Shopping Open In Air

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun

An outdoor flea market, opening amid much fanfare Sunday in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, will offer an intriguing mix of wares: In addition to antique furniture, picture postcards, vegan food, and vinyl records, the market will sell artisan perfumes, gold and silver jewelry, and a wide range of casual fashions.

The venture is the brainchild of real estate blogger Jonathan Butler of the Web site, Brownstoner — thus, the market’s name, Brownstoner’s Brooklyn Flea.

Situated on the grounds of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School on Clermont Avenue, the market joins a wave of recently opened Fort Greene businesses — from restaurants, to concert venues to upscale clothing boutiques. And Brooklyn Flea’s organizers are pledging to take this entrepreneurial movement to a whole new level. The market’s curator, Eric Demby, a former spokesman for the president of Brooklyn, Marty Markowitz, envisions Brooklyn Flea’s effort as “classic flea market vintage stuff and entrepreneur incubator.” Beyond the commercial, he said, the venture would have a community vibe; some nonprofit groups will pay reduced rates to set up booths — full-price spaces start at $75 a day — and there are plans for a “stoop” section, where amateur vendors can spend a day selling their goods.

Long before opening day, the market appeared to have already tapped a niche: Nearly 800 applications have been submitted for the 200 vending spots. Mr. Demby says he has been selecting vendors based on the quality of products they offer and their prior sales experience. He also favors those who sell vintage or secondhand goods, though many new items will be sold as well.

What follows is a selection of fashion, beauty, and accessories vendors that have already made the cut.

BLUE BASS VINTAGE

Launched in 2006 by two childhood friends (and rummage sale aficionados), Sara Hodges and Meredith Gray, the DeKalb Avenue store, which will have a booth at the new flea market, sells vintage apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. For an extra fee, Blue Bass provides alteration services for items purchased. (bluebassvintage.com)

CELLE ADORE

There are artisan breads, cheese, wines — so why not scents? Celle Adore, a new luxury perfume line, purports to take 17th-century alchemy and bring it to present-day New York City. Handmade fragrances from the city-based company include “Déshabilles,” or “Undressed,” which is said to evoke “a bouquet of jasmine, rose and gardenia on the bed table, the delicious tartness of sparkling dessert wine laced with notes of peach,” and “Séduit,” or “Seduction,” a scent derived from tuberose blossoms. Fragrances sell for $65–$110. (celleadore.com)

LOTTA JANSDOTTER

Scandinavian-born and Brooklyn-based designer, Lotta Jandsdotter, draws inspiration from Åland, an archipelago between Sweden and Finland where Ms. Jansdotter spent her childhood. She illustrates stationery, ceramics, clothing, and tote bags with sketches of falling leaves, small birds, and other fanciful images. A linen slip dress ($125), available in coral and pale blue, features embellishments reminiscent of a lily pad, and a green-and-white journal ($9.95) has on it a dandelion-like drawing. (jansdotter.com)

LOYALTY & BLOOD

This Brooklyn-based design company creates silk-screened T-shirts, tote bags, and jewelry. A deep V-neck top in cocoa ($42) with diagonal stripes, canvas sacks with tiger and bird prints ($22–$26), and thunderbolt necklaces ($36) in black and electric blue are among the standout merchandise. (Available through etsy.com)

MATTA

Designer Cristina Gitti, based in New York City, uses lightweight cotton and silks to create clothing intended to make the wearer feel at ease. The collection includes plenty of beachparty wear — sarongs, wrap dresses, caftans — in pale pinks, blues, and greens, as well as in bright, patterned fabrics. (mattanyc.com)

ODETTE

Jewelry artist Jennifer Sarkilahti’s precious metal creations begin with a simple pencil sketch. Then, the Brooklyn resident translates that into wax by hand, creates a mold, and casts and polishes the metals. The results are texture-rich necklaces and earrings — many of which incorporate animal and plant motifs — in sterling silver and 14-karat yellow and rose gold. Most items are in the $100–$200 range. (odetteny.com)

SHUBI

Tired of carrying your running shoes around in a beat-up bodega bag? Shubi’s bags ($24–$38) which come in colorful floral and geometric patterns, are just for shoes: Gym shoes, toddler shoes, and those heels you deem too treacherous to wear down the subway station stairs. Shubi was founded by two sisters, Soomean Chang, a New York City art director, and Jihwon Im, a San Francisco pharmacist. Both women were looking for “a way to tote their shoes around town with style and class,” according to their Web site. (shubilove.com)

Brownstoner’s Brooklyn Flea, every Sunday until December, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


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