Visitors to Paddington Markets rubbed shoulders with the next generation of design stars at the markets’
inaugural Emerging Designers exhibition on April 26, 2008.The imaginative creations by more than 20
young Sydney artists provided a fresh insight into what’s happening in Australian design today. Among
the highlights - Asian-inspired jewellery, Analogue Girl wrapped in VHS tape, fashion accessories made from
lollies and sensuously curved furniture. “Wonderful”, ”clever” and “very original” were the comments from many
visitors to the event prompting calls for another Emerging Designers exhibition later this year.
Paddington Markets is Sydney's oldest community market. Born in 1973 during the 'hippie' era, a time of social change, creativity and independence, the markets evolved from a handful of artists and designers meeting to mingle and hang out at the Village Church Community Centre, located in the grounds of the now Paddington Uniting Church. The Markets' birth coincided with the opening of the Sydney Opera House, ending of the Vietnam War, the election of Gough Whitlam's Labor Government, the Aquarius Festival in Nimbin on the north coast of NSW and the Sunbury Festival in Melbourne, Victoria. They gathered every week to sell their wares, listen to music of the day, play sitars, debate the Vietnam War, politics and free expression.
Its long history has produced a market that reflects both its bohemian roots and its survival as Sydney's best art, craft and fashion market.
Paddington is known for: its exciting and quirky atmosphere; its eccentric and colourful traders; its eclectic products and contemporary design; the high quality of its art, craft, design, and fashion; and for innovation in both products and market operation.
Paddington is renowned as a major launch pad for the Australian Fashion Industry. Some of the high profile labels which began at Paddington Markets include: Third Millennium, Bracewell, Von Troska, Pablo Nevada, Lisa Ho, Black Vanity, Sarah Jane and Studibaker Hawk.
The Markets are located in historical Paddington, one of the last remaining pockets of Victorian terrace houses in Sydney.
Under the mantle of Paddington Uniting Church the market has flourished and continues to provide income to enable the church to operate community and welfare programs and activities for people living in the inner city area.