The last few years have seen a huge rise in fashionistas selling their wares at artisan markets. Markets have long been a great place for entrepreneurs or all kinds to cut their teeth, and the clothing and accessories sector is no different.
Pedddle’s Market Manager Rebecca says, “I think because people have more of a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly shopping these days, as well as tighter budgets, we’re seeing a real rise in vintage and upcycled fashion, with stallholders selling these kinds of items – and more markets that facilitate them too. Flea and Vintage markets are really popular right now, and Pedddle is trying to raise awareness to help people discover them”.
Artisan markets are emerging as the go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts seeking unique, sustainable, and handcrafted pieces. As Rebecca outlines, the demand for slow fashion continues to rise, consumers are increasingly drawn to local markets, which offer a refreshing alternative to fast fashion. Here, independent designers and artisans showcase carefully crafted garments, accessories, and footwear, often using eco-friendly materials and traditional methods. Shoppers can find everything from hand-dyed textiles and vintage-inspired dresses to leather goods and all types of jewellery, with each item telling a story of creativity and ethical craftsmanship.
Fashion-conscious individuals love the one-of-a-kind pieces that markets can offer, and prize the opportunity to meet the artists behind the designs. Artisan markets allow customers to explore high-quality, locally-made fashion that aligns with their values, fostering a deeper connection to what they wear.
As a result, artisan markets are becoming a firm favourite for those looking to move away from mass-produced fashion and discover authentic, well-crafted items that make a statement – and have an ethical footprint.
But Pedddle is not just the UK’s best market directory, they are a hub for stallholders too. Rebecca notes a couple of her favourite small businesses. “I’m really into knitwear at the moment, especially as we’re heading into winter and the UK is getting colder! Through Pedddle, I’ve found a couple of great stallholders who sell their work online too – AAMOS Designs is based in Shetland, and creates original hand-woven textiles from their home in Burra, using traditional techniques. It’s so lovely to see those artisan skills kept alive and thriving for modern day clothing, and I love that they’re created in such a remote place. Finesse Knits is another fab knitwear maker – it’s run by Ulla-Maija, a passionate knitter with a Scandinavian background. Operating from her home studio in England, Ulla-Maija designs and crafts unique knitwear and accessories, drawing inspiration from her surroundings, which I think is so lovely”.
Whether in a vibrant urban setting or a charming village square, artisan markets are redefining how we shop for fashion, creating a new space where style meets sustainability. Likewise, their stallholders are drawing inspiration from their surroundings, working with the environment as much as possible, to make modern fashion more sustainable whilst creating something unique and beautiful that comments on current trends – the very purpose of fashion itself. And therefore, artisan markets and their creative stallholders are certainly a fashion trend that will stick around!
