IF Vogue Fashion’s Night Out was a dance off, it’d be the battle of the big brands.

Makers to look out for include jeweller Amy Lawrence Design, handbags by Sarah Williams Handmade and textiles by Leto & Ariadne.

The evening’s schedule on Thursday 10 October, has the potential to end up more like Supermarket Sweep than ‘fashion’s biggest party’, with the department stores and high street shops all offering free drinks, discounts and offers within the same time frame.

Ready, steady, shop!

It’s refreshing then, that the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2013 will also be displaying its full fashion and cultural credentials for the first time on that same evening.

Launching as an official part of Fashion’s Night Out, the annual craft fair is set to showcase works by some of the country’s most exciting designer makers. 

Trying On Angelika Klose HatsTrying On Angelika Klose Hats

Embarking on its sixth year in the heart of the city, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair will take place in a purpose-built pavilion on Hardman Boulevard in Spinningfields district. The three-day event presents an unrivalled opportunity to buy direct from over 160 makers selected for their excellence in textiles, jewellery, ceramics, wood and furniture, lighting, metal, glass and paper. 

Fashion forward visitors can indulge autumn’s punk trend with rebel-inspired jewellery from Chris Boland, Ciara Bowles and Emily Richard, or try out the season’s favourite palette of dark blues and reds, mixed with perfect plaid patterns. Makers to look out for include jeweller Amy Lawrence Design, handbags by Sarah Williams Handmade and textiles by Leto & Ariadne.

GNCCF 2013 Maker, Sarah WilliamsGNCCF 2013 Maker, Sarah Williams

Angela Mann and Ann-Marie Franey founded the GNCCF in 2008. Ann Marie said: “We are thrilled to be involved in Vogue Fashion’s Night Out and The Manchester Weekender this year. Having built a reputation over the last six years for showcasing the very best contemporary craft, we feel the show has become very much a hub for arts, fashion and culture in the north.

Angela added: “We are also quite unique in that each exhibitor is selected by a panel of esteemed judges to ensure a high quality of work but the show is also renowned as a must–see shopping event which gives visitors a unique opportunity to buy stunning, one-off accessories and gifts as well as statement pieces for the home.

“Being a part of Fashion’s Night Out and The Manchester Weekender bolsters our position on the fashion and arts calendar in Manchester and we’re overjoyed to be a part of it.”

Organisers of the GNCCF have also confirmed critically acclaimed and world-renowned ceramicist, Professor Stephen Dixon, as guest exhibitor and speaker.  The best craft and design graduates from colleges and universities across the UK will also be selected to exhibit in the Great Northern Graduates section of the show.

For further information on the GNCCF, visit www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk