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- 14th Aug 2026
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Here’s who’s behind Newcastle’s first sustainable fashion catwalk – Somebody Else’s Guy x High Life North
Newcastle’s first-ever sustainable fashion catwalk lands at Newcastle Contemporary Art this September, as Somebody Else’s Guy joins forces with High Life North for a night celebrating fashion, sustainability and local talent.
The event’s already been officially recognised by London Fashion Week, featured on its citywide programme as Newcastle sets out to make history and finally put itself on the fashion map.
Founder and fashion designer Corey Dixon has spent months building a runway rooted in community, drawing in independent businesses from across the city to help bring the vision to life.
Ahead of the big night, we caught up with the people behind the scenes, from the gallery to the nail bar, to find out what’s in store.
Quick facts:
Location: 39 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EW
Date: Friday 4th September
Organisers: Somebody Else’s Guy x High Life North
Tickets: Invite-only; keep an eye on High Life North for the giveaway
“Working with small businesses based in Newcastle was a key part of the vision of the project. I wanted to give the opportunity for everyone that was involved, ensuring that it benefited beyond just myself.”
Corey Dixon, fashion designer and founder of Somebody Else's Guy.
HIGH LIFE NORTH’S TOP TIP: Though the catwalk is invite-only, stay tuned for our giveaway: two catwalk tickets, access to the pre and after-party, and a meal and night at Dakota. Enter here.
NEWCASTLE CONTEMPORARY ART OPENS ITS DOORS TO FASHION
Harriet Sutcliffe, Director of Newcastle Contemporary Art, says the partnership was a natural fit for the gallery.
“Corey has built an inspiring brand that celebrates individuality, craftsmanship and sustainability, while High Life North has done so much to champion the people, businesses and creativity that make our region unique.”
Dr Harriet Sutcliffe, Newcastle Contemporary Art
Newcastle Contemporary Art is a cultural hub in the heart of the city, where contemporary visual art sits alongside collaborations across fashion, design, performance, music and film. Beyond its exhibitions and residencies, the gallery’s unique spaces regularly host fashion shows, creative industry events, conferences and celebrations, making it a fitting home for Newcastle’s first sustainable catwalk.
On the night, guests can expect the gallery transformed into a runway and the very best of North East creativity on show. The following week, NCA welcomes Corey back for a public talk about her latest collection as part of the wider London Fashion Week programme, giving guests the chance to hear more about her creative process and the journey of building a sustainable fashion brand from the North East.
“The venue was the first venue I looked at, and I instantly fell in love. For a while, people had been saying that my work looked like it was a piece of art, so I felt like I really wanted an art gallery to have my first ever catwalk. The brand is so raw and real, and I think this venue really matches that. We’ve got a blank canvas room where the clothes will do the talking, and it’s right in the city centre of Newcastle as well.”
Corey Dixon
LUBBER KITCHEN IS BRINGING SEASONAL CANAPÉS TO THE RUNWAY
Samuel David Booth runs the kitchen at Lubber Kitchen, and he’s in no doubt why this catwalk matters.
“It’s exciting for culture in the region and something different. Creative people are often overlooked in Newcastle and the North East, and we feel like we’re part of that creative community and want to be involved in showcasing the area.”
Samuel David Booth, Lubber Kitchen
On the night, guests can expect beautiful, considered canapés built around seasonal ingredients. Lubber Kitchen opened just over a year ago to support The Lubber Fiend, a grassroots music venue set up to champion local and experimental music.
The menu changes often and takes its cues from European cookery, with generous plates designed to share family style and built around quality veg, sustainable fish and meat, and the kitchen’s own pickles and ferments. Drinks range from foraged infusions and cocktails to specialty coffee and a thoughtful selection of natural wines and beers.
Sam’s favourite part of the job? “Chatting to lovely people, connecting over delicious food, and working closely with friends and the community they serve.” Lubber Kitchen is open Thursday to Saturday, midday until 10pm, and available for catering, and is also home to Slacks Radio, a digital community radio station operating out of the venue.
“Lubber Kitchen’s one of my favourite places to eat in town, so I was buzzing when they agreed to do the food for the catwalk. Their canapés literally look like a work of art, so I’m dying to see what they come up with. We’re keeping it as sustainable as possible, with the aim of utilising food waste to create the canapés, which I think is such a good idea.”
Corey Dixon
MUSCARI IS DRESSING THE VENUE WITH SUSTAINABLE FLOWERS
Amy Richardson, owner and founder of Muscari, says the collaboration felt like a natural fit from the start.
“”I’ve known Corey for a number of years, having crossed paths on various nights out around town, so I’ve been following her journey with Somebody Else’s Guy from the beginning. I’ve always loved the concept behind SEG, the originality of the designs, the creativity and, of course, the sustainable ethos behind what she does. There are so many parallels between fashion and floristry, both are incredibly visual, expressive and influenced by colour, texture and form.””
Amy Richardson, Muscari
On the night, expect flowers with a twist. “You can definitley expect flowers, but maybe not in the way you’d usually expect to see them,” Amy explains. “I really want the florals to feel part of the fashion and the whole atmosphere of the catwalk, rather than just being decoration in the background.” She’ll be playing with texture and movement, creating pieces that work alongside Corey’s designs while still feeling true to her own style, with sustainability shaping every choice of what she uses. “I don’t want to give too much away just yet, but I want the flowers to make an impact and add a little bit of drama to the night.”
Muscari launched in 2016, though its roots trace back to 2013, when planning her own wedding left Amy completely obsessed with the styling world. What began as prop hire grew into a self-taught floristry business built around the bigger picture rather than flowers alone. “It’s never really been an obsession with flowers alone, it’s an obsession with the final vision and how we get there,” she says. “Flowers are a huge part of that, but I’m always thinking about the bigger picture and how something is going to look and feel as a whole.”
Today, Amy runs a small shop at Harbour House, where she hosts a monthly Flower Club alongside her floristry work, and has recently launched Muscari Collective, a side venture connecting small local businesses with corporate spaces. No two weeks look the same, and weddings will always hold a special place for her. “I know how much all of those little details mean and how important it is to get the overall feeling just right.”
“I’d just love to say how excited and proud I am to be involved in this project with Corey and HLN and the whole team,” she adds. “Corey has such an infectious energy, when she walks into a space, you feel it straight away, and I think that comes through in everything she creates. I can’t wait to see everyone’s ideas, creativity and hard work come together on the night.”
“I’ve known Amy for years, and again, it’s just lush to be able to work with another creative person. I wouldn’t say I was a girly girl who loves flowers, but then when I think about it, I’m constantly buying myself flowers, so maybe I am. I portray a lot of florals in my work too, which you’ll see on the catwalk, so having Amy dress the venue with sustainable flowers just seems like such a perfect match.”
Corey Dixon
SKULLEN NAILS IS ADDING THE FINISHING TOUCH
Lucy Walton co-owns Skullen Nails alongside business partner Nicole, and she’s leading the nail artistry for the night.
“When Corey first mentioned the idea of a catwalk, I knew I had to be involved. As a nail artist, it’s refreshing to step outside the studio and be part of something bigger, a chance to showcase nail artistry as part of a wider vision. Nails add the finishing touch to a look, so being trusted as lead nail tech is something I’m really proud of.”
Lucy Walton, Skullen Nails
“Somebody Else’s Guy turns five this year, and, as Newcastle loves a magpie, it had to be five for silver: think silver chrome and silver gems adding extra impact on the runway” Lucy’s keeping the rest under wraps for now.
Skullen was born in 2013 and has grown far beyond what Lucy and Nicole ever imagined. After several studios, the pair have settled in Heaton, where they love being part of such a positive community, and outside the studio they’ve worked on numerous shows at London Fashion Week, been featured in Dazed and The Guardian, and collaborated on campaigns with Dr. Martens and Barbour.
For Lucy, it’s never really been about the nails.
“It’s about how a two-hour appointment can make someone feel: a chance to switch off, sit with someone, and have a genuine connection, whether that’s light-hearted chat or advice on life’s harder challenges.”
“From the minute I met Lucy, we just instantly clicked. She’s got this beautiful aura about her, and she’s so talented as well. Every time I watch her do my nails, I’m amazed at the level of detail and precision that goes into her work. We make a real effort to support and champion each other’s small businesses wherever we can, which just made collaborating on this even more meaningful.”
Corey Dixon, on Lucy Walton
FENWICK NEWCASTLE IS CHAMPIONING LOCAL DESIGN
Kieran McBride, Store Director at Fenwick Newcastle, says the department store is proud to back the event.
“We’re delighted to be part of the Somebody Else’s Guy and High Life North catwalk, celebrating the creativity, individuality and talent that make the North East such a special place. At Fenwick Newcastle, we’re proud to champion local designers, makers and creative communities, and partnerships like this are a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent we have in our region.”
Kieran McBride, Fenwick Newcastle
Through its in-store events, Fenwick is looking to welcome customers, inspire more conscious fashion choices, and celebrate the people and brands shaping the future of fashion in the North East.
“Fenwick supported me over the past few years through pop-ups, so to have them be a part of it was a no-brainer, really. The clothes will be available to see and purchase from Fenwick the following week. It still doesn’t feel real that you can shop my brand in a department store, and I’m forever grateful to Fenwick for giving me this opportunity.”
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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