First Pick Handmade Is Back!

We sat down with First Pick Handmade creator, Janna Hurtzig, to discover what sets this pop-up shopping event, on September 24 and 25 at Heritage Hall in Vancouver, apart from others. —Catherine Dunwoody

Hi Janna! When is the show back and where?

First Pick Handmade returns September 24 and 25 at Heritage Hall, selling handmade fashions, home décor and more.  

What sets your show apart from other pop-up shopping events?

What sets First Pick Handmade apart is the high calibre of products on offer and the focus on fashion. We host makers who have spent years honing their craft, such as jewellers like Roberto Fioravanti and Joanna Lovett. Shoppers can expect to find locally made fashion beyond screen-printed t-shirts, from fashion brands that primarily sell online (such as Street & Saddle and Kate&Frances) or brands making one-off pieces, such as Uni Design, Paimon Headwear and Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere. Our designers create their lines with a focus on Sustainability, many using reclaimed or deadstock textiles which ensures customers not only look good while they are supporting the local economy and doing their part for the planet.

What designers are doing size inclusivity? And specifics? Petites for short women? Plus sizes? What size ranges?

Oge Ajibe makes inclusive sizing from XS to 6XL, Jessica Redditt has XS to 3XL available in many of her designs, Street & Saddle offers up to 5XL with the option of Custom Sizing by request plus other labels as well. Paimon Headwear offers a multitude of hat sizes to order, and our jewelry designers can create custom pieces for small and large hands alike.

What designers are doing gender-neutral collections? 

Uni Design is designed to be gender neutral, plus we have gender-neutral pieces from Kate&Frances and Givers, Takers Clothing, Paimon Headwear, and Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere offer accessories for all genders. Our jewelry designers have pieces for all, notably Black SØLV, Zula Jewelry and Flo Designs. We also like Conscious Care’s neutral packaging and skincare collection, which features CBD and natural ingredients.

What artists are particularly interesting and why?

Lydia Cecilia Art is joining First Pick Handmade for the first time, with a unique take on collage art.  We are excited to see One Ajibe’s colourful and size inclusive collection, this will be the brand’s first time at our market as well. We also have Jelena Vranic joining us with abstract oil and cold wax paintings, and Lorna Moffat will have her quirky and colourful collection of textile appliqué cushions.

What jewelry label is new and/or interesting?

Zula Jewelry is launching a new series at First Pick Handmade, called Ancient Future Collection, featuring bold pieces with an otherworldly combination of cast geometrics and raw stones that promise to add a tough luxe to any outfit. Black SØLV is having their return after a hiatus from markets to focus on school, with lots of new pieces.

firstpickhandmade.com