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.
Quinn Macool by Monique Doyle
What do you make? Tell us about your product!
Quinn Macool manufactures and designs ‘Too Cool Macool’ streetwear clothing for babies and boys sizes 000 – 8.
At present, our range consists of t-shirts, long sleeve sweatshirts, baby “all in one” rompers, singlets, infant pants and jumpers.
Our focus is on boys as they tend to run a poor second to girls in retail offerings. Poor boys! Our garments are also made specifically with boys in mind – generous fit, easy over the head (reducing dressing tantrums) and we also do away with sewn-in neck tags to optimise the boys comfort factor (no more tag rage). Made from 100% soft cotton, our designs are fun, colourful and cryptic and reflect the innocence of children. We are not about dressing boys as miniature adults, we want to go back to kids being kids.
What's your creative background, your day job and how did you start making things?
In my past life I spent 14 years in corporate communications roles – including public relations, marketing and graphic design. I started Quinn Macool after having my two boys and finding a lack of interesting gear to dress them in. Boys are so much fun to watch and listen to. They have so much charm and character and I wanted clothes that reflected their wonderful personalities. I saw a big gap in the market for fun and funky boy’s gear.
My day job is Quinn Macool full time. My husband Nick works with me 3 days a week and looks after the boys 2 days. Our boys are the talent so it is a real family affair. What is so cute is every morning our boys aged 4 and 2 chant the “orders, orders” little song we have made up. They get so excited when orders come through!
What are the things you find most inspiring?
It has to be our boys. I get enough design inspiration from them and their friends to last a lifetime! I also come across great ideas for designs listening to kids in the playground.
Where is your workspace and what is it like?
I have a separate “barn” we call it. The bottom is a double garage space converted into storage and the upstairs is the office and creative area. This is on our home property so luckily I can drop down and see my boys whenever I want but it is separate from home so it works really well.
Why did you choose Hope Street Markets?
Hope Street Markets is a great initiative. My sister-in-law has been to all of them and I went with her to the last markets. I was so impressed with the organisation and the dedication they have to local designers. I hoped to be a part and here we are!
Where would you like your art/brand to be in the future??
We would love to continue to supply to independent retailers in kids wear as well as selected homewares. We also aim to grow our own on-line business and our bigger picture is our own concept store
Where can we buy your stuff?
All our products are available on-line at www.quinnmacool.com.au We have about 8 retailers as well throughout Australia and hopefully growing!