ANNIE SHREEVE

THOUSANDS of people visited Winthrop Hall recently to attend the first Perth Upmarket for 2011.

The hall and surrounding gardens of The University of Western Australia were filled with stallholders and visitors who admired the work of local Perth designers on a sunny Sunday.

The event showcased a range of creative works including clothing, jewellery, accessories, kids’ wear, art and gourmet food with unique and original labels becoming more available to the public.

Justine Barsley, founder and creative director of the Perth Upmarket, says the event has grown three times in size since it began in 2008.

“The market provides a creative outlet for people and allows the chance to have a pop-up shopfront.

“For the community, it provides a central spot to meet the creators and appreciate the handmade and locally designed work.”

The March market included 150 stallholders and about 10,000 people attended, making it the largest upmarket to date.

Local shopper Jessica Defendi regularly attends the Perth Upmarket and similar events around Perth.

She says the upmarket is always an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon, as there is plenty to look at and interesting people to talk to.  There is variety among the styles, materials, colours and themes of the designers’ work so there is something for everyone.

“For the public, it is always lovely to see something creative and cultural in Perth as there isn’t a lot on offer, so when these events come by, they are treasured.”

Jess says it’s great for the local designers to engage and connect with the public.

The Perth Upmarket is held four times a year at UWA. Justine says the market won’t grow in size at the university; however, she is branching out to other events around Perth.

The Angove Street Festival was also recently held and this North Perth event included about 50 stallholders, lining the streets with locally designed and made products for about 10,000 people.

The next Perth Upmarket is will be held at Winthrop Hall, UWA on 26 June.