Let me preface this by saying I am a Smart Design Mart newb. A new friend of mine introduced me to it, and I am so glad she did. Essentially, Smart Design Mart is a gathering of designers and vendors (mostly local) in a large space that is sectioned off for each designer to create their own unique mini boutique-like space. There is a large variety of vintage vendors, jewellery designers, clothing designers, furniture and decor designers, artists, bath and beauty product vendors, and the list goes on...
Many of the vendors and designers I spoke with don't have their own boutiques, but rather only sell online or have some of their items featured in various boutiques. So Smart Design Mart enables them to showcase all of their stuff in a very personalized and informative fashion. Some of the jewellery, garments, and accessories we were eyeing were so original. You can definitely leave this place with a number of unique pieces- and fortunately it comes around about 3 times a year!
Unfortunately, we didn't use our time wisely enough so I only got around to seeing about a third of what there was to offer. Here are some of the pieces I really loved...
"Caesar Pony" from Emily Birnbaum had some of the best vintage jewellery that I've seen in a while (pictured on left). Very good condition, very authentic looking (not just some home-made earrings from the 80's!), and very beautiful. Not only that, but she had some great furs, beautiful garments from different decades, and I loved her bags. If you love vintage, check her out on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/caesarpony
"La La Yeah" Leather was another favourite of mine. She had various leather shoulder accents like these (in photo left and right) in different designs. These go for about $50. Well worth it if you ask me. She also has a variety of edgy leather jewellery with different studs, geometrics, cut-outs, etc. Look her up! www.lalayeah.com
"Deborah Adams" is another great designer that was showcasing her recycled leather bags and other various accessories. Her bags were gorgeous, soft, and well priced at only about $120! They came in a variety of colours, with antique gold chain straps, and an overlapping fold with a fringe tassel accent. I had to pick up one of her fringe leather-collared chokers. Unfortunately this photo doesn't do it justice (I apologize my blackberry is my only camera at the moment). They come at only $20! Unfortunately she doesn't have a working website yet, but you can contact her at deborahadamsdesign@yahoo.ca
Here are a few other designers/ vintage vendors I checked out but didn't get a chance to photograph myself (photos used from their websites):
"Norwegian Wood" had some gorgeous, original, and great quality jewellery and clothing. The black fringe bodysuit on the left and the strips of fabric shrug on the right are some stand-out pieces. They have so many different pieces, do yourself a favour and check them out at............. www.norwegianwoodonline.com
"Seven days of vintage" is a pop-up vintage store that hosts 7-day sales changing locations frequently. They also had great furs, clothing and accessories. Keep your eyes on these girls!
"Rose and Ruby", love love love! This lovely jewellery designer re-surfaces and re-constructs vintage pieces that she can also re-create with a similar design. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind art, so get your hands on something original that will set you apart from the rest!
"La Raffinerie" is another designer makes her jewellery out of vintage and are limited editions. Tassels, fringe, spikes, oh my!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaRaffinerie
This is only a taste! I urge you to go check out more of Smart Design Mart! There are maaaany more pictures and more information on their website: http://smartdesignmart.blogspot.com/
-Bizoux Bizoux
Ooh love Norwegian Wood! The same girl models for a line called Black Market Baby that's another fav. Check it out blackmarketbaby.etsy.com.
ReplyDeleteGreat posts Christelle!
Lots of Love,
Pauline