Bench: 'Self Made' Launch

Last week Canoe Inc were kind enough to send me and fellow blogger Derek to Manchester to attend the Bench AW12 'Self Made' collection launch at 2022NQ.

Staying at the gorgeous McDonald Hotel for the night, we enjoyed a party with free flowing rum cocktails (yeow!) music by Lulu James, and food by Harvey Nicholls...

I've worked with lifestyle brands before, but have to admit that I didn't know much about the brand, apart from that they made urban wear and had a huge North American following. 

Self Made is 'about people who are making things happen' deriving from Bench being a brand built on a cornerstone of motivation, inspiration and passion. Cheesy as that may sound (apologies) the brand originated from a group of friends selling their t-shirts designs in Manchester, and generally doing what they loved. 

The AW12 collection takes inspiration from people spinning their own wheel, following their own paths and inspiring others... a bit like bloggers! 
Their campaign follows inspirational individuals from different cities through interviews and videos, to discover people who are making it happen (find out more about it here).

The women's collection is inspired by exploration, functionality and misfits! But, I actually decided that the men's collection was more to my liking; nordic oversized knitwear, and checked and patched shirts, infused with rich autumnal colour pallets, were perfect for masculine 'boyfriend' dressing.

I pretty much had a ridiculous amount of fun, and it was great to see the city where the brand originated.

Thanks to Canoe Inc and Bench!

(image 7 stolen from Derek!)