4. isabella blow 8. mattie brass 16. where to eat? 20. lane 7 24. ninety nine 26. blanc. illustrates 34. erika bowes 46. urban exploration 60. colour festival 64. samuel wright 66. sass in the city 74. signed for you 78. interview with a blogger 82. cocktail master class
contents
editor’s letter
blAnc. 1st edition
editors letter BLANC.
w
elcome to the 1st edition of BLANC. Magazine where we will introduce who we are and what we do. We are a North East based company, aiming our publication at various creatives in the North East area who similarly enjoy a minimalistic urban style .Here at Blanc. Our aim is to educate and feed peoples creativity on a wide scale, ranging from tattooing to photography, food and fashion. We also document festivals and events that take place in the area and feature local buisnesses that we may have tried out that week. All artwork and photoshoots featured within blanc. Have been created by up and coming or established artists within in the north east. We hope you enjoy and we look forward to bringing you our next edition in the near future!
BLANC.
4.
ISABELLA BLOW FASHION GALORE Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! is at Somerset House, London WC2 from 20 November 2013 to 2 March 2014.
BLANC.
5. Born Isabella Delves Broughton in 1958, Blow was a fashion consultant, editor, muse and finder of young talent. She’s Probably best known for her extrovert dress sense and love of hats. To many she was a true english eccentric, although her life was troubled by tragedy, depression and unhappiness A turbulent child hood in which her younger brother died tragically and parents were divorced is later quoted as being the starting point for her life long battle with depression. Although she may have been born into an aristocratic family she saw very little of the money this involved. After education she moved into a squat in London and took any job she could in order to make ends meet. In 1979 she moved to New York to study ancient Chinese and this was to be the start of her lifelong love of fashion. During her time in New York she became friends with Pop Art artiss, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichenstein. Isabella Blow or Issy to those closer to her
“I don’t use a hat as a prop, I use it as a part of me....” loved the idea of nurturing up and coming talent, and used her talent for this to spot many of the fashion industries leading figures. It was because of her wedding to Detmar Blow that she discovered milliner Phillip Treacy a then unknown student at the Royal College of Art. Treacy was chosen to design a wedding hat for Blow. Blow loved to wear hats and her life story can be told through hats. The fondest memory Blow has of her mum, who left the family home when Issy was only 14 was of being allowed to try on her mothers pink hat. Another story Blow delighted in telling was about the time she first met her husband Detmar Blow, and how he began by complimenting her hat.Phillip Treacy was to become one of Issy’s life long friends and she delighted in knowing that she was a huge force behind Treacy’s every growing career. Blow was often spotted with one of Treacy’s hats upon her head. She was once quoted as saying “I don’t use a hat as a prop, I use it as a part of me. If I am feeling really low, I go and see Philip, cover my face, and feel fantastic. Although, if I’m on a real low it requires going to the doctor for a prescription,” Treacy was not the only designer Blow is famous for finding she also spotted then
BLANC.
6.
BLANC.
7. student Alexander McQueen at Saint Martins, MA graduate show . She was that taken with McQueens graduate collection that she bought the entire collection for 5,000 although she paid it in 100 a week sums and received an item a month. While Treacy and McQueen were finding their feet in the fashion industry Blow helped them on there way by often helping fund projects and giving them both places to stay at some points. McQueen quickly became famous around the world and after the Gucci Group bought his label Blow expressed bitterness to one of her closest friends Daphne Guiness. “She was upset that Alexander McQueen didn’t take her along when he sold his brand to Gucci. Once the deals started happening, she fell by the wayside. Everybody else got contracts, and she got a free dress.” The exhibition Fashion Galore focuses heavily on her influence over McQueen and Treacy and features both their graduate Collections as well as the La Dame Bleue collection they did together after her suicide in 2008. Just like Blow the exhibition is going to be spectacular. Set designer Shona Heath and Museum Curator Alistair O’Neill curated this amazing exhibition that gives you an insight into the world of someone like Blow. The exhibition also includes over a hundred pieces from her amazing personal wardrobe now mostly owned by Daphne Guiness, who is one of Blows life long
“...Everybody else got contracts, and she got a free dress.” friends and supporters. The exhibition starts off with family photos and magazine clippings of blow as a child and moves onto playing the interviews of Blow when she was still alive. It showcases McQueens graduate collection as well as his first collection for Gucci. It showcases Treacy’s Graduate collection and the collection McQueen and Treacy’s
created together in memory of a women that they have to thank for their careers. It showcases her incredible collection of shoes and hats and clearly shows that this is in fact a wardrobe that was worn, the shoes have scuff marks and dresses and jumpers are now adorned with cigarette burns. I feel like this gives the exhibition a real life, and gives the viewer a feel of what Isabella Blow was really like, there are pages of her diary open that showcase
"a one-off, your own creation in a world of copycats...” how she famously wrote all her notes in pink ink, all though i challenge anyone to be able to read what every word says. Not only does the exhibition include the hats and clothes of Isabella but also things like a fax from one of Blows former assistants during her time at the sunday times; it portrays an image of what it must have been like to work for Blow, and how hard it was to get the stylist to keep to meeting times and budgets. She is famous for her laugh that McQueen once said reminded him of a “Billingsgate fishwife.” There was also a few mannequins with un matched shoes, both usually the same type of shoe just in different colours, it is said that this is why Warhol befriended her at a New York party. Rupert Everett another one of Blow’s close friends described her as “a one-off ... your own creation in a world of copycats” Although the exhibition is a celebration of her life it does however leave you with a bittersweet feeling. The exhibition could have quite easily painted Blow as a tragic figure however it instead paints her as a women with an incredible sense of style and an eye for young talent. It shows that she was not only a women of exuberant style but that she also had substance too. Although perhaps her untimely death was in part caused because Isabella Blow took the fashion industry too seriously?
BLANC.
8.
Mattie
brass. BLANC.
9.
BLANC.
10.
BLANC.
11.
BLANC.
12.
BLANC.
13.
BLANC.
14.
BLANC.
15.
BLANC.
16.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK? BLANC.
17. Revolution Newcastle is a luxurious bank conversion with original 30ft ceilings, marble pillars and classic wood features. Revolution has cemented itself into the Newcastle scene with a great reputation for fantastic music, a great atmosphere and excellent service, all providing the perfect backdrop to your night. Unique and classic cocktails, handcrafted vodka flavours, premium spirits served in the bottle to table and over thirty different bottled and draught beers and ciders. The best parties. Fresh and tasty dishes from the Revolution Kitchen, with wines specially selected to match. I suppose when you think of Revolution you don’t necessarily think of food and drink, or at least I didn’t. See the Revolution back in my home town of Hull was seen as a pre drink
World craft beers and speciality cockatils served daily bar and not some where that was open during the day that sold a variety of food and so when I moved to Newcastle for university I was shocked to learn quite how popular the Revolution was in Newcastle, and naturally had to go and try it out. I visited the website at first to have a nose around and see what it had to offer and noticed an offer they did on a Monday for 50% off food and cocktails, and as I am a student I decided that a monday would be the best time to go. The Newcastle Revolution had recently been done up and so recently had been very well advertised around campus. Revolution Newcastle is a luxurious bank conversion with its original 30 foot ceilings, marble pillars and classic wood features. Revolution has recently cemented itself into the Newcastle scene with a great reputation for fantastic music, a great atmosphere and excellent service, all providing the perfect backdrop for your day or night. The revolution Kitchen has a freshly prepared style for savouring, feasting and sharing. Inspired by unique menus form around the world and served straight from the Kitchen. The menu has old favourites and calorie counting dishes
BLANC.
18. side by side. And being a vodka bar originally if the food tastes better with vodka init then it is added to. The food is created their way specifically for its customers. The menu is constantly evolving and changing and has a variety of dishes to suit a variety of taste buds. They have the much loved burger that is lovingly made and is always succulent and meaty and then they have pizzas that always have a thin crust and plenty of topping. Add to those menu essentials the famous Mac ’n’ Cheese and the Mexican classic the burrito along with Noodles and Katsu and you have a modern day menu to suit the modern day customer. The
Revolution cocktails are developed by their expert mixologists who have the tough job of experimenting, tasting and refining the whole range of classic, unique and specialist drinks that make up the cocktail menu. Using premium spirits, fresh ingredients and their own unique twist, every cocktail is crafted simply for you to enjoy.
if the food tastes better with vodka in its added They have a wide variety of different drinks and you could go countless times a week for months without trying the same drink twice. The unique shakers, classic party pitchers and bespoke copper jug sets for oversized cocktails are made for sharing with your favourite people. Sounds like an excuse for a party‌ Check out the drinks menu online and get together with friends. The premium vodka
BLANC.
19. selection is sourced from all over the world, but also handcrafted and triple distilled to create the unique flavours produced in their very own vodka factory. The world’s favourite spirit, the ‘water of life’ and the not-so-secret ingredient for the most delicious cocktails and most memorable nights. Become a connoisseur of vodka and try all 18 brands and
own area and having drinks ready for when you and friends arrive.
all the different flavours that theses brands have to offer. You could even book to hold your birthday party at revolution, and take all the stress out of it so that all you have to worry about is the wish you’re going to make when you blow the candles out on your cake. How about booking a cocktail masterclass so that you can get behind the bar and mix up drinks with your own export bar tender. Or you could make your birthday extra special by booking out your
Revolution a go, after all it may become your favourite place to be. It is situated near the train station and is a short walls from The City centre and both Northumbria and Newcastle University campus’ which after all is always handy.
Revolution also have loyalty schemes available, such as the privilege card that you can purchase for £5 that brings you a hole load more discounts, or the Student card which is a privilege card for students for the small price of £2, so why not give
So All in All Revolution-Newcastle is the place to be, wether its for a bite to eat during the day, cocktails on a night or to celebrate an occasion; Revolution has it all.
BLANC.
20.
strike lane seven Forget everything you thought you knew about bowling alleys, because Lane7 is different. Really different.
BLANC.
21. Forget formica tables, moulded seats and plastic hot-dogs imagine the best bar you’ve ever been to and then add a first class dining experience, ten-pin bowling, ping-pong, pool, Karaoke and an unrivalled atmosphere into the mix. perfect for nights out with mates, for parties and even for corporate events. All in all, it’s a pretty cool concept, and you’re going to love it.
Head Chef Chris Finnigan and his team have dreamt up the best menus this side of the Atlantic. With dishes ranging from House Smoked Baby Back Ribs (smoked in their own smokery) to Beetroot & Hazelnut Salad, they’ve something for everyone in their 75 cover restaurant. And what about afters? Well, whether you’re hankering after something gooey or zingy they’ve got you covered with their range of sweets, deserts and sundaes.
they’ve got some of your old favourites and a few surprises too. Beers from across the world, a wide range of premium spirits, including choice bourbons and rums, and a pretty comprehensive cocktail menu too. Alternatively, if you’re not sure what you want just ask a member of the team and they’ll identify whats tickling your fancy. Whether you just want to kick back and relax or be a bit more active, you won’t have to waste time queueing at the bar; it’s table service for all their guests.
BLANC.
22. With big balls, small balls, ping-pong and sing-song, they can keep you and your group entertained all the way ’til closing time (even they have to sleep sometimes – sorry!). their eight walnut bowling lanes, four American pool tables, two ping-pong tables and private karaoke room are all available to hire, so if you’ve a plan brewing just get in touch and they’ll see what they can do. And now, with the opening of their multifunctional basement space, they’ll be offering regularly changing limited-time only activities to match the seasons — first up, Mini Golf.
BOWL THEY’VE got 8 lanes (4 up and 4 down), accommodate up to 7 players each, and some rather snazzy bowling shoes. PRICES PEAK 7.5 — Thursday to Saturday: 6pm – close OFF-PEAK 6 — Sunday to Wednesday: all day, Thursday to Saturday: until 6pm STUDENT 4.5 — Sunday to Wednesday: all day long! (But we will need to see your valid NUS card) KIDS 4.5 — Monday to Sunday: until 6pm
POOL Book one of THEIR four American pool tables and you’ll get your own seating area and waitress service too. PRICES PEAK 12 — Thursday to Saturday: 6pm – close OFF PEAK 8 — Sunday to Wednesday: all Day, Thursday to Saturday: until 5pm STUDENT 4.75 — Sunday to Wednesday: 4pm – close, with a valid NUS card, of course.
MINI GOLF For a limited time only (Available April 10th – June 11th only.) putt yourself round THEIR custom built all-wood Mini Golf course. Choose your club (our favourites Barbara) and get swinging round seven holes of small ball fun.
BLANC.
23. TABLE TENNIS Table tennis, ping-pong, wiff-waff or erm paddle-y waddle-y?? Whatever you want to call it, you can play it at Lane7. All prices include waitress service and ping-pong elves* to replenish your bucket of balls. (*if actual, real-life ping-pong elves are unavailable members of staff may have to stand in) PRICES PEAK 7 / 12 — 30 or 60 mins, Thursday to Saturday: 6pm – close OFF-PEAK 5 / 9 — 30 or 60 mins, Sunday to Wednesday: all day, Thursday to Saturday: until 5pm STUDENT 4 — 30 mins, Sunday to Wednesday: 4pmclose, with a valid NUS card
KARAOKE Sing your heart out in THEIR fantastic private Karaoke room, complete with its own trapdoor over a shark infested pool (just press the big red button and never listen to someone murder a Mariah Carey song again) PRICES FRI – SAT 7 THU 5 SUN – WED 3
EVENTS at Lane7 THEY’RE open for more than just individual bookings and private events, throughout the year THEY also put on a range of events and offers for you to roll-on down to or take advantage of. So keep your ear to the solid walnut bowling lane floor and be first to hear what’s rolling your way.
EASTER This Easter (4th – 22nd April) THEY’RE open every day from 11am for all your ball-based needs. Roll on down from 11am. So book now and forget all about the egg-shaped shenanigans
FATHER’S DAY Bring your ol’Pa to bowl at Lane7 this Father’s Day (15th June) and he’ll eat for free, THEY’LL fill him up, he’ll knock ‘em down.
BLANC.
BlAnc. On Food...
Ninety Nine
2.
99 Grey Street, Newcastle Ninety Nine are creating a movement on the high street, changing the way we eat with their fresh, gourmet fast food. In the centre of the city just next to monument it sits, a reletively small cafe with bags of character. The chalkboards around the walls show the regularly changing specials and with extra notes and doodles give the place a rather cosy and homely feel. it actually gives off the feeling of freshness itself, with the pots of fresh herbs along
the front of the counter, bringing the outdoors inside. the menus include fresh salads, burgers and pasta dishes all prepared the same day. As well as the fresh food, whicWh tastes amazing (by the way), they also package their take out food in an environmentally friendly way, in recyclable cardboard boxes,with wooden cutlery, this extra attention to detail makes the place not just a meal, but, an experience.
BLANC.
23.
26.
BLANC.
ILLUSTRATES
fASHION ILLUSTRATIONS LAYERED OVER FASHION CAPITALS BY NORTHUMBRIA DESING STUDENTS.
BLANC.
28.
BLANC.
29.
BLANC.
BLANC.
34.
fashion blogger
erika
bowes.
founder of ‘a handful of fashion’ BLANC.
35.
BLANC.
this ragged priest shearlingyaviator jacket With fur trimmings and a bright pop of colour, sure is a high flyer. ragged priest’s suede aviator jacket is a high flycoat, models own, ragged priest,, lEATHER DUNGAREES, topshop,£50,er. rOLL NECK SWEATER, zara, £29.99, shoes, £69.99, asos jACKET, £120, ragged priest, lEATHER DUNGAREES, £50, TOPSHOP, rOLL NECK SWEATER, £45, zara, buckle shoes, asos, £95
BLANC.
36.
BLANC.
37.
BLANC.
38.
you cant teach laid back cool, but this asos calf length coat sure makes it easier. coat, models own, asos,, lEATHER DUNGAREES, AS BEFORE, rOLL NECK SWEATER, AS BEFORE, BOOTS, ÂŁ149.99, topshop
BLANC.
BLANC.
a
t the age of 19, fashion blogger Erika Bowes already has a CV to rival many talents who have been in the industry decades longer. Half English and half Japanese, her image has a true edge that coincides effortlessly with her thrown together, yet minimal street style With an impressive 42,000 Instagram followers to her name, it is clear that she is an integral contender within the blogging world. After starting her blog, Handful of Fashion, 2 years ago in 2012 she has had many opportunities sent her way and seized them with full intent. Her most recent jaunt was the honor of attending Vogue festival 2014 as part of a press pack where she had the chance to sit through a talk with Celine’s Phoebe Philo, something many fashionistas breaking into the industry only dream of. The most popular section of her blog, of course, is her ‘Personal Blog’ section, where she features anything from her enthusing outings to outfit selections. Everywhere she goes proves a photo opportunity, whether it be outside her house, in her university room, or on her around the world travels, allowing her followers to be part of her almost every move and observing how her style changes from occasion to occasion. Taking on the challenge of University earlier this September has only stimulated her creativity , offering her lots of new experiences, and a totally different perspective on fashion. Attending Northumbria University in Newcastle enables Erika to experiment with different styles than those seen in her home city of London. Studying Fashion Communication has allowed her to keep along the same lines and further the potential of her
blog whilst allowing her to head towards her dream job as a creative director of a fashion house, something she is very passionate about. Alongside her passion for fashion, Erika is also a food enthusiast. As a vegan, her food choices are rather specific, but make for brilliant photos, something which she regularly shares on her blog. Earlier this year she created a secondary blog, Vegantuni, focused on vegan dietary specifically. Here she shares her health and food tips, answers peoples questions and posts lots of photos of the interesting and mostly Japanese food she eats. Alongside her blogging, Erika is an aspiring model, recently feauturing in a advertising campaign for Ragged Priest, a cult UK fashion brand, baased in Essex. Her daily snapping of outfits have had a profound effect as her shoots are always extremely professional, leaving no doubt that this girl knows what she is doing. Whilst being quite an Internet sensation, Erika has remained humble, seeing herself as a simple fashion student no different to anyone else just trying to break into the fashion industry. What makes her stand out from her crowd is undoubtedly the influence her travelling experiences have had on her fashion perspective. The obvious being Japanese influence, a place she visits frequently, but recent travels to New York for fashion week and her constant trips up and down the country have definitely added a more minimal curve to her style. we will absolutely undoubltably see more from erika in the near future but for now we sit back and enjoy watching as her rise to queen blogger continues
BLANC.
44.
erika promises a hand full of fashion, and her hands certainly deliver no less LEFT HAND: thumb ring, £36, all saints, forefinger ring, £12 pack of 4, topshop, middle ring, £180, YVES SAINTLAURENT RIGHT HAND: THUMB RING, AS BEFORE, TOPSHOP, MIDDLE RING, £8, URBAN OUTFITTERS
BLANC.
45.
BLANC.
46.
urban
exploration
Ushaw college RESTS WITHIN 400 ACRES OF TRADITIONAL DURHAM COUNTRYSIDE. aN ABANDONED MONASTRY, IT HAS STOOD FOR OVER 200 YEARS IN ITS TRANQUIL SETTING.
BLANC.
47.
BLANC.
BLANC.
49.
BLANC.
50.
BLANC.
51.
BLANC.
52.
BLANC.
53.
BLANC.
54.
BLANC.
55.
BLANC.
56.
BLANC.
57.
BLANC.
58.
BLANC.
59.
BLANC.
60.
something different BLANC.
61.
HOLI FESTIVAL OF COLOUR One summer. Four Cities. 25.000 colourful guests. 250.000 Facebook Fans.
BLANC.
62. Thousands of people, dressed in white, come together to share music, dance, performance art and visual stimulation. HOLI ONE brings this unforgettable experience to cities all around the world. We come together to share in music, dance, performance art and visual stimulation. WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON SATURDAY JUNE THE 21ST? HOW ABOUT GETTING YOURSELF DOWN TO NEWCASTLE RACE COURSE FOR NEWCASTLE FIRST HOLI ONE COLOUR FESTIVAL.. The HOLI ONE Colour Festival is inspired by the original Indian Holi fest, but is not associated with or related to that festival. It is important to note that the HOLI ONE Colour Festival is not a religious festival or event. It does not aim to promote any religious aspects or groups. Instead the festival is about promoting the ideas of togetherness and the colour of everyday life during a day of fun and exhilaration. Due to the environment we don’t use technical aids in the dyeing and drying process of our powder.
HOLI ONE POWDER is made of rice flour, which has been optimised with natural ingredients to use it outdoor. The colour powder is completely biodegradable, compostable, nontoxic, allergy-free and providing maximum colour brilliance. HOLI ONE POWDER is a cosmetic product and registered in the Cosmetics Products Notification Portal. The HOLI ONE POWDER is made by natural colourants and organic ingredients as cosmetic-proofed and skin-friendly, and it is non-toxic and not harmful. It is fully compostable and we disclaim on technical aids in the dyeing and drying of the powder. Our HOLI ONE POWDER is made with rice flour and it’s free of allergens.
BLANC.
63. Due to the low proportion of fine dust and to the small size of the particles, the powder is easily breathed out. We recommend guests wear masks and persons with (asthmatic) respiratory ailments are dissuaded from attending the festival. HOLI ONE POWDER is water soluble residue - even without foam - and the colour is usually easily washed off of the clothing as well as skin and hair. Because of the remarkably small amount of pigment, the paint particles
do not adhere permanently. Nevertheless, bring clothes that you can dispense with or save as a lasting memory of the event. Festival organisers have billed it a celebration of equality and tolerance, as well as a chance to step outside of the routine. The colourful, pleasant atmosphere, with those attending have care free fun characterise the festival.
BLANC.
64.
SAMUEL WRIGHT. singer. songwriter. model.
BLANC.
65.
life is a sountrack. Samuel Wright, 23, has a face and voice destined for a spotlit future. Watching as he brings his set to a close with a hauntingly captivating cover of John Newman’s Love me again, his passion and his striking looks are clear. He holds the audiences attention in a strange emerging manner, allowing them to sink into a calm but blissful state as he works his magic. Having been given his first guitar by a cousin at the age of 12 there has been signs of a promising future. His enthusiasm for rock music also began around this time, propelling him to dabble with drums and piano, adding to his musical flair. Coming from a fairly unmusical family, (his sister plays piano) Sam taught himself how to play guitar with a little help from his cousin. Practicing became his enjoyment time. The first song he ever learned to play was House of the Rising sun by The Animals, something which still remains as his favourite arrangement to play to this day. Listening to him play the famous tune, you can feel the love he has for his art conveyed. Vocally inspired by the work of ben howard, the similarities between the
BLANC.
two are visible. The tone and emotion used by the two are raw and compelling, something Sam feels is hugely important within his work. He also takes inspiration lyrically from artists such as the Arctic Monkeys and Jamie T due to their reference to real life situations, something he likes to practice himself, producing much more meaningful stories within his work. After leaving his job in retail to persue his music career, Sam is no stranger to performing in front of larger audiences, playing in bars and clubs around the North East at least 3 times a week but his fondest memory is playing for a crowd of over 700 people with his band at the age of 15, something he considers as one of his greatest achievements. Recently turning his hand, or face, to freelance modeling, Sam is building a rather impressive portfolio of striking images. With cheekbones to envy and his strong masculine look he is taking the north east modeling scene by storm, proving he is more than just a one trick pony. With a rising following, the only way is up and Samuel Wright is definitely one to watch out for.
Sass In the City
BLANC.
71.
BLANC.
blanc..
BLANC.
74.
Signed For You...
Aspiring Graphic Designer, Typographer and business owner....
BLANC.
Signed For You was established by Hattie Taylorgell, 20, in 2013. From her north yorkshire setting she provides personalised gifts/decor/stationary for all occasions... we had a short interview with the lady herslef to find out more about her business and passion for typography.
BLANC.
76. Q. tell us briefly about your background? A. I’m a first year student at Northumbria University studying Graphic Design. I was brought up in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. I started designing personalised posters last year and have been doing it ever since, more so in seasonal months eg, christmas and mothers/fathers day. Q. how would you describe your style? A. My style is using modern technologies to create something individual and personal for people to purchase. It’s simple, retro and unique. It works well with occasions, for example if you have that one friend that has EVERYTHING, it’s something to just remind you of the good times.
Q. what areas of your work are you hoping to explore in the next year?
Q. what compels you todesign and what other compulsions do you have?
A. I’m hoping to create more personalised posters and maybe colours, teWxtures, shapes, type have correlations then you’re on to something. Sometimes its about breaking boundaries and trying something new with design that enables you to have breakthroughs. Of course being able to draw helps but in this day and age there are all sorts of styles to communicate through image, whether it be digital or hand-drawn.
A. I just enjoy creating something that someones going to look at and smile. Especially with my personalised posters, as they are usually gifts, it’s nice to know that someone is going to receive it and appreciate the content that’s relevant to them.
Q. what do you do to keep your ideas fresh? A. Look for inspiration on typography and design blogs. There’s always something new going on.
Q. what’s been the biggest singular influence on your work? A. I’m not too sure, I decided to make my friend a poster for her birthday and the idea cottoned on and I was being asked to make them for other people’s gifts too. So I thought I would use my artistic license and create all different types of posters to see what response I got. Q. what’s the thing you enjoy most about typography design? A. I love using type to make something visually appealing and interesting to look at. Typography is everywhere in this day and age from road signs to packaging. Typography doesn’t always have to be functional. It can be aesthetically pleasing and allows you to experiment with colour and shape.
BLANC.
7 7.
BLANC.
An Interview With... BLANC.
sandra Tang a Fashion Blogger BLANC.
80. We met up with North East Based Fashion Blogger, Sandra Tang, to ask about her love of fashion, blogging and her role in NE!’s Newcastle fashion week. Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live... A. I was born and bred a Sheffielder. My parents are originally from Hong Kong. I’ve lived in various places from Liverpool to Furukara in Japan before settling in Newcastle. I’m now the Marketing and Events Manager for Newcastle NE1. I run NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week and in my spare time I enjoy blogging. Q. What are your greatest passions? a. I love fashion, food and blogging! I’m also a film and comic book fan. q. How did you first get interested in fashion and why is it important? a. I’ve always been interested in fashion since I was young. It’s a great way to express your personality and plus it can be so beautiful! Q. What inspired you to start your blog? a. I was lucky enough to attend some great events, such as London Fashion Week and my blog was a way for me to share my experiences and love for fashion, food and other lifestyle events. Q. How do you describe the fashion scene in the northeast and what interests you about it?
A. The fashion scene in the North East is fantastic. We have such passion for fashion and you can see the range of styles in our Street Style hunt for NE1’s Newcastle Fashion Week in Newcastle’s Most Stylish. We also have a great talent base with one of the top universities in the country for fashion - Northumbria University. We are also very lucky to have a brilliant range of retailers, from some of the biggest high street shops in the north such as topshop and Primark, through to top vintage shops such as those on High Bridge street Attica has been featured in Vogue for example and designer shops such as VivienneW Westwood, Fenwick and Cruise. Q. Your Top 3 places to shop in the north east... A. There’s too much to choose from but I love Fenwick for everything - you can find pretty much anything you want in there. I also adore my charity shops - I have to say all of them in one go, you can head to so many ones in town from British Heart Foundation to the Cyrenians - all within a few minutes of each other. Finally, I adore the family run designer boutique Leaf Clothing in town, the staff there are lovely and the clothes there even more so! Q. Describe your personal style and its influences / inspiration... a. My personal style I’d like to think is more classic. I don’t tend to go too trendy and I like to think that whatever I wear, I’ll look back on in say 20 years time and not be embarrassed about - hopefully no awful
BLANC.
fashion disasters! My style icons are Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn and Diana Kruger. Q. The first thing you look at in another person’s outfit is... A. I look to see how they put it all together. You can buy top to toe designer but if it doesn’t fit or you haven’t put it together well, there’s really no point! Q. What do you skimp on? A. I skimp on everything to be honest, I’m always hunting down bargains or I’m also known as a voucher queen! There’s loads of ways to be a savvy shopper these days. Q. What do you splurge on? A. I splurge on good skincare products. Q. A fashion never break...
rule
you
A. Don’t wear something that you don’t feel comfortable with. Q. In the year 2015 you will be... A. Hopefully running another great fashion event in Newcastle. Watch this space! Q. What would you say to someone seeking fashion advice? A. Never be influenced to wear something that isn’t you. Check out the website: www.getintonewcastle. co.uk/nfw for all details of what’s happening with this year’s NE1’s NFW. It’s going to be an amazing year!
BLANC.
82.
cocktail
masterclass
crEATED BY EXPERT MIXOLOGISTS, REVOLUTIONS COCKTAIL MASTERS WILL TEACH YOU ALL THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE AS OYU MIX, MUDDLE AND STIR IT UP BEHIND THE BAR, AND OF COURSE TRY SOME OF THEIR UNIQUE AND CLASSIC DRINKS along the way. Youll never look at the cocktail menu in the same way. masterclasses start from £24.95 per person.