Indie Mart Madness

After living in London, what I miss most is the insanely fabulous markets:  Brick Lane with its vintage and independent designers, Spitalfields with its decadent desserts and used books, and Portobello with its vinyl and old issues of Mad magazine.  Without markets, one begins to feel deprived.  But not to worry, for here in San Francisco we have Indie Mart! (http://www.indie-mart.com)

It may not happen weekly – if it did we might become too spoiled – but the monthly Indie Mart is definitely worth a visit and should be a tradition for those who have good taste and an eye for unique style.  Thanks to Indie Mart’s organizer Kelly Malone, a self described “tattooed hipster chick,” a splendid gathering of independent designers, artists, bakers and musicians has become a Mission tradition.

Typically taking place in the Mission, or Portrero Hill at Thee Parkside, the next IndieMart will be held at The Independent.  At the last IndieMart one could find one of my favorite local designers Ally Dutra from Kittinhawk (who I am obsessed with and have written about for three different publications, one being The Foghorn!) and a slew of other exciting stores and designers all sharing their goods with the fashionably happy San Franciscans.  Check out my favorites:

Sea Pony – Fatima is a noticeable Indie Mart figure with a fabulous Mohawk and bejeweled teeth. Her accessories are chunky and fabulous and not for the faint of heart. On my last visit to her booth I ended up with a long chain earring with metal feathers and a fresh crisp apple (the apple was a free gift from the lovely Fatima.) In addition to her accessories, Fatima collaborates with artist Kevin Hailey in designing a collection of leggings and t-shirts.  I own a pair of those soft leggings, a grey tie-dyed pair with a native screen print, and want to live in them.

Coma and Cotton –  Artist Kevin Hailey sells the softest t-shirts depicting his own illustrations that lean on the native, nature loving vibe (can’t you tell by the models frolicking in the grass on his website?) A few IndieMarts back, Kevin was kind enough to recommend the perfect shirt for my complexion, a light brown v-neck with a feather design, but by the time I had made it to his clothing rack I had run out of cash.  That is an important lesson for Indie Mart – make sure you’re well equipped with cash, or if you don’t want to spend too much save yourself by only taking a couple of twenties!

Still Life – The badass switchblade knife necklaces are all sold out!  I knew I should have purchased one when I had the chance.  This amazing necklace, which I should have purchased a year ago, was one of the many treasures one can find from the Still Life booth at Indie Mart.  On my last visit to Indie Mart I walked away with a high-waisted brown leather skirt and a pair of black ankle booties with a gold clasp.

Pretty Little Thing N.Y.C. – Violent sharp objects are apparently the new owls when it comes to jewelry.  New York based designer Lirany Vasquez has a whole collection of petite dainty chopping knife charms on her necklaces as well as more peaceful accessories like space men, antelope, mushrooms and tulips.

Don’t miss the next Indie Mart!  In the words of Ally Dutra, “Imported mass-produced clothes are OUT and now is the time for change!!!! Rock and support local independent designers, making a conscious effort toward fashion revolution, come out babies! Even if you don’t have money, check out my stuff.  It’s art, it’s magic, it was made by my little hands!!!!!!! Independent is the future of fashion, so pony up!!”

Next Indie Mart is Dec. 5 at The Independent.  21+