PEOPLE’S MARKET

Walking down the desolate stretch of Wellington St in the inner Melbourne suburb of Collingwood, it’s hard to imagine that one left turn could so markedly change the atmosphere of the suburb.

But surely enough, plonked in between pastel weatherboards and retail warehouses is a bustling city market where visitors fill an otherwise quiet suburban street with their lively chatter.

Tucked away in a backstreet, the People’s Market and its artisan stock proves to be a natural neighbour to the nearby arts district in Gertrude St, Fitzroy.

The brainchild of brother and sister duo Niki and Steve Filipovic, the People’s Market combines trendy Melburnians’ favourite ingredients – local and vintage wares and an open-air location – that’s hard to find unless you know where to look.

Looking like a hodgepodge of found materials, the market is framed by a perimeter of shipping containers that, despite their dull exteriors, house products from some of the city’s most exciting creative talents.

Scouring the stalls, you’re most likely to find a cross-section of vintage oddities and creative crafts – wooden pencils topped with miniature babushka dolls sit next to rows of brassy hoop earrings that bring back ‘90s recollections of the Fresh Prince. A few shops down, a feline fan is selling tea towels decorated with a pattern of printed moggies for $20.

And forget Mona (Tasmania’s Museum of New and Old Art) – the People’s Market has Coma (Containers of Modern Art) instead, stacked high at the entrance and filled with works by some of Melbourne’s best street artists.

When the crowds begin to filter in, it’s a good idea to reserve a spot on the fake lawn with a cider and some pulled noodles, and just enjoy the relaxed, communal vibe of the place.

ALEXANDRA PATRIKIOS