During one conversation, we revisited Alexander McQueen’s iconic No. 13 finale, where robots spray-painted a dress. That led to our current project. While McQueen used machines, we opted for a more tactile approach, involving five artists and our editor, Sophie, to handcraft a dress. Collaboration became the pulse of the entire project.
OLIVER DORAN
Born and raised in Jersey to a Jersey father and French mother, Oliver didn’t initially plan to become a photographer.
My early years were spent in the family hospitality business, helping to run The Revere Hotel and Doran’s Bistro. So, if you ever need tips on setting the perfect table or finding the best wine pairing, I’ve got you covered. But deep down, I always knew my passion was somewhere else - behind the camera.
In 2008, I took a leap (or maybe a dive headfirst) and moved to Dubai to pursue photography full-time. For the next 12 years, I was lucky enough to work with some of the world’s most iconic brands, like Emirates, Cartier, Dior, and Paramount. It was an exhilarating time, filled with large-scale commercial projects and editorial campaigns for Vogue Men, GQ, Esquire, and Cosmopolitan. Along the way, I also had the privilege of photographing celebrities like Robert De Niro, Lewis Hamilton, Bella Hadid, Colin Firth, and Sir Ben Kingsley. (Spoiler alert: none of them asked for a table at Doran’s Bistro.)
Life in Dubai was fast-paced and exciting, but like many others, my business was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, I made the decision to return home to Jersey. This time, I wasn’t alone. I came back with my girlfriend, Anilu, a talented fashion stylist from Mexico and France. Jersey felt like home again - albeit a home undergoing a global lockdown!
Anilu and I got married in 2024, and together we launched a portrait studio. Moving from the world of high-fashion and corporate campaigns to capturing personal, intimate moments through portraiture was a big shift, but a deeply rewarding one. There’s something uniquely special about working with individuals and families, creating images that will hang on their walls and become part of their legacy.
While I continue to take on select commercial work internationally, including for brands like Cartier and Dior, my heart is now in portrait photography here in Jersey. Who knew that my journey would take me halfway around the world, only to bring me right back to where I started - with a whole new perspective?
DAMIAN PHILPOTT
Damian, a hairdresser based in Elmina, is well-known for his distinctive work with celebrities and models, spanning TV, fashion shows, and ad campaigns. His signature colour is black, reflecting a complex and possibly troubled psyche beneath his creative surface.
Recently, I’ve established a strong network with creatives in Jersey, notably Oliver Doran, Sophie Oswald, and Kate Morrison. These connections have become essential to my process, as we exchange ideas and draw inspiration from our surroundings and experiences, turning them into something new and original.
Many of my clients trust me with full creative freedom. I believe true innovation in styling only comes when the client is open to experimentation. If you’re after standard GHD curls, I’m not the person for you—that’s mere replication, not creation. I view my work as a collaboration with the client, crafting a look that is uniquely theirs.
Working with people like Sophie, Oliver, and Kate constantly sparks fresh ideas. During one conversation, we revisited Alexander McQueen’s iconic No. 13 finale, where robots spray-painted a dress. That led to our current project. While McQueen used machines, we opted for a more tactile approach, involving five artists and our editor, Sophie, to handcraft a dress. Collaboration became the pulse of the entire project. The team came together naturally—Kelly, who contributed to a previous cover, introduced Emilie; I brought in Fliq, who tattooed my cutthroats with the words "hope" and "fear" without letting me see the design first, per my request; and Sophie introduced Abi. Lindsay Rutter, someone I already wanted to work with, also joined us.
For the hair, I wanted something that looked both creative and DIY, as if the model had styled it herself. I left pins, grips, and even parts of the wig exposed. After putting out a call for wigs on Instagram, my friend Piper donated three. I broke down two of them, used four hair donuts to create height, and then pinned the pieces back together to achieve the look.
The most important part of the project was the energy in the room. We brought together nine people who wouldn't usually cross paths, yet it felt like an intimate reunion. Each person contributed something vital to the final vision, and it was inspiring to watch how each artist admired the work of others, and zero egos in the studio. Our model, Ingrid stood like a goddess in a paper dress, confidently embracing her unconventional hair, makeup, and nails. She embodied the spirit of curiosity, and unbridled creativity that we aimed to capture.
KATE MORRISON
From a young age, Kate Morrison’s fascination with makeup illuminated her path. Seated before the mirror, she eagerly experimented with colours and contours, her face serving as a canvas for her imaginative creations.
At just 13 years old, I took on the task of doing my mother’s makeup for her second wedding - it was a pivotal moment, foreshadowing a future dedicated to the art of beauty.
When it came time to pursue higher education, my passion led me to the Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver, BC, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in makeup. Fuelled by a desire to make my mark in the fashion industry, I relocated to Toronto at the age of 21. There, I worked at Holt Renfrew, Canada’s renowned luxury retailer, as a representative at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
My journey then took me back to Vancouver, where I freelanced briefly before embarking on an Australian adventure. As a travelling artist for Bobbi Brown, I supported national artists at in-store events and high-profile gatherings such as the Melbourne Cup. My talent and dedication paved the way for a stint at Harrods in London, England, where I continued to represent the prestigious brand.
In 2012, I took on a new challenge with MAC in Toronto, which was soon followed by an exciting move to the Cayman Islands. Joining the creative team at Rock Gorgeous, I frequently collaborated on fashion shows and photoshoots, seamlessly blending my skills with the vibrant island culture.
By 2015, my husband and I found ourselves in Jersey, where I rejoined MAC Cosmetics. After four successful years with the brand, the Covid-19 pandemic prompted me to diversify my skill set. I added HD brows and LVL lashes to my repertoire and launched my own venture, Kate Morrison Makeup Artistry.
Today, I am dedicated to providing bespoke bridal services, ensuring that each bride’s experience and makeup are tailored beautifully. My expertise extends to creating impeccable brows and lash lifts, enhancing everyday beauty for my clients.
LINDSAY RUTTER
After spending 12 years in the corporate world, Lindsay decided to follow her passion and pursue a degree in design, specialising in ceramics.
This allowed me to fully immerse myself in the world of art, and since then, I’ve been fortunate to exhibit my work in locations such as the CCA gallery, the Jersey Museum, and Capital House. I'm also actively involved in an artist collective, working on an exciting 18-month project that has allowed me to collaborate with fellow creatives, constantly pushing my boundaries as an artist. My current work will be showcased in Vienna this November, and I’m thrilled to have another exhibition lined up with the collective for autumn 2025.
While art remains my core passion, earlier this year I decided to retrain as a nail technician to help fund my ongoing art projects. This new skill has also provided the flexibility I need to attend residencies and take part in various shows without the constraints of a traditional job. I discovered that doing nails, particularly nail art, not only supports my creative endeavours but also allows me to express myself in a different medium. It’s been a refreshing way to blend art with practicality.
My focus as a nail technician is on natural nails. I’m particularly passionate about using BIAB (Builder in a Bottle), a structured builder gel that helps clients grow and protect their natural nails. I love creating unique and playful designs for my clients, turning each session into a miniature art project. Nail art gives me the chance to combine my artistic eye with technical precision, which I find deeply satisfying. It’s been a joy to see how something as simple as nail design can bring people so much happiness, and it offers me a new way to make a living while continuing to pursue my artistic goals.
KELLY SWANI
Originally trained in Jewellery and Silver Smithing at Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, Kelly Jenner Swani worked as a bespoke jewellery designer for 10 years in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
In 2019 I developed Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a dysfunction in how the nervous system sends signals to the brain. This generally unheard-of condition is something I am trying to raise awareness for so that essential care pathways are set up to enable people with this condition to get access to the health services they need. I stumbled across paper flower making whilst in hospital and started making soon after as form of art therapy. Not dissimilar to jewellery making, this helped me to feel grounded.
Having always loved nature, this allowed me to capture natures fleeting moments and the memories of the feelings evoked by those moments in a three dimensional and sustainable lasting form. Unable to leave my home for three years, it also allowed me to feel connected to a world I so badly wanted to be a part of again. I became fascinated with the fine detail of natural forms which became a great source of inspiration. After eventually receiving 6 months of rehabilitation, I moved to Jersey with my family in early 2023 which has allowed me to continue my rehabilitation and focus on my artwork.
I spend a lot of time researching and photographing wildlife throughout the year and discovering the beauty in both life and death. The more I learn about nature the more fascinated I become, and have realised it’s not just the plants that are so important but the whole ecosystem so I am focusing on adding more elements to my work such as lichen, mushrooms, insects and birds which I hope brings more life to my work and reflect these essential and delicate habitats. I use salvaged objects and natural materials combined with wires and crepe paper, which are cut, dyed, painted and coloured by hand to create realistic botanical sculptures and wall art alongside more abstract pieces inspired by the Jersey landscapes. Each piece offers an invitation to discover something new by looking closer and, in doing so, to pause and reconnect, which I think is so important and I hope my work inspires others to do so.
Since moving to Jersey, I have been amazed by the welcoming nature of the people here, and already feel part of the incredible artistic community here. I have taken part in exhibitions both in Jersey and the UK and I am currently working on a collective pop-up exhibition with Arthouse Jersey in Jan 2025.
EMILIE KNIGHT
Emilie began her artistic journey with a Foundation Year in Art and Design at Plymouth College of Art, followed by a BA (Hons) Fine Art degree from the University of Plymouth.
In the early stages of my career, I displayed my work in cafes and restaurants around Totnes, leading to my first formal exhibition in Falmouth. After relocating to Jersey in 2016, I represented Jersey at the Forum des Arts in St. Malo in 2017 and exhibited at the Harbour Gallery, as well as in local restaurants.
Following a challenging hiatus that led to burnout, I returned to my studio in November 2023, using painting as a means of exploring the healing process. An autism diagnosis in January 2024 brought new insights and depth to my work as I continue my introspective exploration of the human condition.
Painting exclusively with my hands and feet, I am intrinsically connected to my mark making and love to explore colour and aesthetics alongside the subliminal.
I am currently developing a new series after a successful first solo show at JARO Gallery. I’m also working towards an exhibition at ArtHouse Jersey where I’m excited to be exhibiting alongside Kelly Swani and Mick Humpage. My work is currently centred around my recent autism diagnosis and exploring the neurodivergent brain; retrospection features heavily alongside introspection as I unpick my personal experience and delve into my human condition.
Alongside my personal practice, I have been holding abstract painting workshops at JARO Gallery. They offer an opportunity to learn about abstract expressionism, delve into your subconscious and explore your intrinsic mark making. The aim of these workshops is not to leave with a beautiful piece of art, but to use the time and space to tap into your subconscious and enjoy the experience.
I have absolutely loved connecting with other creatives as part of this process. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by talented people championing each other.
I am also a member of the Autism Advisory Council for Autism Jersey and actively seek out opportunities to connect, support and work with individuals, local businesses and communities.
FLIQUET RENOUF
Fliquet is a renowned local tattoo artist, celebrated for her progressive contributions to the body art community and for pioneering a welcoming and approachable environment within the Jersey tattoo scene.
After initially starting my career as an illustrator, I made the transition into tattooing fourteen years ago, drawn to the idea of collaborating face to face with clients and producing art alongside other like-minded creatives. I began my tattoo apprenticeship in the UK at the age of seventeen and later returned to Jersey to open 'Stained Tattoo Co'. I wanted to bring together a variety of local talent to host flash days, charity events and public projects. After ten successful years in St Helier, I now work from 'Unit 3 Tattoo' in Five Oaks, offering a more private tattooing experience.
I am best known for tattooing in a blackwork illustrative style and the thematic elements of flora and fauna that have become a signature of my portfolio. I draw inspiration from the resilience of nature and have a deep appreciation of the weird and wonderful, enjoying work that is intricate yet infused with a grungey, dark aesthetic. I am incredibly fortunate that my art has allowed me to travel and connect with other tattoo studios internationally and exhibition at tattoo conventions throughout the UK and Europe.
With being a part of Jersey's cultural scene, I have spent much of my career supporting and collaborating with other artists, both from within the tattoo industry and other creative fields. Connection is still very much at the heart of what I do so I was grateful to have been welcomed onto this project and to work alongside such inspiring innovators.
I have known Damian for around ten years now and have collaborated with him on a tattoo project that he still wears to this day. When he reached out to me about working on the creative issue for Manner Magazine, I was eager to contribute and be featured with both Abi and Lindsay who I know and admire, and to be introduced to Kelly, Kate, Emilie and the beautiful Ingrid who wore our art so flawlessly. It was a pleasure to meet Sophie who brought together this creative vision and to work with Oliver for the first time in his studio which became alive with the creative buzz of artists working together.
ABI OVERLAND
Abi graduated from the University of Brighton with a BA (Hons) in illustration in 2014, and has spent the last decade creating a body of work, merging the worlds of fine art and illustration with meticulous dot-work and line-work techniques.
My work is focused on surreal and otherworldly dreamscapes, which invite the viewer to lose themselves in a realm of aesthetic joy. I started my business selling art prints of my work because I believe that art should be accessible to all. I didn't want to limit the joy of my art to those who could afford original pieces. Also, maybe a somewhat more self-indulgent reason is that I'm not very good at following orders, and this seemed to be a good way of being able to create the work that I want to put out there.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to achieve significant milestones. I was nominated as Tastemaker of the Year at the Jersey Style Awards, illustrated the front cover of Penguin Roundhouse's The Zoo by Isobel Charman, and had my work featured in Red Roaster in Brighton. My mural there was recognized by The New York Times as one of the top 100 places to visit in Europe. I've also been featured in prestigious publications such as Vogue UK, Elle Decoration NL, House Beautiful online, and Glamour Magazine online.
Most recently, I opened my first exhibition at JARO Gallery, where, for the first time, I have made my original hand-drawn illustrations available to purchase. I named the exhibition 'IMpractical' to reclaim the term that I have often been referred to throughout my life and to show the absolute joy that can come out of being an impractical person and that art itself can be seen as inherently impractical whilst at the same time being a vital part of life, joy. It's a calling to embrace the absurdity and joy of being an impractical person and show what results can come from being so.
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