Fashion: Leeds is top for creativity

The brand interviewed six Leeds independents: King Koby, La Bottega Milanese, Northern Monk Brewery, Department M, Snake and Tiger and Village bookshop. The resulting interviews and photo shoot are featured on Farah’s blog, as is a video showcasing creatives at work and independent Leeds and exploring their fashion and business style as well as asking them what makes Leeds such a great city for harnessing creativity and starting up a business.

In the first of its Creatives on Tour series, the men’s fashion brand says it aims to see that individuality is celebrated in a world where it’s sometimes difficult to stand out from the crowd.

A Farah spokesperson says: “Creativity can manifest itself in hundreds of ways. And in Leeds, it truly does. Hiding in the arcades that stray from the beaten track or residing in the structures of its Victorian past, Leeds is awash with creative minds, daring attitudes and busy hands.

“In a bid to uncover those behind the city’s creative spirit, Farah headed up north to meet some of the individuals currently driving Leeds’ innovative surge towards a new and exciting future. From bohemian barbers to contemporary coffee shop owners, here are some of the city’s most creative people giving their view on one of our favourite towns.”

Ben Holmes, Village Bookstore

What is it? Established in 2012, this store specialises in independently published magazines, journals and books.

What do you do? “We sell books. Or at least try to.”

Why Leeds?

“After university, there were a lot of people here giving things a go. There was more of an openness to trying new things. The traditional way can be to graduate and then move down to London to get a job, but in Leeds you have the freedom to try something and be different.”

What is the company’s style? It is a style founded on wood, plants and books – it is very minimalist.

Leeds in three words is: “Open, creative, independent.”

http://www.villagebookstore.co.uk/

Brian Dickinson, Northern Monk Brewery

What is it? Established back in 2013, this independent brewery has come a long way in such a short space of time.

What do you do? “I brew beer, package it, clean, clean, write recipes, give brewery tours and talks, and clean.”

Why Leeds?

“As I lived in Huddersfield, I was bang in the middle of Leeds and Manchester, but for a good few years it was always better to go to Manchester for interesting beers and bars. But in the last two or three years, the bar scene in Leeds has grown and, as a result, more and more breweries have moved here. Suddenly Leeds had much more appeal and much more going on.”

Leeds in three words is: “Hive of activity.”

http://www.northernmonkbrewco.com/

Alex Galantini, La Bottega Milanese

What is it? Established in 2009, La Bottega Mialnese is an Italien espresso bar.

What do you do? “We provide a Milanese lifestyle through continental café culture.”

Why Leeds? “I came here for a summer to learn the language and do something a little bit different. I was totally fascinated by the scene here, I loved Leeds straight away - the young vibrant life that was going around here was definitely appealing.”

What is the company’s style? “Subtle elegance, classy and detailed”

Leeds in three words is: “Innovative, happening, buzzing!”

http://labottegamilanese.co.uk/

Myke Greaves, King Koby’s Chop Shop

What is it? A barbershop that, in their own words wants to ‘exist with purpose’.

What do you do? “At King Koby I am a barber/stylist. I cut and style gents hair, I also trim, shape up and shave beards.”

Why Leeds? “It’s just such an awesome city and it’s just going to grow and grow over the next few years - and I can’t wait to see what happens.”

Leeds in three words is: “It is awesome.”

http://www.kingkoby.com/

Owen Brinley, Department M

What is it? Established in 2012, Department M are a band.

What do you do? “Our sound is impressionistic pop, I suppose - weird-dream hangover music. Sonically, a marriage of electronic experimentation and indie-rock.”

Why Leeds? “There are other towns and cities in the UK but Leeds just has everything you need to be a musician. As opposed to somewhere like London, where I suppose it’s a nightmare to find affordable space to make music or art in, Leeds has that in spades.”

Leeds in three words is: (after minutes of deliberation) “that’s too difficult”

https://www.facebook.com/departmentmband/

Chris Lambert, Tattooist, Snake and Tiger

What is it? Established in 2015, the experienced tattooists pride themselves in their ability to adorn the highest-quality designs onto the skin of their loyal customers.

What do you do? “I started tattooing 8 years ago. I initially did my apprentice at Ultimate Skin, I worked there for about 2 years. Finally I came back to Leeds to set up Snake and Tiger which is my tattoo shop in Thornton’s arcade.

Why Leeds?My client basis at the end of the day, I think I have a really good client basis here with a lot of regulars. Business is good in Leeds for me anyhow. I like working with people from Leeds because I think that they know what they want, and they are willing to pay for quality, which is not what I have necessarily found at the other places I have worked. So the people of Leeds are good, and that’s what has brought me back.

How would you pitch the city to someone who is considering opening a business in Leeds? There is a large turnover of students which means there are new people coming each year. That is one thing that I think has really helped Leeds’ economy. I think probably out of the major cities in the North, Leeds to me seems to be the one that is the most up and coming, compared to the other big three.

http://snakeandtiger.com/