Undercurrent Design Market is back, with thrills aplenty for lovers of beautiful things
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As the festive season inches closer, Canberra’s beloved Undercurrent Design Market promises a feast for the senses – not to mention a stress-free Christmas shopping experience.
A market focused on Australian-made craft, fashion, jewellery, accessories, art and design, Undercurrent Design Market, presented by The Curatoreum, will return to the National Portrait Gallery from 5 pm on Friday 24 November until Sunday 26 November (with free entry as always). Lovers of beautiful things: start your engines!
After a joyous return to normal in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, husband and wife duo Richard Baz and Melanie O’Hanlon (owners of The Curatoreum) are excited to once again welcome visitors to Undercurrent’s signature blend of fashion, jewellery, glass art, homewares, body care and accessories just in time for Christmas shopping.
First established in 2009, Undercurrent has won the hearts of design lovers time and time again, with more than 55 makers laden with beautiful things for your home, your wardrobe and even your children expected at this year’s market.
A scroll down the Makers page of the Undercurrent website reveals an achingly cool patchwork of interstate and local craftspeople whose colourful earrings (Amy Creative and Froni Binns, to name just two), sculptural glass vases (Harriet Schwarzrock, Netty Blair), handmade leather bags (ATKM – formerly known as All The King’s Men) would sit nicely on anyone’s Christmas wish list (hint, hint).
“Last year we were so happy to welcome people back to Undercurrent and this year we have an exceptional lineup of designers and makers,” says Richard.
“We have a new fashion label called Eva Cassis that creates pieces perfect for summer, and funky, bright bags from Metanoia Leather who are the face of our 2023 market.”
“We also have some makers returning who weren’t able to make it last year, like Bob Windows who does wonderful lampshades and soft furnishings and Shabana Jacobson, who makes amazing jewellery in Melbourne.”
Celebrated Canberra jeweller Phoebe Porter will make her Undercurrent debut this year with her signature range of delicate minimalist jewellery with an industrial flavour, as will Everything Flows, a pottery studio whose earth-toned homewares pieces range from sculptural jet black vases to delicate snow white egg cups.
As always, Undercurrent will kick off with a special late-night shopping evening on Friday 24 November from 5-8 pm, with live music across the weekend to set the mood while you browse, with food available to purchase at the gallery’s café on Saturday and Sunday.
While Undercurrent will take place in the gallery’s spacious and airy interiors, Richard and Melanie are mindful that Canberrans are still COVID-conscious and therefore have capped the number of stallholders to allow for wider paths through the stalls.
“We’re so excited to see everyone back for another Undercurrent,” says Richard. “It’s a unique opportunity for Canberrans to find something handmade and special for a Christmas present – or just for themselves.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Undercurrent Design Market 2023
When: 24-26 November
Where: National Portrait Gallery
Cost: Free
Website: undercurrentdesignmarket.com
Feature image: Metanoia Leather