Manchester showcase for local designers

A retail event showcasing the work of local designers kicked off yesterday in Manchester.

Make Me 2007 features the work of 50 furniture, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, textile and fashion designers.

Participating designers include Jo Vincent, who creates furniture for the Browns hotel chain, Burnt Toast Design and homeware designer Hannah Tofalos.

Items are on sale in a custom-built shop at Manchester shopping centre The Triangle and also in the local branch of department store chain Harvey Nichols.

The Make Me Buy Me shop, which was designed by the participants, is on the ground floor of the shopping centre and is big enough to hold up to 100 people.

The seventh annual Make Me project is organised by Inner City Living and Design Initiative. Founded in 1992, Design Initiative promotes design businesses in the north west of England, offering free advice to design groups and buyers as well as organising regional events.

Make Me 2007 continues until 24 December.