A new trade only buying event is giving retailers another reason to visit Melbourne this August.
From the creators of the popular Big Design Market comes The Big Design Trade, an independent trade show for retailers committed to stocking original, high quality and ethically made products.
It will showcase both local Australian talent and international brands across fashion, jewellery, homewares, art prints, stationery, body, and kids’ gifts.
Director Simon Obarzanek says The Big Design Trade provides an opportunity for small businesses that produce small quantities of high quality, original items to connect with retailers.
“I believe independent designer brands have been overlooked in this wholesale space,” he says. “I’m excited to start what almost feels like a dating service, in which creatives and makers can find like-minded retailers—it’s an old school face-to-face matchmaking service.”
Australian jewellery designer Abby Seymour will exhibit her signature range of fair trade gold and recycled silver pieces, which are hand-formed with bold, geometrical shapes.
Seymour creates every piece by hand in her Melbourne studio and says keeping this personal touch is incredibly important to her, even if it means she can’t grow her brand quickly.
“I think most people can identify the brands that are making genuine connections with their products, rather than a diluted attempt to cash in on trends,” she says.
“The reality is that we are all living in a grossly mass-consumer environment, but people are slowly reverting back to more minimal and meaningful purchases. I am building my business and brand for the future, not for today—I’ve chosen the long road, to make a more conscious impact over short-term instant rewards.”
Other exhibitors include Bespoke Letterpress, candle brand Alchemy Produx, Nancybird clothing and accessories, and ethically made (and aesthetically pleasing) dog products from Nice Digs.
The Big Design Trade runs from 2-4 August at Meat Market, North Melbourne.
By Ruth Cooper
