The seasons have shifted, and as the warm days give way to cool, crisp mornings, we cherish the slower tempo and peaceful autumnal atmosphere that has settled in. With a coffee brewing in the background, we took the opportunity to pause and speak to the Manchester-based fashion and lifestyle content creator Jordan Bunker.
Jordan, who moved into his flat eight months ago, is a passionate advocate for a more sustainable and resourceful approach to fashion in the industry. His blog posts and features highlight brands, designers, and products who produce ethically and demonstrate responsible and considered design.
Having previously photographed some Monoware products in his home, we know Jordan appreciates our aesthetic and outlook. We’re here to find out more about his passion-turned-career, and how it has influenced his interiors style.
Can you tell us a bit more about why you became instructed in sustainable fashion and lifestyle?
I studied multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University, and I used to receive a lot of clothes to feature and talk about on my website and Instagram. Even though it’s a privileged position to be in, I quite quickly became conflicted because of the sheer volume being sent to me. Then, I watched a documentary featuring The Minimalists (this is the Emmy award-winning trio Joshua Fields Millburn, T.K. Coleman, and Ryan Nicodemus) and was inspired by their streamlined approach to ‘stuff’. It opened my mind and I was hooked!
What key attributes is it that you look for in the products that grab your attention?
I think provenance plays a big part. Knowing where and how it’s been made is key. For example, sharing the information about the mill that has been used to make the piece, or better still if the contact to the actual maker themselves can be supplied. I also think it's important to shop more secondhand, and this is something I am trying to be better at this year.
We’re wondering what your home looks like, can you describe it for us?
When I moved into this flat it was the natural light that I immediately loved. Sometimes the sun comes into the kitchen at around 7.30 a.m., and it hits the room beautifully. I'll always try and buy something that I can foresee myself taking from place to place. The walls are all white but I have a few nice colour accents. For example, I have a gentian blue side table that sits next to my off-white Vitsoe shelving system. I’ve just bought an art print to bring in a little bit more colour too. It’s called Copenhagen Sky and it's lovely as it has various shades of orange. It’s nice having these considered accents at home.
What does ‘slow living’ mean to you?
I think the aim of any purchase is that it should be a forever piece or at least something that you can foresee yourself then passing on to someone else to make use of. I also think it’s important to live in a space first and be okay sitting with less in the short term. This means that when you do make choices they are more considered and they will be lasting.
How do you think we can apply a sustainable mindset to the interior pieces that we buy?
It’s about consistently educating yourself and being involved in those conversations around sustainability. Because the situations are forever evolving, I find there’s always more to learn. It can be a new policy that’s introduced or a fibre innovation, and culturally the conversations we are having in society are consistently changing too.
Which piece of homeware do you cosset most and why?
The Vitsoe system. It has a bit of a story attached to it. Various factors (including renting a flat that wouldn’t allow for decorating or drilling) meant that it ended up being three years to the day since I originally placed the initial order to putting the system up. I share similar values to Dieter Rams’ ethos and outlook and he designed the piece to adapt and change as your life changes.
How do you style your dining table?
I love adding fun table linens. I don’t like it when at events or dinner parties there are too many flowers on the table, or when it’s been styled to within an inch of its life. Guests can spill red wine on the tablecloth and it doesn’t bother me. I style it simply with the Monoware cutlery, which is beautiful when placed next to crockery.
When it comes to cooking, do you have a ‘go-to’ dish? And if so, why?
I love pasta! Or, to be honest, carbs in general. My friend told me about a great recipe for a pasta sauce consisting of spinach, red onion, peas, and basil that can be made fresh in a blender in seconds. You can add fresh parmesan into the sauce too, for extra taste, and you can add whatever protein you like. I cook this a lot and pair it with fresh tagliatelle
Tell us about your favourite cafe or restaurant in Manchester?
I like Erst. It’s really good food. It’s in the Michelin guide but it's not a Michelin star. They do beetroot and ajo blanco and it's so good - mop it up with a slice of sourdough! I've been there a few times and I’ve never been disappointed.
What’s your favourite piece in the Monoware collection?
It is hard to choose, but at the moment it is the serving platter. Whilst I have used it in the past to serve up sushi at dinnertime, I generally tend to place it on my baby blue bench and use it to display some books and place my keys. It probably wasn’t intended to be used for this, but it’s just such a nice size for trinkets and it looks so good being used in this way.
Follow Jordan Bunker @jordanbunker
Portrait by Mat Buckets
