the dance calendar, but also promotes her predicted successes of 2012 including Britain’s own hip hop newcomer Jai Paul. If post festival blues have already set in, then this compilation will have you donning your Ray Ban’s and dusting off your denim shorts regardless of the plunging temperature. words: Clemence Flamee

As a child, Ben Howard was raised on copious amounts of folk, a parenting skill that has served him well.

Following a sell-out tour across the UK and Europe, the Devon based singer/songwriter has released his debut album ‘Every Kingdom. ‘’Brimming with wellcrafted acoustic folk, he provides an album that flits between emotion packed melodies and memorable hooks. His voice is as perfectly suited to uplifting track ‘The Wolves’ as it is to the more downbeat and melancholic ‘Black Flies.’ The album has already worked its way into the UK album chart, peaking at an impressive number 7 and his sell out gigs only confirm the hype surrounding his name.

You can catch the acoustic wonder on his Every Kingdom tour which sees him playing various venues across the country.

Blink 182 Neighborhoods September 26th

Blink 182 are the epitome of punk pop.

In the late 90’s almost every teenager idolised the 3 chord riffs and immature lyrics that evolved them into an international super group. After a five year split, the band reformed in 2009 and have just returned with their long awaited 6th studio album. Having cancelled this year’s highly anticipated European summer tour and festival slots to focus on their new album, all eyes are expectantly fixed on the new release, Neighborhoods.

With frontman Tom DeLonge’s traditionally nasally vocals featuring throughout, it’s exactly what the music world has come to expect from the pioneering American pop punks.

And, although the fans may have grown up, got jobs and ditched the faded Blink t-shirts, the band’s music and rock star attitude still remains the same.

Florence And The Machine What The Water Gave Me November 7th

The Whip Wired Together September 19th

The Whip have When Florence Welch encountered something dropped her debut album of a musical shift since ‘Lungs’ onto the music their debut album X world, it didn’t quite know Marks Destination in what had hit it. The flame 2008.

The Manchester haired songstress won best trio’s status has been album at the Brits, had boosted since their her face emblazoned on impossible to forget every glossy magazine in dance track ‘Trash’ was the country and became used in TV programmes internationally renowned and adverts across the for her cover of the 90’s country.

Their old sound anthem ‘You’ve Got The has been polished, Love.’ Three years later, injected with emotion providing an award-worthy and whirled into a mass follow up to her original of deliciously colourful hype fuelled album looked beats for their new album, like an impossible task.

Wired Her new single ‘What The Together.

The albums Water Gave Me’ borrows highlight comes in the its title from a Frida Kahlo form of ‘Secret Weapon, ’ painting and the song is which teases all their almost as striking as the memorable artwork itself. electro strengths into one of the catchiest, singThe effortlessly cool siren a-long chorus around. proves her talent yet again There’s hints of the last with this floaty, dream-like album on the pounding track. Admittedly, it’s no ‘Shake’ and their only lull ’You’ve Got The Love,’ but appears on ‘Slow Down,’ trademark Florence tingles a diluted New Orderof harp are still present esque song.

Currently beneath her soaring vocals. playing sold out gigs ‘What The Water Gave Me’ across the UK, The Whip succeeds in re-establishing prove that the ridiculously her role as one of the long 3 year wait for new strongest voices in the material has paid off. industry.

We are recruiting!!!

Sales Executives for the Cheshire and Manchester Areas Here at Viva we are looking for an enthusiastic and talented individual to join our sales team. The successful candidate will manage their own advertising accounts and actively engage new opportunities within the Manchester or Cheshire area.

The ideal candidate will have at least 1 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience within a media sales role. You will be career orientated, proactive with a posititve outlook and extremely driven by target realisation.

If you want to be part of the Viva Team please send your cv with a covering letter to info@myvivaonline.co.uk

WORDS BY DARREN R L GORDON

VIVA C I N E M A R E L E A S E S

Twitter : Dar renRLG ordon / DNA_PR

3 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - 26th December

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THE IRON LADY

- 6th Januaray

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ove her of hate her, Margaret Thatcher changed the face of politics much as she changed the face of Britain. Her impact can still be felt and her influence even at this late stage in her life, is still significant in politics today. Every leader of the nation since her has been measured against her and compared to her. Thatcher’s manner and demeanour as well as the things she did were analysed and written about the world over, and the forging of ‘the special relationship’ through her friendship with the then American President ‘Ronald Regan’, meant her profile in the States was huge. That fact has definitely influenced the creation of this film, but rather than focusing too much on the controversy of some of her decisions and the impact they had on communities which has been depicted wonderfully in films such as ‘Brassed Off ’, this film is about the sacrifices she has to make in order to become the first female Prime Minister. Oscar winner Meryl Streep, whom I regard as one of the best actors of her generation, plays The title role, and captures those distinct, somewhat unnerving, characteristics of thatcher, with tremendous accuracy, particularly the voice.

h the Brit-fest continues as we see Daniel Craig (James Bond) in this tense thriller about a young woman who disappeared forty years ago under dubious circumstances. Christopher Plummer and Brit Stephen Berkoff, add a touch of experience and class to this cast. The film is a remake of a 2009 Scandinavian film, and director David Fincher, has given a more familiar Hollywood feel to this interpretation, bringing a edgy dynamic quality to the film and coupling that with very solid performances from the cast.

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Arthur Christmas - 11th November

ontinuing our British obsession, James McAvoy leads the cast of this animated seasonal charm, ably supported by Hugh Laurie (House), Bill Nighy and Jim Broadbent. Arthur is part of a dysfunctional family whose antics lead to him having to complete a vital task on Christmas Eve, and he requires the use of Santa’s own state-of-theart operation, to enable him to be a success. Definitely one for the family, and a trip with the Godson looks likely for me!

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Machine Gun Preacher - 2nd November

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irector Mark Forster has forged a reputation for creating stylish, detailed and gritty films that capture realistic representations of human struggle. One of my favourite films ‘Monster’s Ball’, was a touching and powerful tale, brilliantly acted, and Mark has combined the emotive nature of that film, with the dramatic action sequences and tension that he established in ‘Quantum of Solace’, to create ‘Machine Gun Preacher’. This movie tells the story of Sam Childers, a reformed drug dealer and ‘rough-nut’ who has found God and is driven to going to Sundan to do missionary work. Whilst there he becomes embroiled in the plight of the children he encounters, many of whom are forced to become soldiers. Given the extremes of the circumstances, it takes a convincing performance to take you on this journey, but in Scotsman Gerard Butler (Law Abiding Citizen, 300), this role was in safe hands. His conviction and integrity are striking and allow you to immerse yourself in the gravity of the situation and feel as if, given the same set of choices, that you might be compelled to make the same decisions.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - 16th November

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uy Ritchie’s interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Victorian Detective is a cross between James Bond and Poirot.

Carried by the ever-electrifying Robert Downey Junior who reprises his on screen relationship with Jude Law (as Watson), standby for another fast paced, exciting and colourful investigation. Rammed full of British talent in the cast and crew, it is great to see another American funded film that is so dominated by brilliant Brits. Parts of the original film in this franchise were shot in our own north west and this film is on a par with the first.

VIVA D V D R E L E A S E S 3 Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 12th December

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he Apes are back in this CGI driven remake of the 70’s classic. The first of what will clearly be a big franchise, we are introduced to the creation of a hyper intelligent brood of Monkeys, that is lead by Caesar. An enjoyable if sometimes far-fetched journey, which pushes the limits of your suspension of disbelief, but is worth the effort. I came out of this film wanting a pet Orangutan all over again a feeling not felt since watching ‘Any Which way but Loose’. Monkey Magic!

Hangover/Hangover 2 Boxset - 6th December

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4 The Smurfs- 5th December

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stocking-filler if ever there was one. This cheeky, characterful and fluffy interpretation of the 80’s cartoon series was a 3D Summer hit, but the 2D version will still provide lots of family fun.

Children will find the story and characters entertaining, whilst the odd bit of adult humour will keep the post teens amongst you on your toes. Doesn’t have the charm of the cartoon for me, but maybe that’s my nostalgic side shining through.

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his two disc special edition pairs these two tales of what can happen when a group of men get together for a bachelor party. Film one charts the realisation of what was a storming night in Vegas as the group wake up in a trashed hotel suite and try to piece together the night before and locate the missing ‘Doug’ in order that they can get him back to LA in time for his wedding. Part Two sees the plans change to the supposedly safer surrounds of Thailand, where ‘Stu’ is to be married, but as can only be expected, things don’t quite go to plan and another bout of crazy and ridiculous antics take place including an unbelievable facial tattoo. With the third movie currently in development but not scheduled till 2014, you’ll have to add this to the DVD shelf and get a fix of the first two in-between watching the European Championships, Olympics and possibly even the next World Cup. Rumours are that part three will be set in Amsterdam, but that is unconfirmed, what is confirmed is that since part two grossed over £280 Million and counting, Warner Bros aren’t ready to rest this Gravy Train yet!

5 Transformers 3 - 28th November Another epic from Michael Bay, the third instalment is full of the action, fast cars and sexy women that we expect. The first hour is a little dull and pointless, but then we get the good stuff as the action begins, culminating in the most action packed 15 minutes of any of this trilogy. It’s not clever, but it is big and easy to watch, though Bay’s films seem to watch better on the big screen than they do on the small one, so wire up the home cinema, get the surroundsound plugged in and recline your lazy-boy.

Horrible Bosses - 21st November

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f you didn’t get to see this outrageous comedy at the cinema, then I recommend you add it to your DVD collection, but only if you appreciate a bit of naughty and feisty fun. As the title suggests, the film is about three of the worst possible bosses, each with their unique ability to make life at work unbearable for the three employees who we know as friends in the movie. They meet after work to share their individual issues with boss one (a ball-busting Kevin Spacey), boss two (a dim-witted and work shy druggy Colin Farrell) and boss three (a sexually predatory and vulgar Jennifer Anniston). The friends hatch a clumsy plan to kill each other’s bosses which of course doesn’t quite go to plan, and leads to a hilarious confusion that causes mayhem. The performances of the bosses are each excellent. It’s great to see them is roles that are not their usual playing area, Jennifer Anniston in particular is brilliantly disgusting. An adult comedy that’s pacey and engaging throughout.

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THE 2011 NEWS FLASH...

VIVA W O R L D L Y F E A T U R E

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t’s November, boom! That’s crept up on you, hasn’t it? It seems like just yesterday you were wishing for anything but another summer of mediocre weather and now, all of a sudden, you’re balls-deep in Christmas family politics and wishing for anything but another mediocre New Year’s Eve.

Yep, 2011 has flown by – It’s 12 Months, 52 weeks, 365 days will soon all be gone, vanished – consigned to the history books. And by history books I, of course, mean the Encyclopaedia Britannica I-Pad app or ‘history-book-download’ for your kindle, #wheredidthe21stcenturygo?

So, what will 2011 be remembered for? From the imminent financial implosion of the Eurozone to the revolutionary Arab Spring, it has been a year of truly epic headlines. ....

And we could remember 2011 for those politically charged and culturally relevant topics. Or, instead, we could realise this is Viva Magazine and not Newsnight. Here are just a few of the more surreal and farcical stories that made us at Viva Towers crack a wry smile in Y2K + 11.

Far from merry for Blackberry

The telecoms world recently found out blackberries are best used for a nice summer-fruit crumble rather than be masqueraded as a smartphone. Smug suited-andbooted city types and riot-planning-hoodlums usually have very little in common. But the torch they hold for their beloved BB messenger service and QWERTY keypad sees them share a unique harmony. However, this all came crashing down (literally) in October when a majority of BB services refused to work. Well at least the financial markets and footlockers were safe for a few days.

Speed freak pensioner

Some people are born with that need for speed and some people are Caroline Turner. In September, the Essex pensioner was chased for 27 miles by police...at 10mph. Ignoring flashing blue lights, she only stopped when a policeman jogged alongside her vehicle, knocked on her window and ordered her to pull over. Rumours she is set to take over Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear due to BBC cuts are yet to be confirmed.

Swede nuked in Kitchen...nearly

While uN diplomats would have you believe that 2011’s greatest nuclear threats were from Pyongyang, Tehran or an eighties Russian cliché, they were wrong. In fact the world was nearly ended by an unemployed Swedish man with too much time – and radioactive material – on his hands.

Rather than putting some flat-pack furniture together Richard Handl from Angelholm in southern Sweden, tried to build a nuclear reactor in his kitchen. When arrested (after documenting his activities on facebook and his blog) he said: ‘I was just curious to see if it was possible, it is just a hobby.’

there were no injuries to the mother and daughter. Yet, like so many tragic heroes and tales of legends – it wasn’t a completely happy ending. The rabbit was not so lucky, succumbing to smoke inhalation and dying, leaving us to ask the question – ‘how can light that burned so brightly, suddenly burn so pale?’

2011 – An African Space Odyssey

Monkey business nuptials

From a Swede’s nuclear kitchen to a ugandan backyard space odyssey – you couldn’t make this up. Chris Nsamba is the founder of the African Space Research Programme.

Based in the central African country’s capital, Kampala, the organisation’s grandiose title certainly sounds the part. However, Chris’s space shuttle is a plane...with no engine...in his back garden!

But what he lacks in equipment, facilities and trillions of dollars of funding, he makes up for in ambition: ‘I’ll have it in space in four to six years’ he says. Viva salutes you, Sir.

Smoked rabbit or baked Alaska

Alaska is a snowy land of contrasts, home to jaw-dropping natural beauty, politicians with jaw-dropping levels of stupidity and, of course, heroic rabbits. In September a pet rabbit was credited for saving its owner from a house fire by scratching on her chest while she was asleep.

The owner awoke and, realising the house was full of smoke, got her daughter and fled. The blaze was quickly put out and damage to the house was minimal. Even more importantly,

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In April millions around the world watched Prince William marry his beloved Kate Middleton in the fairytale wedding of the century.

Just two months later and thousands of miles away, another wedding took place that would shake an entire continent...sort of.

In July, the wedding of Chinki and Raju in Northwest India was ruled illegal by local and national authorities, but the star-crossed lovers fled into the forest where they were married in secret. But what had Chinki and her groom Raju done to enrage the lawmakers?

‘It’s illegal to marry a monkey. Anyone found doing that or attending the marriage ceremony will be arrested’ said forest range officer Bhavar Singh Kaviya – that’s right the Romeo and Juliet of India were a right pair of Monkeys!

And so to 2012 – what on earth will the next 12 months hold for us. More backyard space travel or primate love stories - who knows?

But to whet your appetite, here are a couple of predictions from the soothsayers we keep locked away for just such an occasion. >

...AND THE 2012 VIVA PREDICTIONS...

Inevitable England

This is not so much a prediction as a soul-destroying, mind-crushing inevitability. Yes, Euro 2012 is next summer and with it comes the blind faith of a nation who will be rewarded with a Quarter-final, penalty shootout knock-out at the hands of the Germans or Portugal.

Wayne Rooney will be vilified and WAGs will be called into question…and then we’ll start counting down to the 2014 World Cup.

This is Stockkkkkpppoooorrtt - The end of Greater Manchester?

Remember when Bolton was in Lancashire and Stockport was in Cheshire? No - neither do I. It was in the ‘good old days’ when people ate sunshine and lived in a Warburton’s advert. Nowadays Bolton and Stockport are in Greater Manchester, but the pair are battling for City Status in the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Each town wants to ‘define their identity’ away from Manchester. Earlier this year the University of Salford sparked outrage among its citizens with a marketing campaign that branded Salford part of Manchester, rather than a city in its own right.

Is this the end? Is Greater Manchester falling part?

Is it set to become a group of warring city states like ancient Greece? Well, even if it did…it’d still be better than Liverpool.

The End of Days!

Don’t shoot the messenger – even if the messenger is the harbinger of doom! Yes, 2012 is the end of the world… again. This year the prophecy comes from the ancient Mayans. Believers say that the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar’s 5000 year cycle ends on December 21st 2012.

It will lead to an apocalyptic series of events, culminating in the end of human civilization as we know it. Well, at least you won’t have to do any Christmas shopping. ■ words: Jordan Kenny

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