Like an icy pole on a hot summers day, the
Magnolia Square boutique markets are very sweet and over much too quickly.
Now in its fifth year, Magnolia Square is a pop-up fair that brings together a gaggle of the country's finest designers, craftsmen and artisans food producers.
Flitting between Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide on an almost-monthly basis means that the Magnolia Square markets have grabbed the attention of hipsters all over the country. But these market goods aren't just for the young guns. Leather slippers from Malvern show retailer
Parisian Ballets would do just as beautifully on your mother's feet as your own.
Owner and ex-chartered accountant Nic MacIsaac began the markets as a small time gig in an old East Malvern warehouse back in 2005. The first Magnolia Square retailers were all mumterpreneurs that Nic knew personally through her own small women's clothing label. Word has spread like butter on a hot scone, and Nic now receives ten retail applicants per week for the record-breaking eleven shows planned for 2011.
What started as a dalliance at the dawn of the hand-made revolution has now evolved into a cult Australian icon. Magnolia Square is now known not only for its delicious handmade wares, but also an incubator for upcoming talent.
The next Magnolia Square market next weekend is bursting like a Christmas bon bon with
cool stuff.
Each event brings the excitement of unveiling new, incredibly creative individuals and businesses," Nic says.
One of the biggest thrills I still get is opening the doors to big crowds of eager shoppers on day one."
With 90 retailers on show, including loads of independent fashion labels, you'll want to be one of the early ones.
Can't make it? The Mag Hags will be back in December.
