Each Thursday during the month of May, South Melbourne Market will host ‘Style After Dark’ a night market focused on high end local designed and made clothing, accessories and craft as well as vintage collectable clothing(www.southmelbournemarket.com.au). Held from 5.30 to 9.30pm, I went tonight braving the cold (yes I am dedicated to the cause) and was pleased that I did. I found that unique and original craft and fashion is alive and glowing in the cold of Melbourne.

At Dames & Divas I was mesmerised by amazing shoes handcrafted from intricate vintage silk kimonos from Japan (www.damesanddivas.com.au). I spoke to the designer, Amanda who has recently moved here from Perth, these treasures are $190 - a bargain I think for something so lovingly crafted. Made from vintage kimonos no two are the same.  I fell in love with a sky blue pair complete with bow (see below).

At little house of kokeshi (www.littlehouseofkokeshi.com) which I am told equals love and friendship little Japanese dolls form the inspiration for exotic pendants, tiny toddler tanks and stationary. The little pendants really were ‘gifts of love for special occasions for friends and family’. So sweet. I think in my older age I am becoming quite sentimental. 

Yarraville artist, Julie Ughetti was also showing her unique glass art jewellry pieces, which are sold locally and exported to London, Hong Kong, Japan and Venice (studio 0408 538 683).

Things were really going off at the Wild Monkey, an amazing vintage store which has just opened. Wild Monkey will be a permanent fixture at the day South Melbourne market as well and the crowd was going crazy over the beautifuly merchandised store. Woot ‘n’ Wright (wottnwight.supermarkethq.com), which is also stocked at Fokus and Incube8r had leather satchels, scarves and cushions.