Welcome to the Hope
Street Markets Website!
Welcome to the Hope Street Markets Website! We are a design and art markets event held seasonally, that celebrate and bring independent designers to the forefront - we are not your average markets!
4th June 2008 - Web update
We have successfully rounded up our 4th Hope Street Markets.
The Autumn Markets weekend in May was a complete success and we raised
$2,741 for HopeStreet's Winter Appeal - which goes to support Sydney's Homeless.
For those that missed out, see our gallery for images of the markets.
For now we wish you all a great Winter, unfortunately we will not be
running a Winter market this year but you can expect to hear more news from
us in a couple of months with any new dates.
In the mean time keep connected with us via our mailing list.
Holly Chalmers
What do you make? Tell us about your product!
I make womens wear featuring fairly tailored, structured pieces, from the fully lined “Lazy Jacket” to the boned, strapless “Party Dress” suitable for the races and special occasions. Quirky details, high quality finish and unexpected fabric combinations make for highly desirable and unique designs.
What's your creative background, your day job and how did you start making things?
I have a Degree in Fashion Design from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) from which I graduated with distinction in 2004. Following this I moved to beautiful Sydney to start my own label, which I launched for Spring Summer 06/07.
To support my fashion “habit”, I work part-time in fashion retail for Collette Dinnigan.
My first memories of sewing were of my mother teaching me the basics of sewing on her old Elna machine. I used to make things for my Barbie dolls. I would hold up my newly crafted piece and say, “Just look at the workmanship in that, mum!” I was all of eight years old, and I’m quite sure that’s where my passion for high-quality finish began. Only the best for Barbie!
What are the things you find most inspiring?
In a nutshell, I would have to say vintage fashion, but particularly the Victorian/Edwardian era is most inspiring for me. I tend to water things down a little, make the design and its details in keeping with the current times so that you don’t look like you’re straight out of a fashion plate circa 1899.
I also pay a lot of attention to what people are wearing on the street, and how their outfit might be constructed. I love pattern making, so the more I take in the better.
Where is your workspace and what is it like?
I have a studio in an artists’ collective in an old warehouse in Redfern. It’s quite small, but I have a huge window in my space. I really enjoy working there. Redfern is very central to all the services I require, and it’s not too far from home in Glebe.
Why did you choose Hope Street Markets?
I chose to take part in Hope Street Markets as I’ve heard from many other designers and market-goers that it’s a really successful market. The fact that this one is under cover is very appealing, too.
Where would you like your art/brand to be in the future??
I would love for my brand to be able to retain its high quality and finish as my business grows. For the moment, I feel it’s quite important to be able to sew “Made in Australia” labels into my garments. I began with wholesaling and consignment to Melbourne boutiques, but currently I’m just doing markets which I enjoy immensely. Having direct contact with my clients is great for both them and me. It’s very encouraging and makes the harder, more trying times in fashion-land more palatable.
Where can we buy your stuff?
I have a regular stall at Glebe Markets, which has been very rewarding and highly successful. I have a website and a credit card machine, so I can take payments with credit cards over the phone. In the past seasons, I’ve stocked independent boutiques in Melbourne and will do so again for SS08/09, but currently my range is only available through me here in Sydney.