The Market Masters: Georgie, Lisette & Victoria Cooper
WHO? The
sisters behind our favourite online fashion market pretaportobello.com – where
you can shop their edit from the street in the comfort of your own home
Lisette: “To
pick up the best bargains at a market, you need to be prepared to rummage. At
Portobello, there’s a guy selling vintage scarves – we once rooted through a
huge box of containing hundreds and walked away with an Hermès scarf for just
$3.20. Another time, we were at a vintage warehouse in Hull and searched for
hours before coming across a black leather Alaïa skirt that cost us just $6.40.
It can be hard work, but when you do pick up that purchase, it makes it all
worthwhile.”
Victoria:
“Markets are not only good for vintage finds, they’re a great place to discover
designers who don’t charge a fortune. Plenty of new designers and fashion
college graduates set up stalls to test out their lines. Because they are new
and don’t have huge overheads, they’re happy to give you a bargain.”
Gerogie:
“You are better buying certain items at markets rather than on the high street,
because the quality is so much higher. Leather boots, bags and jackets are
perfect examples. The manufacturing of clothes was much better 30 years ago,
whereas now, clothes are more throwaway. I’ve got a leather satchel I picked up
years ago for $48 – I wear it to death, but it’s actually improved with age.
The Cooper sisters’ tips for finding market bargains:
Plan your shopping agenda
“Figure out which market is best for what
you’re looking for and on which day. Camden is great for jewellery; Brick
Lane for new designers; and Portobello for vintage.”
When you’re abroad, check out the
local markets
“Sydney markets do the best kaftans and
maxidresses; Florence is great for leather; and the south of France for straw
fedoras.”
Don’t be too cautious
“If you see something you love, snap it
up. Don’t wait and go back for it – it won’t necessarily still be there.”
Don’t be afraid to haggle
“Everyone wants a good deal – it’s a sign
of the times – so traders don’t get offended by haggling, they expect it. But
be realistic – don’t go in too low, offend them and lose that deal.”
Always carry cash
“Plenty of traders accept credit cards,
but cash gives you bargaining power. Keep an eye on your money, though –
there are people roaming the markets with sticky fingers!”
Stock up for better reductions
“If you purchase more than one of
something, you’ll get a better rate; the more you buy, the bigger the
discount.”
