A gender-fluid clothing company based in Manchester has unveiled four famous faces as brand ambassadors as part of a new campaign to “undress discrimination”.
With Manchester being home to one of the highest populations of LGBTQIA+ people in the UK, but with recent statistics from Rainbow Mind sadly finding that 42% of gay men and 70% of lesbian women experience mental health problems, Kontroversial is “on a mission to share the struggles” faced by some of the most diverse communities.
The streetwear brand – which is based right here in Manchester, and was founded back in 2019 by brother and sister duo, Kate and Chris Friar – has launched the ‘Undressing Discrimination’ campaign today, which is the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
The campaign focuses on mental health and features local stars of the stage and screen.
Unfamiliar with Kontroversial? Well, with a vision of a society where clothing is “less gender-specific and focused more on creativity and freedom”, the authentic streetwear brand is always aiming to challenge the issues connected with identity and stereotypes, and looks to empower people of all ages, genres, and sizes to feel comfortable with themselves and what they wear.
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As part of the ‘Undressing Discrimination’ campaign, Kontroversial has chosen five brand ambassadors that it says “challenge the norm” by way of either their gender, profession, sexuality, or beliefs.
Kontroversial is “on a mission to share the struggles” faced by some of the most diverse communities / Credit: Kontroversial
The new campaign features a series of hard-hitting interviews that delve into the experiences of the ambassadors, who have all suffered mental health issues due to discrimination.
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One of the chosen ambassadors is glamour model, Only Fans content creator, and the UK’s most-tattooed woman, Rebecca Holt – who has over 250,000 avid online fans, is a regular in national newspapers, has recently appeared in a Channel 4 documentary examining body confidence and positivity, and has a passion for supporting projects based around the LGBTQIA+ community.
Professional dancer and model Reece Daniels has also been brought on as an ambassador after he spent most of his younger years hiding his homosexuality due to fear of attack and bullying, but since coming out, has travelled the world performing for global superstars such as Rita Ora, and has become the face of campaigns for high street fashion brand and makeup brands.
Joining Reece and Rebecca are gender-fluid performers Denon James and Darnell Gledhill.
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Known as ‘The Girls’, the pair regularly perform at flamboyant events nationwide, representing Manchester’s House of Ghetto, and are well-known nationally for competing within the underground ‘Ballroom’ scene, which is a subculture community based around drag.
The Manchester brand’s campaign focuses on mental health and features five local stars of the stage and screen / Credit: Kontroversial
Kontroversial’s collection of new brand ambassadors is completed by fitness influencer and mental health mentor Toby Holt – a former drug user who experienced severe depression and suicidal thoughts, but had his life saved by fitness and is now a professional personal trainer and online life mentor.
“I’m so proud to work with our new brand ambassadors,” said Kate Friar, co-founder and designer at Kontroversial.
“They represent confidence and body positivity and are not afraid to be who they truly are, which is a message we fully support, and through sharing their experiences, we hope to encourage others to have the confidence to be their authentic selves.
“For us to show different genders wearing the same clothes but worn in totally different ways shows the variety of possibilities within the same product, while also inspiring people to think outside the box of the gender norms and stereotypes associated with it.”
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As part of the ‘Undressing Discrimination’ campaign, Kontroversial has teamed up with mental health charity Rainbow Minds to donate 20% of profits from sales in May and June to the charity that helps young people navigate mental health challenges associated with being within the LGBTQA+ community.
It features a series of hard-hitting interviews that delve into the experiences of the ambassadors / Credit: Kontroversial
“We’re incredibly grateful for Kontroversial’s generous support,” said Naomi Evans – Strategic Communications Lead for Rainbow Mind.
“Our Rainbow Mind project offers inclusive mental health support for LGBTQ+ people, providing a safe space for people to be their authentic selves free from judgement or discrimination [and Kontroversial’s] exciting new launch celebrates self-expression and gender inclusivity, values that also reflect our ethos.”
Kontroversial says it hopes the new campaign will help to create a reality where people of all genders, beliefs and races are “free to style and present themselves without fear”.
All the stories shared by the brand ambassadors for the campaign can be read in full on the Kontroversial website here.
Featured Image – Kontroversial
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Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Printworks adds running track, Sir Mo Farah waxwork and more for Summer of Sport
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary entertainment complex, Printworks, has unveiled a packed programme of events to celebrate a Summer of Sport.
The popular city centre destination, which recently completed a staggering transformation including installing the biggest digital ceiling in Europe, has created a series of events celebrating the return of the Olympics.
Sir Mo Farah’s lifelike wax figure will be on display from Madame Tussauds in Blackpool, inviting visitors to do the Mobot and snap a selfie with the sporting great.
You’ll also be able to watch the Olympics opening ceremony live at Printworks, underneath that incredible ceiling and from the terraces of Tank & Paddle and Chiquito.
You can even play multi-player games on the big screen inside, hosted by a BBC Radio Manchester presenter.
It all kicks off this week with the Opening Ceremony Party on Friday, with free candy floss and Team GB face painting for the first 250 visitors.
Any children with Team GB face paint on will be able to get a free hot fudge sundae from Hard Rock Cafe with the purchase of a kids’ meal.
Other free events will include weekly gaming sessions, a basketball tournament, a kids’ archery class, and appearances from famous faces.
Printworks will even have a running track lined up all summer.
The digital ceiling will join in on the sporting action, dazzling visitors with animations of synchronised swimmers, athletes, cyclists and divers.
Throughout August, BBC Radio Manchester’s Remmel Dawodu will return to host free weekly interactive gaming sessions on the 1, 8 and 15 August.
You’ll also be able to witness an artist live at work, as they create a mural of an iconic sports person on 1 August.
Slam Dunk-a-Basketball will take place on the 8 August, with archery on 15 August.
The Printworks Opening Ceremony Party will take place between 3.30pm and 6pm on Friday 26 July.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We are thrilled to offer a vibrant and engaging summer of sports for families at Printworks. Our diverse line-up of free events is designed to bring people together, celebrate athleticism and create unforgettable memories over the summer holidays.”
For more information on a Summer of Sport at Printworks, head here.