This week 2threads interviewed the creators of Hope Street Markets, a designer market showcasing up and coming talent and doing amazing things for the fashion and design industries. Catch Hope Street's summer market from the 1st - 3rd February. Click here to find out more and read on to discover who is behind the markets and what they're all about...

How did the concept for the Hope Street Market come about?  
Our backgrounds are both in design and we are passionate about all areas of design and art.
We found that there was a lack of opportunities in the form of independent markets that supported local designed product.  It was difficult and competitive for new and emerging designers to find an opportunity to launch themselves and we found this was a common frustration among our friends and other designers we had met. So to us, hosting a collaborative event  like Hope Street Markets seemed like the natural next step.  So we did and the reaction to them was overwhelming!

When did it first begin?
The first Hope Street Markets took place on the Long Weekend of June 2007.  Sydney had wild storms all weekend and we thought everyone would have stayed home rather than brave the elements but we were so wrong – it was packed to the rafters all weekend with people looking to find a design gem!

For how many years has the market been running?  
We have now been working on Hope Street Markets for a year. We plan to run 4 markets a year based around each new season of the year. We are up to our 3rd Markets.

How are designers chosen?  
We have an application process that involves sending in photos/examples of work and filling out a 3 page application form.  They hop online to our website for details and they can subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates. We also do quite a bit of scouting for talent as we are always looking for something new and exciting to debut at the markets. Ideally our aim is to find someone who is emerging and had little market exposure, has creative and cleverly designed product, has a high quality of work, and either uses local sources or manufactures their product in Australia.

Where do you discover the new and upcoming talent?  
We have a good support network of art and design communities and usually find a lot of people we meet through there, we get a lot of people hearing about what we do by either coming to the markets or via word of mouth. We also like to get out and about at exhibitions and shows and are always looking at what people are wearing or by reading design blogs!

What makes an application stand out from others?
We love the applications that are sent in an original format, some people send us little booklets or samples, we believe it all comes down to the final packaging and presentation - we believe this will be what sells your product when it comes down to being in a crowded market!  

What made you choose the charitable organisation Hope Street?
We started by going to Table for 20 at the HopeStreet in Surry Hills (where the markets are held), fell in love with the space and we also liked the idea of contributing to a charity that was locally driven and helping Sydney’s homeless Community. At the last markets, we raised $2500 – we hope to better that this time!

Does the project require any funding?   
So far we've been fortunate with starting Hope Street Markets as we have been able to keep our overheads low. Moving forward though, we would like to grow to accommodate the vast numbers of interested young designers so of course, we require more funding.

What has been the most fulfilling thing about establishing the markets?  
Igniting passion for local designed product that is usually handmade with love and seeing the diverse array of people enjoying their new treasures!

Is the Hope Street markets only Sydney based?

At the moment we feel we are still establishing Hope Street Markets in Sydney and we would love to see it eventually grow to include other states.Hope Street Markets is also for independent music lovers!  They can come along and  enjoy the  free live indie music we are showcasing as well as local dj’s all weekend.

Interested?... Check it out at www.hopestreetmarkets.com