Noir 10!

Fresh from its tribute to the late Alexander McQueen in August, the Noir! Collective is preparing for event number 10.  As regular readers of The Skinny will know, Noir! events are anything but ordinary. A dazzling, meticulously organised showcase of local talent, the all-day events are fast becoming the best way to support Scottish talent whilst ‘doing your bit’ for carefully chosen charities.  And Noir!’s Christmas event, aptly named Noir 10!, is no exception.

Being hailed by its creators as an ‘all day fashion, food and cultural feast’, Noir 10! is set in the newly privatised Summerhall. Previously The University of Edinburgh’s Veterinary Science building, Summerhall was used as a fringe venue this August, but this will be its first major event in its newly established form.  A fascinating architectural space which dates back to 1823, Summerhall is best described as a labyrinth of winding corridors, with a collection of unusual lecture rooms.

In previous years, fashion collaborations for Noir! have included Harris Tweed, Jane Davidson and Godiva Boutique. This year, The Anatomy Lecture Room will host poetry and film presentations by avant-garde collective Neu Reekie! In addition, pop-up shop extraordinaires Go Reborn will be selling pieces from their established creative network of designers and artists. Finally, the main hall will feature a food market with plenty of ideas for edible Christmas presents (for loved ones or yourself).

Proceeds from each Noir! event benefit charitable organisations, and this year Noir!’s creators have chosen Home Start as its main charity. Home Start is a UK wide charity that trains volunteers to aid in-need families, particularly young and vulnerable families in urban areas.  In these economic times, this lends a subtle poignancy to the event. As clichéd as it might sound, it reminds us that Christmas is a time for giving as well as receiving. The great thing about Noir 10! is that you can do both, and enjoy yourself in the process.