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Portobello West Fashion + Art Market
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Arts & Crafts [Edit]
Creekside Community Recreation Centre1 Athletes Way
Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1
Neighbourhood: Granville Island/False Creek
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
11 reviews for Portobello West Fashion + Art Market
11 reviews in English
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
3/31/2009 1 photo
The last Sunday of every month the Railway Station is home to some of the coolest designers and crafters that you can find in the city. Jewelry, clothing, art, baby attire, pottery, accessories and (yes!) they even have guys stuff too. It's a bit overwhelming for a first timer.
So here is my Portobello Survival Guide:
I really haven't seen a difference between arriving early or late. However, bring $2 for admission and if you're public transiting it, get off at Science World. There's a shuttle that picks you up from Station Street and Terminal running every 20 minutes. Or there's a big parking lot to park in.
Nourish your body and your brain - you don't want to get lightheaded looking at a cool necklace or bracelet or while trying something on. Luckily the crepe stand outside tastes as good as it smells! I always make sure I've had my coffee beforehand - too many things to touch and feel once I'm inside!
Make the rounds with stealth effectiveness. My "circuit" takes me from the entrance way straight down the first row and then moving my way to the back skirting along the wall. In the back there is a room on the right that I hit up before I zig zag through the 4 aisles in the middle. I then find myself back at the entrance. If executed properly, you won't miss a thing. Just be careful to note the very back window-wall of pretty things as you zig zag and the front row of stalls as you make your way back towards the front.
Be a market star and bring your cash! Most of the vendors love it more than credit. I've noticed that lots more have their own credit equipment. There is also a communal debit/credit stand near the window-wall at the back. You'll be directed to pay there if you make a credit card purchase from a vendor that doesn't have their own. There's also an ATM machine, just before you start the zig zagging.
Every month brings new designers and artists with different wares, so a frequent trip is a must do! And, if you're lucky like me this past weekend, you'll can find a great deal, like Two of Heart pants for $25! (They were marked down from $100...I'm a girl who likes to shout out my good finds) I also like to ask what boutiques they might be sold at -just in case I'm not into an impulse buying mood. -
Review from Sarah D.
2/6/2011
I've been to Portobello West on a few occasions, and overall it's a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a couple of girlfriends. I love being able to buy clothing and art directly from the artisans, and there are always interesting things to look at. I have only visited the market when it was still at the Rocky Mountaineer Station (which, being a transit-taker, I always found to be an awkward place to get to) so I'm excited that it's located in the ultra-hip Athlete's Village now.
That being said, I find that there is a disproportionately high amount of jewellry sold at the market. This is great if you love jewellry and shiny things, but if you're an accessory minimalist like me, it won't do much for you.
I have been to the Portobello market in London, and to the art markets in Berlin, so for me it's hard to find anything that would remotely compare to those. What can I say? I've been spoiled. Considering that this is the only monthly event of its kind in this city (at least that I've found, anyway), they're doing a darn good job though. -
Review from Trevor J.
Vancouver, BC
9/1/2010 2 photos
This market started out optimistically as a venue for local artists to sell their work and get more exposure. Unfortunately the high priced tables and poor marketing has driven most of them out. All that is left is off-the-rack, end-of-line sales from local stores and jewelry. Lots and lots of jewelry.
Last weekend the public turn out was minimal and they didn't even sell all their table space so they had to cordon off part of the station. Lame.
For the gals, it's good for some fashion, jewelry and knickknacks. For the boys, even metrosexuals like me, not so great. -
Review from Victoria R.
BC
1/14/2009
How cool is it that a railway station gets converted into a local fashion and art market every last Sunday of the month? Way cool....
For only $2, you get the chance to shop original designs and designers from Vancouver. Eco-chic fabrics, leather goods, make up, lavender bath salts, homemade fudge and granola, candles, hats, belts and incents -- everything is here and ready for the taking. I love their Christmas market the best and can't wait for it to roll around every year. It's supporting local talent and it works. The old railway car is beautiful and adds a cool feel to the entire experience. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
10/27/2008 1 photo
Portobello West is an event that takes place monthly on the last Sunday of the month. For those magical six hours from 12 to 6, you can shop the wares of independent designers of all stripes. It costs $2 to get in, but likely you'll spend a lot more to get out!
There is an amazing variety of goods under the soaring roof of the Rocky Mountaineer Station. I saw baby stuff, jewelry, clothes, handbags, scarves, and even artwork for the home. The vendors were all really friendly and I loved that I was buying clothes from the people who likely made it. I saw loads of very fashionably dressed women running about, so I knew that my fashion-handicapped self was in good hands.
I spent way too much money, but no buyer's remorse - I am so happy with what I bought.Listed in: Ladytime
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Review from Anita T.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2008
Open the last Sunday of each month, it's Vancouver's answer to the authentic Portabello Market in London, England. Though its not on as grand a scale, its still pretty good if you're looking for unique one-of-a-kind pieces. Everything at the market is designed and manufactured locally in Vancouver - so you're supporting local designers with all purchases. But you also see the difference in the price... you end up paying $80 for a sweater because it was made in Vancouver, otherwise it would've cost only about $40 if it was made in Asia!
It costs about $3 for admission into the marketplace, and once you're in almost all vendors will accept credit cards. Some vendors even have special deals on items, so its best to ask before shelling out whatever is written on the tag! -
Review from Cecily W.
Vancouver, BC
11/27/2008
Great local designers and artisans, though I wish more vendors sold clothes above a size 10 (thank God for Jane Bon Bon). I've bought some amazing jewelry pieces here that I get lots of compliments on.
Other than the limited sizes available, my only other complaint is that the building gets ridiculously hot during the summer, which may not make for the best experience when trying on clothes. Still, it's a good way to meet local designers face to face and to see first hand how much raw talent we have in this town.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Megan S.
1/14/2009
This is like the best flea market in the world! You find all sorts of odds and ends here, but all of a great quality.
Some of the best things I've seen: hand painted picture frames, purses, clothes, jewelry, and stone work.
The stuff is made by independent designers, so you can feel good about supporting them and not wearing a young child slaved over. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
10/28/2008
Although Portobello West used to be free, I won't tear it down over a $2 admission that they now charge, especially if it means that Vancouver-ites can continue to enjoy the incredible influx of talent that continues to churn out of this beautiful country and beyond.
The Market is housed a stone's throw from Science World skytrain stop in the heritage-style Rocky Mountaineer Station on the last Sunday of every month...and thank Jebus for that or we would all be destitute! While not all of the products are locally designed, a good majority are, making it relatively easy to find a number of these items outside of Portobello West Market. With easily over 100 vendors at a time, Portobello West offers up the most unique unisex and children's clothing, accessories of all types from hats to scarves and lingerie, jewellery to clean out your bank account (don't even try that 'its a gift...' excuse, its okay!), handbags and art.
Once you attend you will be wondering what took you so long and if you have been many a time already, congrats on supporting the locals and their creative business endeavours! -
Review from Andrea d.
Vancouver, BC
8/2/2010
This review is written from a vendor's point of view. In previous years, PW used to be a good venue for buyer and seller. Now, through what I am assuming is poor management since the person in charge cannot even respond to her emails, the event is poorly attended with many vendors not making ONE sale. Interestingly, the "management" sees fit to make a judgment call as to who can sell there based on their presumed ability to be a successful seller. This year has been a washout for many vendors. Last session, over ten of the vendors questioned made no sales at all and the last two hours were spent waiting for someone (anyone) to walk through the front doors. The person in charge is rude enough to not even greet participants in her venue. She breezes by, nose in the air, and talks only to a few vendors whom she knows. No welcome or encouraging words for newcomers. Also, there is some inequity going on with some vendors being able to purchase one Sunday and others being allowed in only if they purchase three.
Mismanagement all the way. This is a warning to new designers who may not have the finds to invest in a booth but go ahead believing they will make sales or contacts. This is extremely difficult when very few members of the public attend the event. One benefit is that you can network with other vendors and learn of other selling venues that have a better track record. It is unfortunate that PW has suffered this way as it used to be a fabulous place to both buy and sell. -
Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
10/31/2008
This is a really fun way to check out Vancouver's local fashion darlings. Here you will find (for only $2 admission), plenty of local (and some not local) talent that creates groovy clothing and accessories for the creative, daring and original fashionistas out here on the West Coast. There is too much here to sum it all up, but you will find everything from accessories such as jewellry, hats and knitted scarves to pretty lingerie to kiddie clothing and plenty of chic choices for style-conscious grown-ups, too. The market is only held on the last Sunday of each month, so be sure not to miss it.
