A closer look at the Southside Farmers Market’s new sustainable and vintage clothing offering
Posted on
Something new is coming to the Southside Farmers Market this August with the launch of a market section focusing on sustainable and vintage fashion.
For almost 20 years, the Southside Farmers Market has been connecting the community with local producers, enticing Canberrans to browse fresh flowers, produce and handcrafted goodies on Sunday mornings.
But those craving a market akin to Sydney’s Glebe Park and Kirribilli Markets, known for their abundance of fashion and accessories, now have something to look forward to. They no longer need to travel interstate for their fix of browsing markets for sustainable and vintage clothing – instead, they can just go to Canberra College.
“Fashion Lane is an extension of the Southside Farmers Market,” explains Fashion Lane Manager Isobel Calder-Cassilles.
“The idea came from Wayne Skein, the market Director, who wanted to create a space that supports circular and sustainable fashion while making pre-loved clothing accessible to the community.”
Fashion Lane will see up to 20 stallholders gather to sell vintage, pre-loved, handmade and sustainable clothing, adding another layer to the market community by encouraging sustainable fashion practices.
The market is looking for a mix of regular stallholders, casual stallholders and pop-ups, with the goal of creating a diverse shopping experience with something for everyone – including children’s clothing, women’s and men’s fashion, gender-neutral clothing, handmade items, and pre-loved goods.
“We hope shoppers enjoy the welcoming community atmosphere that Southside Farmers Market is known for,” says Isobel.
“We encourage people to embrace the slow Sunday mornings, grab a coffee, browse the fresh produce from our farmers, try some of the treats on offer, and explore The Fashion Lane. Our stallholders are friendly, passionate people who love sharing stories and connecting with others, and we hope that sense of community carries through to The Fashion Lane experience.”
Something of a thrifter herself, Isobel says that the minute Wayne pitched the idea of Fashion Lane, she was fully behind it.
“I love that every item has a story and has already lived a life before finding its way onto a rack or shelf,” she explains.
“I often went op-shopping with friends as a fun way to spend time together, and we knew our money was supporting a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion. The quality of second-hand clothing is often far better than what can be found new today, and at a much lower price point. It makes fashion more accessible while reducing waste and encouraging people to buy thoughtfully.”
Fashion Lane Manager Isobel Calder-Cassilles.
Believing that sustainable and pre-loved fashion will only continue to grow in popularity, Isobel also feels that the addition of Fashion Lane – and the stalls it will host – will play an important role in bringing people together.
“Markets create opportunities for connection, conversation and community. Fashion offers a glimpse into people’s personalities and stories, and it’s often through shared interests that new friendships and connections are formed,” she explains.
“At a time when many people are feeling the pressures of the cost of living, spaces that foster community while helping people save money and shop more sustainably are incredibly valuable. Connectedness plays an important role in wellbeing, and markets like this help create a stronger sense of belonging.”
Fashion Lane will be held on the second Sunday of every month. And as the countdown begins to the brand-new offering, the team from the Southside Farmers Market have a final message for future thrifters: “Fashion Lane is for everyone.”
“Whether you run a handmade or pre-loved clothing business, create unique products, or simply have a wardrobe full of clothes that deserve a second life, we’d love to have you involved,” says Isobel.
“Gather a few friends, share a stall and bring your treasures along. Whether you join us regularly or just once, everyone is welcome.”
It will cost $50 per market to be a Fashion Lane stallholder. For those interested in becoming a stallholder, applications are now open here.
Follow @thefashionlanecbr to see when Fashion Lane will officially become part of your Sunday morning outing.
