#ESPspotlight: MISSED THE BRANDS AT FRESH LACES X HARVEY NICHOLS MANCHESTER?

If like me, you weren't able to make it to Harvey Nicks' Menswear Department in Manchester today, and thus missed my Fresh Laces Friends holding court with a little help from a few of their friends, never fear, because I'm here to fill you in on the labels I'm sure that most of you were just itching to see!

Want to Meet The Brands? No problem! Here's who you missed:

TAPIS ROUGE

Contact: La Team (Email)

Twitter: @tapis__rouge

MR SNEAKER.COM

Contact: Kash (Email)

Website

ELISHA FRANCIS

Contact: Elisha (Email)

Website

I WANT YOUR SOLE

Contact: Jonny (Email)

Twitter: @iWantYourSole

SOLE FLESH

Contact: Aaron (Email)

Website

DAVO HOWARTH

Contact: David (Email)

Website

DIMENSION LONDON

Contact: Bilal (Email)

Website

FROM VIRGINIA

Contact: Ben (Email)

Twitter: @FV_BEN

TRAINERHOLIC

Contact: Franklin (Email)

Website

SULTAN EST

Contact: Sultan (Email)

Twitter: @SultanEst

KICKS ON THE MOON

Contact: Damian (Email)

Website

BEN J ART

Contact: Jerone (Email)

Website

CREP PROTECT

Contact: Jason (Email)

Website

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Now if you've ever read a Fresh Laces ESPspotlight Review, then you will know that this family go all out to provide a fully-rounded shopping experience; so in addition to KISS FM's The Dixon Brothers and DJ 10 Faces, you also missed some serious sounds from Drummer Nathstar. Not familiar with the name? Well maybe not yet...

Introducing NATHSTAR

The UK's No.1 Drummer

Nathan Williams known professionally as Nathstar comes from a rich musical background, through his exciting career he has proven himself as one of the UK's most diverse and innovative drummers.

His stage début performance with Ms Dynamite at the Brit Awards show in 2003 showcased his unique style and talents which led to him working alongside many mainstream artists including: Tinie Tempah, Duffy, Trey Songz, Dappy and Lauryn Hill.

His first encounter with Fresh Laces was in December 2013 when he was booked to perform at the one-day sneaker pop-up hosted by Ping.  He is now bringing the same great energy and entertainment to the Fresh Laces x Harvey Nichols event.

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This may have been the first of 2014, but with a brand that growing as strong as theirs, I can promise you the next Fresh Laces event will be bigger, better, and one you definitely won't want to miss...Just don't forget to tell them who sent you!

Happy Shopping...

ES ;) 

#ESPSPOTLIGHT: Introducing Nathan Massiah, FRESH LACES x HARVEY NICHOLS, 21 FEBRUARY

Introducing Nathan from Fresh Laces

Nathan Massiah is the brainchild behind Fresh Laces, he has been a huge sneaker collector since the late 90s. Nathan's passion for sneakers and love of hip-hop culture was initially sparked during a family vacation to New York in 1994, where he acquired his first pair of Nike Air Hurarche’s. Today Nathan own’s over 100 pairs of rare and exclusive sneakers and has become known for his unique street style and keen eye for emerging trends.

The concept behind Fresh Laces is to create a platform for sneaker re-sellers, streetwear clothing brands, as well as sneaker related artwork and accessories. Working closely within this fast-growing 'Sneakerhead' community Fresh Laces events are all about creating a unique atmosphere for sneaker enthusiast to come together to buy, sell and interact with each other.

Together with his team, Fresh Laces has hosted five events during 2013, and are very excited to begin 2014 with an exclusive sneaker event hosted by the luxury department store Harvey Nichols Manchester.

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Please email Nathan - he is looking forward to receiving your questions.

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Check out some of the images from the last Fresh Laces x Harvey Nichols event...

Or read the #ESPspotlight Review to relive the event in full...

Please tag us on twitter: 

@freshlaces_ and @HN_Manchester and use #freshlaces & #FLxHN so that we can share, follow and RT.

For more information please contact Elisha Massiah; to connect with the Fresh Laces brand across their social media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website

#ESPNEWS UPCOMING EVENT: FRESH LACES x HARVEY NICHOLS - 21 FEBRUARY

Fresh Laces x Harvey Nichols Manchester

Press Release

Step into a Fresh Laces Exclusive Sneaker and Lifestyle Event hosted by Harvey Nichols Manchester.  For one day only the menswear department will be transformed into a pop-up sneaker fest, offering rare and exclusive kicks, bespoke sneaker customs, sneaker related artwork and accessories complemented by the very best high-end streetwear fashion. Following the success of the previous Fresh Laces x Harvey Nichols event held at their Knightsbridge store in July 2013 we are excited to bring the same electric atmosphere to Manchester.

Specialist re-sellers and brands include: Mr Sneaker, Dimension London, Tapis Rouge UK, Tranerholic, Kicks on the Moon, Elisha Francis London, I Want Your Sole, BenJArt, Custom Eyes, Crep Protect, From Virginia, Davo Howarth, Lescott-Stewart and Sultan Est.

Enjoy beats by the Super talented drummer NathStar as well as sounds from the scratch master DJ 10 Faces and other Top DJ's as you browse through the sneaker showcase.

Fresh Laces x Harvey Nichols Sneaker & Lifestyle Event

Date: Friday 21st February 2014

Location: Harvey Nichols Manchester, Menswear Dept. 2nd Floor, 
21 Cathedral Approach, Manchester, Lancashire M1 1AD

Time: 12-8pm

For further information and images on the Fresh Laces pop-up please contact:

Elisha Massiah Email | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: FRESH LACES AT HARVEY NICHOLS, 20 JULY

You might recall I was quite impressed by the first Fresh Laces Sneaker and Lifestyle Fair that I attended at the Dray Walk Gallery, off Brick Lane back in May. It was an enlightening view into an unfamiliar world, and a good chance to see what the 'Sneakerhead Phenomenon' was all about.

Imagine my surprise then, when a matter of weeks later, an invitation to the next fair arrives in my inbox, set to be held in none other than swish and swanky Harvey Nick's; where the Fresh Laces team would be taking over almost the entire Lower Ground Floor of Menswear! Having met co-founders Nathan Massiah and Louis Daniel at the last event, and had a few brief conversations since, I was genuinely excited to see what the friendly, entrepreneurial pair had planned this time around. Kensington-bound a few balmy Saturday's back; it didn't take long for me to realise that compared with what I thought these events were all about after my first visit, this here, was an entirely different kettle of fish...

Co-Founders Llwelyn Daniel and Nathan Massiah with the one and only
JadaKISS. Photo courtesy of Fresh Laces

Keeping a close eye on the brand's social media as I made my way South West; my first shock of the day came, when I saw some excited status updates that sent me to the Fresh Laces Instagram account. All became clear, as I saw the cucumber cool two, plus multi-platinum selling, The LOX Rapper, JadaKISS, make an ice cold three...

The sheer force of my will gave my wings more speed than any can of Red Bull, enabling my arrival less than 10 minutes later (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). Alas, my Yonkers, NY-native had left the building, leaving me to greet my hosts, and lament over the heartbroken injustice of my Sliding Doors moment. Thankfully, the sight of a very charming and gracious Kano cheered me up just enough to slap on a smile and take a pic; followed swiftly by Professor Green. Also in attendance throughout the day, were the Uber-stylish Henry Holland, Aluna George and Charlie Sloth.

Available from MrSneaker.com

Once the excitement of celeb-spotting died down, I had the chance to take in my surroundings and make my way around the stands to a DJ Manny Norte soundtrack. Recognising a few of the brands from Brick Lane, including the custom, Fresh Laces mural by LA graffiti artist Mute One; it was a real pleasure to talk with some of the exhibitors in-depth on what they do, and what their brands are all about...as well as get literally schooled on this 'Sneakerhead life' that I realised, more than ever, I knew absolutely nothing about. The education was a serious one, and whilst I'll always covet more Fendi than Fila; my talks with some of the sellers better helped me to understand why the term 'Sneakerhead' is rightly, and justifiably referred to as a 'Cultural' way of life.

In addition to two ping pong tables provided by sponsors from food and drink bar Ping! Live entertainment came in the form of beatbox sets from The Bass 6, Alyusha and MC Zani (the latter having recently returned from touring with Jay Sean). After three sets from the trio throughout the afternoon, the live 'Scratch Competition' between them and the very talented and approachable DJs The Dixon Brothers of Kiss FM fame, ensured the ante was well and truly upped - M.O.P style, with Laces Freshed.

In addition to the Dixon Brothers, who followed the hilarious Manny Norte, was Lloyd Nwagboso. Each kept the energy high, and contagious with everything from hot and current chart toppers, to Old School Hip Hop, to touches of House, from Mr Nwagboso as I headed out the door, still buzzing from the day's excitement.

With the next event already in the planning, one can only imagine what this lot have got up the sleeves of their brand new 'FL' pocket tees. If you keep a close eye on their social media though, you'll have a good idea of who they're planning to collaborate with in the near future...

Groundbreaking. History-making. And well worthy of one heck of a lot of praise.




Fresh Laces are clearly destined for even greater things before the year's end. I suggest you start paying attention to this lot from now; quite frankly, the way things are looking, soon you're not going to have much in the way of choice anyway - this is what you call, A Takeover...

Connect with Fresh Laces:

Blogspot / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

For a look at each brand and what they had on offer, visit the event photo album on the ESP Facebook Page or, just plain share your thoughts in the Comments Box below.

TTFN...
ES ;)

#ESPspotlight REVIEW: FRESH LACES SNEAKER AND LIFESTYLE FAIR, SHOREDITCH, 7 JUNE

I've never been one for trainers. Yes, I own some, but I pick what I like, that I can work out in, which also just happens to go with my exercise ensem of any given day. In short, I'm a shameless girly-girl, who goes with what looks cute, but is also functional. I am aware however, that there is a legion of people out there, who collect sneakers, or creps, the way that I collect Music. It's not just a love of fashion - crep styles are a cultural way of life.

That's why when I learned of Fresh Laces, the Sneaker and Lifestyle Fair taking over the Dray Walk Gallery, off Brick Lane for 5 days straight, I decided it was high time I extend my education. The event's second outing, Nathan Massiah and Llwellyn Daniel provided an opportunity for specialist buyers, boutiques and sellers to trade in a welcoming, friendly environment, full of good food, good music, and most importantly of all for an East London event nowadays - good vibes...

Far more than every kind of sneaker you can imagine; urban fashion, ink and jewellery were also on offer at one-off, discount prices.

The lovely Miss Vee was kind enough to hand-pick
some pieces for Yours Truly - with thanks again!

Jujus (preferably unique) by Miss Vaitea was my first welcoming stop. Decked out in her Adidas 3-stripes, looking like she either stepped fresh off of a Missy Elliot video, brought the best of EPMD-style 80's hip hop to the present under her Kangol hat, or both; the Italian-native introduced me to her handmade plastic and metal-plated designs, that stood out favourably from every other brand in the building. 

Nori and Neal of Dimension London in Shepherds Bush were next. As I got an up close look at what a rent deposit looks like when you use it to cover your feet, as opposed to your entire being; I overheard pre-orders and requests being taken from some gents in dire want of some limited edition designs. It was then I realised just how serious a business trainers, or creps really is. These guys were not playing around! Friendly and welcoming of a newcomer who knows nothing about the Industry, and vaguely recalls something about air bubbles once upon a time - the Dimension London representatives were a prime example of the inviting undertone throughout the entire event.

Nori and Neal repped well for Lock'd. Dimension London...

I'm not ashamed to admit the Elisha Francis London stand was my favourite stop in the room. With a table decked out in absolutely gorgeous handmade jewellery and accessories in a variety of luxurious-looking, wearable materials; for a moment I had to remind myself that I was not back at my first stop on my London Jewellery Week tour. In addition to the beautiful pieces, I was honoured to have met and chatted with the lovely and humble designer herself who, I was surprised to hear only recently finished University! Definitely one to watch, look out for more from the gifted Ms. Francis and her very talented team here on the blog very soon!

I was in awe of Elisha's wide crystal necklace pictured above (right)...

Dexter Simms, founder of clothing label Mula Cake, used the event as the perfect platform at which to launch the new brand. With everything from Snapbacks to printed tees and accessories; I was taken with the only stand I saw showcase baby sneakers in an adorable variety of sizes, styles and colours. If the selection I saw were anything to go by, methinks I will have some very stylish nephews in the not too distant future...

These baby kicks from Mula Cake were too cute for words!

Urban Revival LDN have quite the celebrity following;
see the Facebook album for a look at some of their fans...

New friends Urban Revival LDN - whom regular readers may recall I first encountered at last month's StreetFest - were the ones who actually put Fresh Laces on my radar, so it was only right that I stop by to say Howdidoo. As charming and entertaining as ever, it was a pleasure to run into such an entrepreneurial team again; especially when they make hand-crafted, wooden, beaded accessories look good!



As you heard from Mr Massiah himself; the next Fresh Laces event will be coming to a place near you soon. In the meantime, be sure that you don't miss out - stay tuned to the brand's Social Media Catalogue below...

Blogspot / Email / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

For more photos from the event, be sure to head on over to the ESP Facebook Page. Since you'll be there anyway, why not throw a Like on the count and stay connected?!

Were you at the Fresh Laces Fair? Which brands or activities were your highlights? Let me know in your usual spotlight below...

Until next time!
ES :)