September 2016 will mark Portobello West’s 10 year anniversary, an important milestone for one of Vancouver’s first markets to celebrate all things local, unique, and handmade. In anticipation of this momentous occasion the Vancouver Fashion and Art Market Society is teaming up to bring you a special ‘top 10’ themed blog series dedicated to celebrating all things Portobello West. To kick things off we of course had to go back to the very beginning and dig deep into the markets roots with founder Carlie Smith.
Q1: How does today’s Portobello West compare to your initial vision in 2006?
CS: It has changed a lot. Originally the focus was more about fashion, but now the market offers a wide array of products.
Q2: What has changed most about Vancouver since you started Portobello West?
CS: There are a lot of options for Vancouverites to shop locally now. A lot of independent shops were started by designers that participated in the market including Adhesif Clothing Company, Two of Hearts, and Neighbourhood Quality Goods.
Q3: What is your most memorable Portobello West experience?
CS: Definitely the very first market at the Plaza of Nations. It was a beautiful sunny day, the venue had such an amazing energy and there was lots of excitement. It’s a day I’ll never forget.
Q4: What have been some of your favourite finds at Portobello West?
CS: I have quite a few pieces of clothing from Leanne McElroy from Elroy Apparel and a dress from Nicole Bridger I wear every summer and still love. I also wear a lot of accessories from Braden Hammond – his glass jewelry is stunning. I’m sure I would be able to find many new pieces from current designers at the market. Irit Sorokin always has amazing pieces to choose from too.
Q5: Do you have a favourite market season?
CS: They are all wonderful but I would have to say spring because it’s the first time after the holiday rush that you start thinking about shopping for yourself again.
Q6: The look of Portobello West has definitely evolved over the years. Is there a logo or design that you prefer?
CS: I can’t really say that I have a favourite. The one I started with was brown and light blue, and while it related to the market’s individuality and uniqueness it didn’t have a clean effect because it was hand drawn. When we moved locations from the Rocky Mountaineer to Creekside in 2010, I felt it was a good time to change and adopt a new logo. The orange and black hangtags was a fresh look for the time. Now with Portobello West’s 10th anniversary , I think this year would be good opportunity to change things up.
Q7: What value do markets like Portobello West offer?
CS: They inject diversity into our shopping culture, encourage entrepreneurship, and give local artists and designers a way to be sustainable in their own craft.
Q8: Why should people attend Portobello West’s 10 year celebration in September?
CS: I think people should attend all Portobello West markets. No two markets are exactly the same so you have to take advantage of all of them since they only happen a four times a year.
Q9: If you could change something about Portobello West what would it be?
CS: Frequency. I would like to see it return to a monthly market that happens regularly on the last Sunday of the month. This makes it more accessible for designers to use it as a semi-storefront and the market tends to have a bigger impact on our community culture overall. Also you don’t have to wait so long for the next one if you miss one.
Q10: Where do you hope to see Portobello West in another 10 years?
CS: I hope to see it thriving as a place where people can plan to meet their friends on a regular basis and where local designers can continue to get their start and test market their products without having to take on a big risk.
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Join us in celebrating our 10 year anniversary at Portobello West Fall Market Sept 17-18 at Creekside Community Centre from 11am-5pm! RSVP TODAY!
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