Young Designers Market » Markets of New York

Weekend Market Picks for November 12 & 13 + Gloves by Lamia Akar

Whimsical Sexy Mini Gloves Handmade by Lamia Akar

I visited the The Market NYC / Young Designers Market in their great new digs at 328 W. 14th Street between 8th and 9th. Happy to report they are completely settled in, and full up with a wide range of jewelry and fashion designs.

Many things caught my eye, but I was absolutely delighted by these handmade gloves by Lamia Akar. Lamia makes fingerless leather gloves in bright colors, black, white, and every combination thereof. The gloves come in a variety of sizes and lengths, all fingerless, some with big snaps that make a satisfying sound when you squeeze them together. They are all wonderfully designed and made. She makes tiny mini gloves, the ones in the photo, that are sweet and fun, and quite sexy. Lamia’s designs offer a tasteful way to a dose of color and whimsy to any outfit!

And now, on to this weekend’s Market Picks to get your holiday shopping started!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

East 67th Street Flea Market: Located in the schoolyard and cafeteria of PS 183 on E. 66th and 67th Street between 1st and York Avenues, this flea market features some amazing vendors. You may find the cashmere lady, who sells nothing but cashmere sweaters on a schoolyard table. Several fine vintage jewelers sellers have amazing sparkles in their cases. The market also has fresh produce and food vendors selling both snacks and provisions for your week.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Community Markets in Park Slope: I love the markets produced by the Community Markets organization because they feature wonderful regional farm produce, and they also have local food businesses selling their products. I am thrilled to to see that some of my favorite food purveyors will be at this Brooklyn market on Sunday (5th Ave. and 4th Street in front of PS 51), including Raaka Virgin Chocolate and their new flavors, and the famous Mortgage Apple Cake, with their mouthwatering, superlative, and economy-saving cakes.

Saturday and Sunday, November 11 & 12:

Independent Designer Pop Shop: I simply have to keep this month-long market on the list again this week. It is a lovely, boutique-style market featuring New York’s fine emerging designers. It is located in the space across from Posman Books and next to Chelsea Market Baskets inside Chelsea Market! And I’ll be doing a book signing there on Saturday from 12 – 3PM! So come shopping and come get your market guide book signed! And “like” the market on Facebook to win a $50 gift card on Saturday!

The MarketNYC / Young Designers Market: As I wrote above, I am happy to see that this market is fully ensconced in its new space near the Meatpacking District. There are literally dozens of designers in multiple rows throughout the market. Look for the red tent on 14th Street, and plan on spending some time looking at all the designers’ tables. Lamia Akar was just inside the eastern exit when I met her last week.

Dekalb Market: Every time I come here, there are new things to discover – new artisans, new food vendors, and new shipping containers turned into a matrix of treasure-filled boutiques. There’s local food, handmade artisanal wares, art installations, and music. I have it on good authority that the New Zealand style Dub Pies are ridiculously tasty. What else do you need? Oh yeah – and a farm. I wonder if a pumpkin grows in Brooklyn?

Eat, Shop, Play — in the Markets of new York City!

Photo of the Day – August 16, 2011: Chane T-Shirt Designs

If ever there was a font of ironic and funny t-shirts, it’s Chane. I’ve seen Chane’s Modsushi Collection at the Young Designers Market, and I recently saw them at the St. Anthony’s Artisan Market on Houston and Sullivan Streets in Soho.

The Modsushi Collection includes food tees, like the one pictured, and many other great ones as well. “I ♥ Mayonnaise,” and “I ♥ Ketchup” resonate with me. The social commentary tees are nothing if not timely: “Laid Off is the New Black,” and “Low Wage Worker.” There are also some more, well, scatological ones that clearly appeal to the less demure than yours truly: ex. “I ♥ Peeing Outside,” which, interestingly, comes in all sizes from XXL to Onesie. All t-shirts are handprinted on American Apparel, Anvil and Tultex garments.

If you’re looking for a message to wear on your chest, Chane probably has just the one. How about this one: “Your Trailer or Mine”?

Weekend Market Picks and Corrente Leather Handbags!

Tenille and Corie of Corrente Leather Handbags

By now, you may know that I get excited about entrepreneurs raising funds in clever ways to grow their businesses. Last weekend, I featured Brewla Bar’s Kickstarter Project. And this weekend, I’m thrilled to feature Corrente Handbags’ Kickstarter Project!

Corrie Humble is the wonderfully creative designer behind the Brooklyn-based Corrente, and she is raising money to produce an exciting new line of handbags. Please have a look at her Kickstarter project and contribute, or share the link with your friends! It all helps Corrie meet her goal!

This Weekend’s Market Picks in the Meatpacking District!

Some of the world’s best known designers have boutiques in the Meatpacking District. And now there are amazing independent and emerging designers in the neighborhood as well, not to mention one of the finest food markets in the city. So I thought I’d feature two designer and one food market together as one great way to spend a day in Manhattan.

Chelsea Market: This food market is open 7 days a week. It is filled with specialty food shops, from imported Italian products, freshly baked breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables, to cheese, fish, and meat shops. You can visit this market for lunch or dinner, and you can also stock up on fine delicacies for your weekly home menu. It’s also the perfect place to find gifts for the foodies in your life.

Independent Designers Pop Shop at Chelsea Market: This is the second market event for this group of artisan entrepreneurs from around the city. The list includes clothing designers, a lovely variety of jewelry and accessories, lingerie, handmade bath and body products, and more. So come to Chelsea Market for food and for this incredible opportunity to shop directly from some of New York’s best and brightest designers. And I’m not just saying that – this group is really talented! It runs through Monday, August 8th.

Young Designers Market in the Meatpacking District: This market has been a pillar of Nolita for years, and they recently opened a second location on 14th Street. If you like jewelry, you will find an amazing variety of designs and styles here. New and independent fashion and accessories designers also sell their high quality products here.

You can spend half a day wandering through these markets, and then pick up a picnic at Chelsea Market for a stroll along the entire length of the fabulous High Line Park!

Photo of the Day – August 3, 2011: Vernakular

Vernakular is the brainchild of photographer and designer Raoul Calleja, creating clothing and accessories that feature fine photography by a group of photographers hailing from New York, Chicago, Portland, Singapore, and beyond.

The photos are selected and then printed on t-shirts, messenger bags, wallets, journal books, and smaller memo books. There are currently 9 photo collections. The subway image on the wallet pictured is by Raoul himself in the Etc. Collection. This particular image first caught my eye because it’s a familiar sight. But then I noticed the beautiful angles, clarity and qualities of the photo itself. That combination is the essence of Vernakular’s designs: excellent artwork featured on personal, usable objects.

Vernakular accepts photo submissions on a rolling basis. So if you have some compelling images that you think would look great on products, visit the Vernakular submissions page for details.

You can find Vernakular every weekend at the Young Designers Market. And today through Monday, August 8, you can find Vernakular and 25+ other designers at the Independent Designers Pop Shop at Chelsea Market! (Trust me – I went to the first Independent Designers event, and you do not want to miss this one!)

Weekend Market Picks – July 30-31, 2011 and Brewla Bars Video

We have a new video blog! Watch this interview with Rebecca from Brewla Bars. Brewla Bars are frozen pops made from brewed beverages, like coffee and tea. They have a frozen root beer float bar that I can’t get enough of. You can find them at the Fulton Stall Market every Sunday. And please support their awesome Kickstarter Crowdfunding Project!

For my Market Picks this weekend, I’m thinking about Lower Manhattan. There are some wonderful, established markets that stay enticing and exciting by keeping outstanding sellers and bringing in new ones all the time. An afternoon stroll through all of these markets takes you through Soho, Nolita, the Lower East Side and points in between.

Saturday and Sunday

Ahkun Summer Pop Up Shop: Ahkun is a non-profit organization that connects micro-financed companies to the global marketplace. They are holding a pop-up shop at the Lower East Side Girls Club. Shop for “style with a conscience,” featuring fair trade organizations, independent designers, sustainable brands, and gourmet popsicles!

St. Anthony’s Market: I love strolling through this market on Houston Street because there are always so many interesting vendors there. Plus, it’s wide open, right on the sidewalk, and easy to get to. I bet you’ve walked by it a million times. So this weekend stop, chat and stop!

Nolita Market: The Nolita Market is on Prince Street between Mulberry and Spring Streets. This is another sidewalk market, set against the beautiful backdrop of the brick church wall at the Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a nice walk from St. Anthony’s so make sure you hit both!

The Market NYC – Young Designers Market: This is a market you have to visit on a regular – and frequent - basis because there is so much design talent in jewelry, fashion, and accessories. They have two locations every weekend now, the original at 268 Mulberry, just around the corner from the Nolita Market, and the other at 328 14th St. in the Meatpacking District.

Essex Street Market: This indoor market is a haven for foodie explorers. There’s a lot to discover, from the cheeses, the breads, and the fresh fish, to the international foods, the handmade chocolates, and the Italian gourmet food shop. It’s also the home to La Tiendita, the city’s only “girl made and fair trade” social venture business, founded in 1998 by the Lower East Side Girls Club. So visit their facilities for the Ahkun Market, and then stroll over visit their shop, La Tiendita, at the Essex Street Market for some delicious baked goods!

Have a great mid-summer weekend! And don’t forget to tell us about your own Market Haul!

It’s Fleet Week: Market Picks for May 28-29

It’s Fleet Week!

So in honor of our sailors and marines visiting the city, we New Yorkers have arranged for splendid weather and some wonderful market events. This weekend already feels like summer through and through!

Two very special events this weekend:

The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (Pictured Above): Back for its 81st year, this market was originally founded by Jackson Pollack and Willem DeKooning in 1931. Both were strapped for cash, and they brought a few paintings down to the street to sell to passers by. Today, the exhibit features fine artists and artisans from around the world, all showing their work on the sidewalks of Greenwich Village. This is an event not to be missed! It runs this weekend (Sat – Mon) and next weekend (Sat- Sun).
Better Than Jam Pop-Up Shop on Governor’s Island: While not exactly a market, this pop-up shop is an extension of Better Than Jam Co-Op in Bushwick, which features fine, fun, high quality handmade items from The {NewNew} Etsy Artisan Group, who sell at the markets all over the city. Better Than Jam is sponsoring these artisans in the Pop-Up on Governor’s Island. Grab a free ferry ride to Governor’s Island and visit this very special shop in Historic Home 6B, Nolan Park, on Governors Island. The shop opens today and runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through September 25.

Other picks for the weekend:

Hester Street Fair: Hester Street is hosting members of the Japanese Folk Dance Institute, who will be selling kimonos, obis, fans, cards and more to raise funds to help the people of Japan who struggle to rebuild their homes, communities and cities after the earthquake and tsunami. Our awesome friends from the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck will be there too, providing Salty Pimps and Bea Arthur in a cone to hot, hungry people. Last week the BGICT helped raise over $2000 for Doctors Without Borders with Ottavia and Anthony Bourdain. Good karma, good eats, and good fun all around this weekend!
The Market NYC/Young Designers Market in the Meatpacking District: Find the latest trends in clothing, jewelry, and accessories at this market. Its regular location is on Mulberry Street, but this weekend they will be opening up shop on 328 West 14th St. between 8th & 9th Ave. There is no doubt that you will find something to impress your friends with at this market.
Madison Square Market Eats: This food extravaganza is running every day from 11AM – 9PM through June 3rd. It is a great place to grab lunch in the shadow of the Flatiron Building. At night, it is a charming spot to grab dinner and a beer with friends under the festive twinkly lights. Check out some of my favorites, including Bar Suzette, serving delicious crepes, P&H Soda Co. for refreshing artisanal sodas, Cookie Panache (try the almond curry cookie – seriously delicious!), and NuNu for handmade chocolates and craft beer.

It is also the second weekend for Smorgasburg on Saturday, so maybe, just maybe it will be a little less crazy crowded. And show some love to the Essex Street Market, which is in peril from developers. Pick up some delicious cheeses, seafood, handmade chocolates, any kind of international ingredient, and please sign this petition!

On a personal note this Memorial Day weekend, my dad, aka Captain Marvo, enlisted in the Army at the tail end of WWII as a tender teenager. He later transferred to the Navy to attend Annapolis. At local Memorial Day celebrations, he would stand for both the Army and the Navy anthems, which is such a great memory for me and my sisters. He was as crafty as my mom, making his own fly rods and flies, brewing his own beer, and even making wine from exotic things like artichokes and watercress. No gourmand was he though. In college, I’d meet him for lunch in his biology lab, where he’d cook us up some hot dogs in a dented pan from the Salvation Army over a Bunsen burner, washed down with day-old coffee from an old thermos. Lunch never tasted better.

Have a great weekend! Don’t forget your sunblock outside and sobriety behind the wheel!

Nature vs. Future: Sip & Shop for Eco Fashion

Designer Nina Valenti of Nature vs. Future is a leader in the emerging world of eco-fashion. I first noticed Nina’s designs at the Young Designers Market, where she has been selling her women’s fashion collections for several years. Her designs have a strong, distinct style that is both feminine and edgy, classic yet futuristic.

Nina’s designs first drew me to Nature vs. Future. Her pieces are futuristic classics, as she describes them, and they fit like a flattering dream. I adore her new Swerve Coat (pictured), a gorgeous, geometric twist on the classic overcoat, which I first saw at the Madison Square Market by Urban Space. The wool/cashmere fabric is recycled from the garment industry, and the coats are lined in surprising and fun colors, like purple and teal. What made me love this designer is the advanced thinking behind the brand and the commitment to building a truly environmentally conscious business.

Nina told me she launched her design label, Nature vs. Future, in 2002 after she began thinking about the environment and wondering about technology and how it can and will continue to relate to the organic forces of nature. Being a fashion designer, she thought about the tension between a vision for the future and what nature might actually have in store for us. Her fashion designs are an attempt to leverage that tension into a line that is futuristic and environmentally conscious at the same time. She uses sustainable materials that are recycled, renewable, and sustainably manufactured.

Nature vs. Future is having an End of Season Sip & Shop Sale tomorrow!

What: Nature vs. Future Collection at 20-50% discounts! With spritzers made from fair trade Appollis wine and FAIR. goji berry liquor.

When: Tuesday, February 8, 6 – 9PM

Where: The Glittering Conscience Pop-Up Shop, 96 W Houston (Between Thompson & LaGuardia), New York, NY

Glittering Conscience is a lovely shop space featuring multiple eco-conscious jewelry, accessory and fashion designers. It is a temporary pop-up shop, so don’t miss seeing these amazing products in a beautiful space before it disappears!

Market Events This Halloween Weekend

It’s Halloween weekend! You can go to any artisan, farmer, food, or flea market in town and find a Halloween Wonderland. Here are a few highlights:

TONIGHT, Friday, 10/29

This is the last weekend to hang out at the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck for the season! Go to their party tonight to say so long to the Salty Pimp. 7pm-9pm, outside Destination Bar (13th and Avenue A; map).

Saturday 10/30

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: It’s a Pumpkin Carving Contest! Bring your carved pumpkin to the market by 10AM for the judging by a select and discerning group of market farmers. You could win a bag of market goodies!!

Saturday and Sunday, 10/30 – 10/31/2010

Brooklyn Flea: Val & Andy of Kings County Salvage are giving away a free pumpkin direct from Pennsylvania with your flea purchase this weekend! Ft. Greene on Saturdays, One Hanson on Sundays.

Chelsea Market: We stopped by Chelsea Market this morning to check out their fun, artistic, and super creepy decorations (see photos). The unbelievable pumpkins carved by Hugh McMahon are back this year, better than ever! Check out the 500 lb beauty. They’re holding their family event, Chelsea Market Mash this weekend. Music and lots of fun things for kids. 2PM – 5PM, Saturday and Sunday.

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market: If you are in need of a killer Halloween costume, then hightail it over to the Hell’s Kitchen Flea. They’re ready for you: platform shoes, retro clothes, tons of accessories, and antique eyeless babydolls. I once saw what looked like a human skull there, but that’s a story for another day. 9AM – 6PM, Saturday and Sunday.

Hester Street Fair: Not just Boo, but Boo Hoo! It’s the last weekend of the season for the Hester Street Fair! If you couldn’t squeeze yourself into the Grub Street Festival, lots of those same food vendors will be there again this weekend. So munch away and then bring the kids to the Seward Park Cooperative’s Grand Halloween Carnival. 10AM – 6PM, Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, October 31

New Amsterdam Market: Another gorgeous weekend planned at the New Amsterdam Market! Halloween harvest, jam making workshop, and wild foragers at the market this weekend. Have some apple cider and the first pumpkin pie of the season. 11am-4pm at the historic Fulton Fish Market. Rain or Shine.

I’m working on my groovy ’70’s gogo outfit, starring the most awesome circle dress by Sohung Designs at the Young Designers Market, gigantic hoop earrings, and loads of love beads. What is your Halloween costume?

Every Weekend is Fashion Week at the Markets!

Nature vs. Future at the Young Designers Market (photo by Yucel Erodogan)

I write a monthly column for The Three Tomatoes, and this month’s piece is about the wonderful fashion designers who sell their unique clothing at the markets every weekend.

The article features five designers:

Roxi Suger of Angelrox Designs – St. Anthony’s Market
Nina Valenti of Nature vs. Future – Young Designers Market/The MarketNYC
Karin Persan of Better Than Jam – Brooklyn Indie Market and the Better Than Jam Coop
Kathy Malone of Fofolle – Brooklyn Indie Market
Grace Napoleon of Folk Couture – Brooklyn Flea

Read all about them on The Three Tomatoes! Even if you do have tickets to the Fashion Week runways, visit the heart of fashion innovation at the markets every weekend.

Markets of New York City in the New York Times Style Section!

Karen Seiger & Wendel Johnston at the Young Designers Market

In the interest of full disclosure, I was completely ecstatic about the lovely piece by Mary Billard in the New York Times Style Section yesterday about Markets of New York City: A Guide to the Best Artisan, Farmer, Food, and Flea Markets. Her “Browsing” column is full of very cool finds around the city. The photo is by Kirsten Luce, who really captured the atmosphere at the Young Designers Market, where you can chat with the actual designers about their creations.

And if you haven’t gone to this market to see men’s clothing designer Wendel Johnston, or for that matter Nature vs. Future, Arza Design Handbags, Sohung Designs, Digby & Iona, and many more, there is no time like the present. I was at an Asteroids Galaxy Tour concert a few weeks ago at the Bowery Ballroom standing in the balcony, when I looked down and saw a dapper young man wearing one of Wendel’s hoodie blazers. I almost jumped over the rail to tell him how great he looked, but I thought better of it because it’s about a 15 foot drop. But seeing the creations of a great designer out in the streets helped me enjoy the concert just a little bit more than I would have, and I love the Asteroids a lot!