The Fringe Handmade: Cape Town’s New Creative Goods Market

In celebration of Cape Town’s World Design Capital status, The Fringe innovation district will host a unique handmade goods market in December, with 200 stands dedicated to products by local creatives.

The Fringe Handmade is intended to showcase the rich design talents and creative goods of the city, and is a joint initiative between The Fringe coordinating team, the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI), the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC),  Woodheads and Fledge Creative Catalyst.

The new market is the perfect opportunity to experience Cape Town’s creative vibe while shopping for locally-made festive season gifts, from unusual stocking fillers to collector’s pieces that will last a lifetime.  The original, hand-made products on offer include craft, pottery, fashion, jewellery, décor, accessories and more.

“The Fringe is committed to creating opportunities for locally-made design products to reach markets,” says Fringe coordinator Zayd Minty. “Our research showed there were many local producers who were very keen for opportunities to sell their goods, but there were no markets specifically for them.  Most of Cape Town’s trendy new markets emphasise artisanal foods rather
than creative products.”

Fran Stewart of the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) says, “The Fringe Handmade market will provide an opportunity for the public to see products that may not be available in retail outlets but are really interesting, beautiful and well made. If you are looking for something special, chances are you will find it here – from incredible beadwork to delicate ceramics, innovative jewellery and earphone reindeer! And, the guarantee exists that every purchase will contribute directly to local creative businesses. Besides the craft producers, the market will provide an opportunity for fledgling industrial and fashion designers, as well as talented musicians. It is my wish that retail buyers and designers will also use this as a starting point to identify new talent.”

Richard Harris of Woodheads, a family-run leather business which has been in operation in the area since 1867, says: “It’s an exciting time for The Fringe area; it’s a time to encourage the creative boost we’re about to experience. The Fringe Handmade market has the potential to become a monthly market. It’s an opportunity for designers to showcase their talents and to network with other designers, the public and retailers. I know we can expect an array of unique products, including leather items that are appropriate for today’s technophiles, like beautiful handmade iPad cases.”

Though the products on offer promise to be of a superior quality, The Fringe Handmade market will be a friendly affair. Kids and pets are welcome – the market will feature a kids’ zone, run by an experienced child-minder, at a newly refurbished play park, where youngsters will be able to enjoy story-telling workshops and arts and craft sessions while parents shop.

The Fringe Handmade market takes place on Saturday December 3, 2011, from 10h00 to 18h00 at Harrington Square (Corner of Harrington and Caledon Streets) in The Fringe: Cape Town’s Design and Innovation District.

For more information and photos of some items for sake, see www.facebook.com/FringeDistrict,  use the hashtag #fringehandmade to tell us what you like at the market or where we should improve in the future. For queries, please contact handmade@thefringe.org.za.

Artists impression of Fringe Handmade Market by Ayesha Kamalie.