Lola’s Curated brings circular fashion and community together at this weekend’s market

Posted on 13 November, 2026

Talia and Ecem grew up op-shopping alongside their mothers, who instilled in them an appreciation for fashion and discovering unique antiques. For Hiyab, her relationship with fashion was shaped in part by her mother’s travels.

Together, the trio is behind Lola’s Curated. A space for fashion, art, creativity, and community, the start-up launched in June 2026 and has since popped up at markets across Canberra. From suitcase rummages to the Second Life Markets and Fashion Thrift Society, the group has even travelled to Sydney to sell second-hand clothing.

Yet Talia says what began as a simple market stall quickly evolved into something much bigger.

“Over time we realised we could extend beyond simply selling clothes,” she explains. “We wanted to create something that reflected all our interests whilst also providing opportunities for other people to connect and participate.”

Taking place on Saturday 14 November from 1 pm until 5 pm, the Circular Fashion Meet will bring together fashion craft, drinks, music, and creativity in an uplifting community space. While it is the first event hosted by the trio, they credit the initial spark to Kacy Grainger, owner of Grainger Gallery.

“We were fortunate to be presented with the opportunity and jumped at the chance,” says Talia.

“The Grainger Gallery has demonstrated the importance of creating spaces that bring people together and provide opportunities for Canberra’s creative community to flourish. It’s inspiring to be able to build on that spirit and contribute something of our own.”

 

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All three women bring distinct cultural backgrounds that shape how they engage with style. Talia draws a lot of inspiration from her Greek heritage and culture, Hiyab from her Eritrean background and the wider influences of East Africa, while Ecem is inspired by her Turkish culture. Although their individual experiences differ, they share a core belief that garments – once we are done with them – should be passed on for someone else to love.

“Across all our cultures, fashion, dress, hairstyles and jewellery play such an important role in celebrations and personal identity. Clothing has always been more than something you simply wear; it carries stories, traditions and influences that are passed down through generations,” explains Talia.

“We think this has naturally shaped our appreciation for pieces that feel individual and meaningful, and instilled in us a legitimate desire to see pieces of clothing through many wardrobes and lifetimes.”

At its heart, Lola’s Curated designed the Circular Fashion Meet as a place where people can connect through a shared love of second-hand treasures, self-expression, and sustainable shopping. Having spent plenty of time immersed in Canberra’s creative scene, Talia, Ecem, and Hiyab are building the exact space they always wanted access to: a meeting ground for makers and thinkers.

“It’s healthy to share,” Talia says. “For us, to create a space that encourages more conscious ways of engaging with fashion means people connect, share compliments and ideas, explore themselves and leave with a little inspiration from someone else’s personal expression.”

“We believe that keeping fashion circular is about more than just shopping vintage, but about changing the way we value, consume and interact with the possessions we own. Giving pieces another life keeps them in circulation and challenges the idea that fashion needs to be brand new to be forward-thinking.”

 

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Alongside affordable second-hand goods, the Circular Fashion Meet will feature food and drink, live music, and a hands-on crafting area for zine-making and textiles. For Talia, the event is a direct reflection of their affection for the capital and the people who give it life.

“One of the things we love most about Canberra is that there is so much happening beneath the surface. You have to lean in and look a little closer to discover the independent creatives, artists, makers and small communities that give the city its character. We feel very lucky to be part of that.”

This is just beginning for Lola’s Curated. They’re also creating a universe that extends beyond clothing.

“Lola’s Curated is at the intersection of all our interests and passions, including photography, magazines, and film,” explains Talia. “Our ultimate goal is to launch a store. With sustainability being one of our core values, Lola’s Curated wants to explore repair workshops and educate on how we can extend the life of our garments.”

“Lola’s Curated is excited to explore future crafting sessions and share our hobbies, including sewing, collaging, beading, ceramics, photography, and graphic design. We are bursting with ideas, and there is so much talent in Canberra that we want to collaborate with and learn from.”

Images supplied.