The Independent Designers Market

"The Empire State" as I like to call it is the American fashion capitol. Leading icons of today's fashion began their careers after starting out and being showcased right here in NYC. Vera Wang, Rachel Zoe, and Lady Gaga are a few among that long list. Now I cover a venue that has been previously featured in the New York Times and caters to early independent designers giving them the window to exhibit their original works. The Super Market is a small collection of shops gathered together with soft music and pleasantries providing a peaceful shopping environment on 268 Mulberry St. Despite the unconventional location (the gymnasium of a youth center in the middle of the block) and the lack of publicizing, I was impressed with the humble market and the many designers and selections available.



Independent Designer's Market
http://www.super-marketnyc.com/



The Super market is geared towards "providing a platform for designers who are maybe a little newer on the scene and are looking for a place in lower Manhattan to showcase themselves with other engaging and compelling designers that they'd want to affiliate with" (The Supers). Upon entering the "market" you will be introduced to a widely imaginative variety of designer's and their 100% hand made projects. With prices ranging from unbelievably low to decently high and products considered both interesting and odd, this unconventional Super Market has a lot to offer the typical Soho shopper.

The collections were truly extensive. According to their website they are the "home for hand-made, one-of-a-kind men's jackets, uniquely hand-threaded precious metals, re-appropriated post-modern T-shirts, hummingbird-skull jewelry, and handbags that don't say "Made In China". Teddy Bear plush throw pillows made from re-purposed fine dress shirts may just be behind door number 1. A chic line of sleek, restorative dresses and winter-wear are occupying table number 2."

Beautiful Jewelry display

NYC themed bracelets



Trinkets created from 100% organic hemp
http://thetafari.com/



 



Handmade totes with different phrases



Colorful Costume Jewelry



Located in a populated area near "Nolita" (north of Little Italy), this inventive and artsy market encourages independent designers to not only display their hand made original creations but also provides them with a venue and the opportunity to profit from any sales made.The event is held every Saturday with the usual 60 designers displaying their work and often new and unseen talent making their way onto the scene.

As an independent designer just starting out, this market would be the perfect way to display your designs in an open and welcoming environment and hopefully make some quick cash! Prices for renting a space at the market vary. Exact pricing can be found HERE

 As an arts collector, jewelry fanatic, or just all round shopper in NYC, this would be a wonderful way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon browsing boutiques. Pop in on the market and see for yourself! Visit their website for more information, full gallery, and direct contact information for the "Supers" who run the show! super-marketnyc.com

Featured Artist: Supriya Pava

Supriya Pava: Photographer, Fashion Designer

New York has a lot to offer when it comes to culture, diversity, and simply enjoying the arts. There is a ridiculous variety of artists who are creating and shaping pure art with their unique craft everyday in this city that never sleeps. I am talking about youthful, ambitious, and talented individuals whose vision and work line the walls of  galleries in Manhattan or are spray painted rebelliously upon the upper scaffolding of every other building in East New York, Brooklyn. This week the spotlight is on a truly amazing artist, fashion designer, and colleague of mine; Supriya Pava, an established photographer born in New Delhi India but currently based right here in NYC. 

I had the honor of working with Pava for some portfolio work and she made me feel more comfortable than I ever thought imaginable under the lens of her camera. She not only possesses talent, expertise in her craft, and professionalism but also a vision that allows her photos to radiate with creativity and artistry. I am not a model. Needless to say I was nervous that I would be inadequate. It was more than getting my picture taken; I was trying to allow someone to capture my fearless beauty when I was at my most vulnerable and feeling far from fearless! I'm glad that person was Supriya! She saw something in me and knew exactly how to utilize her gift and mold  realty to bring both her vision and that part of me alive through her photographs. After our very first session I needed less direction and it became almost mutually effortless.

 

Supriya is always interested in new subjects and offering her photography services for reasonable and appropriate pricing. She specializes in fashion, portraits, and reportage photography. Pava can also provide more artistic styles and has experience with tasteful nudes, black and white, and abstract photos. With her inner eye and one of a kind vision, amateur and experienced models alike could undoubtedly benefit from working with her. I recommend Supriya for any task that calls for a talented and professional photographer as she is more than qualified.

Supriya is not only a photographer but also a budding innovative fashion designer whose clothing line; "DEZAINA" will be hitting NYC boutiques by Summer 2012. Once again applying her artistic vision along with a natural born talent, the combination is a brilliant and colorful clothing line. DEZAINA includes women's clothing (dresses, blouses, etc) and a beautiful selection of eccentric jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, and rings). The clothing featured is originally designed and manufactured by Pava herself and are fun, fashionable, and diverse. Currently Supriya is in the process of developing an official website however more information on DEZAINA or her Photography can be obtained by contacting her via email.

"In photography, creative inspiration can come from almost anywhere. I am inspired by New York City at large. The life around me compels me to look through the lens and capture a fleeting moment. I'm interested in both documentary and studio photography. One day  I am taking photos on a subway and the other I'll be shooting a model portfolio. I enjoy diversity.

Currently I am working on a "Skyline project", the idea is to photograph NYC skyline at different times of the day in the period of 12 months.

You can check out Supriya's photography at pavaphotography.com, it is currently under construction until May 2012." -- Supriya.

Email Supriya Pava at "pava1@earthlink.net".