MISTER MODE FASHION NIGHT MARKET: 25 AUGUST 2012

This article was first published on Couturing.com



Tucked behind an unassuming red brick wall merely a hop, skip and a jump from Melbourne’s CBD, is a hidden mecca for the fashion forward. The air is icy and the sun ever so gingerly pokes its’ head out from behind the clouds as Saturday evening revellers indulge in one of the city’s most unique fashion events- all in heated, under cover comfort.

The Mister Mode Fashion Night Market encompasses all the wonders that fall under the creative umbrella. Amidst a sea of stud embellished denim, powder blue suede two pieces, dental inspired jewellery and sumptuous velvet tasselled bags we find the divine Tish Tambakau, the creative visionary behind all that is Mister Mode.



“Essentially, it started off as a uni project and we decided that we wanted to start a market for pre-loved clothing, so people could come and buy affordable fashion,” says Tish. “When I brought it (the market) back last year, I realised we had the opportunity to get local designers on board and add some other creative elements to it and make it more than just a market.”

The Mister Mode market exceeds shoppers’ expectations by combining fashion, live music, art and culinary delights under one roof. With a menu boasting an eclectic mix of winter warmers and the memorising live projection of digital art all backed by the dulcet tones of You Me & Her, it’s hard to believe that by day the majority of this space is an unused garage.



“The travelling aspect of the market makes it a little more mysterious- you don’t know when and where the next one’s going to pop up,” Tish tells us. “It’s a way for us to keep it interesting and it really shows the changing face of the event.” What differentiates the Mister Mode Market from other markets is a shared love and appreciation for creativity that radiates from each stall holder. Aaron Luke Simpson, of Cut Throat on the Street jewellery, says that “None of us are just here to make money. You can tell that everyone here has a genuine love for their craft.” Tish agrees. “What we do at Mister Mode is really different in that we’re not just a market. We bring all aspects of creativity together. It’s a social environment as well, so people can come and meet other likeminded people. It’s definitely not just come, shop, and go. It’s great because everyone has similar interests and they’re all here under the one roof.”



From Son Valise’s selection of vintage suitcases converted into boom-boxes, impeccably detailed laser-cut jewellery from Seven Autumn Leaves and fashion forward, structured designs from Bias Supply, there’s no need to fish through the trash to find some treasure- everything here is pure fashion gold.

“The best thing about market shopping is that you will never find the same thing twice,” says Tish. “It’s very unique, and it’s more about searching for pieces that suit you and not necessarily something that is just laid out in front of you in a store. The very best thing about market shopping is when you find those amazing unique pieces that can really add to and compliment your own individual style. I think the Mister Mode shopper is looking for an unexpected surprise. They come here and they can never really know what’s going to be presented to them.”

The creative energy in the room is thrilling, and the atmosphere is nothing short of electric. The Mister Mode Fashion Night Market makes for a truly indulgent shopping experience- a fashion secret that simple must be shared. Stay tuned for the first Mister Mode Market of 2013- the perfect place to find your new favourite piece.





















Images by the incredible Wanda Chin for Couturing.