Kathryn Conway reveals how London’s pop-up markets are getting a chic upgrade, from designer bargains at Selfridges to indie crafts and vinyl finds.
If you think a car boot sale is all about standing in a muddy field with people selling their grandma’s china, you haven’t done car boot sales the London way. Swap the field for the car park at Selfridges on Oxford Street, and that retro tea set for fashion finds everyone wants to get their hands on, and you’ve got the oh-so-chic #SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale (16 May).
Created by Alex Eagle, creative director of Alex Eagle Studio, this fabulous fashion fundraiser supports the incredible work of Women for Women International in helping women and girls affected by conflict and war. With a mix of preloved and new items donated by designers and stylists at up to 70 per cent off, you’ll need to be quick to bag yourself a stylish bargain from the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Nobody’s Child and RIXO.
Meanwhile, if you like style with a side of creative flair, get yourself along to Battersea Power Station for the Salad Days Market (2-4 May). Having built a reputation for championing small businesses, this bank holiday weekend wonder is all about handmade and vintage pieces from independent brands across the city. And the genius bit is that the line-up is different each day, meaning you’ll need a will of steel not to browse, buy and repeat it all the following day… especially as this market comes with a whole host of live elements (past events have included personalised poetry, portraits and an awesome mini-print vending machine).
Finally, for a day out that’ll have you singing the classic Dead or Alive track You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), it’s time to head north to King’s Cross. On 9 May, Coal Drops Yard becomes a gathering place for record labels, collectors and those people who prefer their music to be a little more analogue as the Independent Label Market London sets up its shop… or rather its stalls. Find influential independent imprints such as Ninja Tune, Secretly Canadian and War Child offering exclusive releases and vinyl test pressings. Soundtracked by live DJs and performances by emerging artists, this is a market you’ll want to clear your day for, so come ready to discover some rare finds.
