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By Nicholas Carolan

Six innovators making their debut at the Big Design Market

Innovation and sustainable practices converge at this annual showcase of the latest in independent Australian design

Collective Closets A new fashion label started by two sisters born in Africa and now living in Melbourne, who are inspired by the current fashions coming out of Nairobi, Kenya. “[I'm] looking forward to seeing the mixture of Melbourne meets Nairobi in this collection,” Obarzanek says.

Bush Medijina A small, not-for-profit Indigenous enterprise producing soaps and balms from harvested native plants grown on their traditional land in the Northern Territory. These products have been passed down by generations of mothers, grandmothers and elders. "The women from this indigenous enterprise will be flying in from [the Northern Territory] to sell and explain the stories and processes behind their products," says Obarzanek. "I’ll be covering myself in their balms and waiting to see the magic."

Mujun A collective of young Japanese designers introducing old world craftsmanship to a contemporary audience around the world, Mujun are coming from Kyoto, Japan especially for The Big Design Market. “[I'm] really interested to chat to the designers about their scissors and knives made using traditional Japanese techniques," says Obarzanek. "I tend to be a bit clumsy so I hope they aren’t too sharp."

Nelson Made Jamie Nelson creates small run batches of shoes in collaboration with independent creatives. Though there's ostensibly nothing available for Obarzanek, he admires the range nonetheless. "These are really cute slides," he says. "I know exactly the person who will star in these."

Champ A label making modern jewellery from recycled aeroplane tyres, Champ's original pieces have been designed by Lauren Steller, who works as both an amazingly creative designer and architect. "Lauren has taken upcycling to a new level. Her work is so original, fun and extremely beautiful," says Obarzanek.

Nina Oikawa Born and bread in Tokyo and currently living in Melbourne, Oikawa's jewellery is collected across the world and is stocked in Australia, the USA and Japan. All her works are one off pieces of art. They are made to be worn or adored as objects, Obarzanek says. "I can’t wait to see them for the first time. They look so sophisticated but yet have a great sense of humour. [I] love this combination."

Though the idea of an independent handmade craft market might conjure images of crocheted yoga mats and teapots made of upcycled cutlery, The Big Design Market is about as far removed from folksy as you could imagine it to be.

Born in 2012 out of a need for designers to be able to create and sell their work through an outlet other than bricks-and-mortar boutiques or impersonal online marketplaces, the Big Design Market, which is now in its seventh year and attracts at-capacity crowds, turned out to be exactly what the industry and its fans had been calling out for. The annual Melbourne instalment at the Royal Exhibition Building regularly pulls crowds nearing 60,000 across three days, and Sydney’s market, now in its third year, brings in crowds of well-over 20,000 across one weekend to the Royal Hall of Industries. The event is also capable of generating millions of dollars in sales for its over 200 independent designers, many of whom front their own stalls and provide discerning shoppers with a level of interaction that’s missing from traditional retail experiences, both online and off.

Since its earliest inception as MarkIt@FedSquare, an illustration-based market that began by featuring 30 designers in Federation Square eight years ago, the Big Design Market has evolved into a forum for designers to present new season offerings that exist at the intersection of excellent design, cutting-edge innovation and eco-conscious practices. This year’s market, which takes ‘sustainability’ as its curatorial theme, includes newcomers from around Australia and the world. Above, Big Design Market director Simon Obarzanek shares with GRAZIA his insights into this year’s freshman class, which includes vibrant ready-to-wear from Kenya, Indigenous beauty products sourced from the heart of the Australian bush and artisanal crafts direct from Kyoto.

The Big Design Market takes place from November 30 until December 2 in Melbourne at the Royal Exhibition Building and from December 7-9 at the Royal Hall of Industries, Sydney. More information is available here.

Tile image: Collective Closets/Courtesy of the Big Design Market
Cover image: Nelson Made/Courtesy of the Big Design Market

topics: ONE AND ONLY, In Design, Design, Homewares, The Big Design Market, SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, Events