Christian Louboutin black court shoes at Canberra Fashion Market. Photos: Nina Gbor.
You may already know about the Canberra Fashion Market, which was formerly known as Fash ‘n’ Treasure. Having been around for about 20 years, this market has become a Canberra institution in its own right. Held in the Fitzroy Building at EPIC several times a year, its synonymous with being Canberra’s go-to-market where anyone can sell and shop for quality preloved pieces.
A selection of vintage, designer, corporate and evening wear pieces at Canberra Fashion Market.
An exotic pair of high heels at Canberra Fashion Market.
Because it’s an open market for everyone, there is all manner of quality styles from corporate, vintage, elegant, casual and everything in between. It’s known for having an eclectic mix of jewellery, shoes, bags, books, vintage, etc. It even has a mouth-watering cupcake stall manned by a sixteen-year-old who has sold cupcakes for over three years to fund her pilot lessons! She has recently become Australia’s youngest recreational pilot.
This preloved market is many things to a lot of Canberrans but it mainly represents the opportunity for people to maintain a circular economy, profit from things they would otherwise throw away, reduce waste, build a community and cultivate a sustainable lifestyle.
Cupcakes by The Sugar Bite at Canberra Fashion Market.
Accessories at the Canberra Fashion Market.
Designer shoes at the Canberra Fashion Market. From L to R: Dior, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Kookai.
I caught up with the market Co-Founder Cathie Wall about the market.
RA: When did you start the Canberra Fashion Market and what was your aim in doing so?
CW: Canberra Fashion Market started as Fash ‘n’ Treasure and had several aims. My intention was to:
- Hold an environmentally responsible market based on recycle, reuse and reduce;
- To promote and preserve the sense of style in vintage and classic fashion items;
- To provide a low-cost outlet for new and startup businesses; and
- Provide a market where fashion-minded people could find everything they needed to create their style under one roof;
- To create a fun environment where people can be as serious as they like about fashion or just come shopping for a new coat to brave Canberra winters or a coverup for the beach.
Stalls at Canberra Fashion Market.
RA: What changes or transitions have you made to the market?
CW: The market is constantly evolving and has some clear focus. It is a place where people can find appreciative buyers for their no longer worn fashion items that are too good to discard. It is a market where customers can browse for out of the ordinary fashion items and I believe it has achieved the aim of allowing customers to create their own personal style and find clothing and accessories to match and change their style, season by season.
A stall at Canberra Fashion Market.
RA: What other markets do you run?
CW: We run the Canberra Fashion Market, Canberra Kids Market, Canberra Christmas Market and we will be making announcements soon about an exciting new market joining the Canberra Market group.
RA: What recent developments have you made to the market?
CW: We are constantly experimenting with the market and recently have combined the Canberra Kids Market and Canberra Fashion Market in the Fitzroy Building at Exhibition Park. We have appreciated the feedback from customers and stallholders about this amalgamation and will be making changes based on this feedback.
RA: What are the times and dates for the upcoming Canberra Fashion Market days?
CW: 10 am – 3 pm on 7 April, 5 May, 16 June, 11 August, 29 September and 17 November.
To book a stall at any of the upcoming markets, click here.
Facebook: @canberrafashionmarket
Instagram: @fash.n.treasure
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