The Market Buzz

A visual trail of the most off-beat and high fashion apparel and accessory collections in town

The season started off a bit shaky. There was grim news going around that nobody would be coming this year. Lots of negative reviews on the net about low tourism and the consequences of the political state of world affairs. So, we were all twiddling our thumbs while sipping on our cappuccinos in the hope that the messengers were wrong and Goa will see another magical season.

And, it turns out the season has kicked in with a bang –  the parties are pumping, the beaches are dotted with colourful umbrellas and bikini bottoms and the market is a delightful treasure haven where one can find some of the most beautiful art created on the planet ever.

Whilst many people name Dubai and Milan and Singapore as prime shopping destinations, I beg to differ. I mean seriously, wheres the charm in buying clothes and accessories that are mass manufactured and end up in at least 10 different wardrobes other than your own! Not to mention following trends that are driven by fashion magazines thus creating an army of similar-looking drones who think they’re fashion forward!!!

So when it comes to shopping, the Saturday Night Market at Arpora is by far one of the choicest places to find the most stylish, unique and exceptionally fashion forward clothes and accessories. It opened earlier than usual this year which took quite a few people by surprise as many people only come in towards the end of December but for those who are already in town its a great bonus.

As usual a trip to the Night Market involves a visual kaleidoscopic treat with colours and textures playfully dancing in small rustic looking bamboo shops. There’s so many beautiful sparkly goods to choose from and then the food on offer is a great post retail-therapy treat.

So, with the festive season around the corner where gift giving will be one of the main priorities I suggest a quick trip to the Night Market to stock up on those festive goodies. Here’s my list of some of the most unique shops on the market that you should definitely check out:-

Cocoroots
This is one of my all time favourite shops on the market. I love it for the energy that Tony gives each time he interacts with his customers. Always smiling and beaming and making sure they can find exactly what their looking for. You can choose from beautiful brass and silver earrings, nose rings, plugs, septum rings and other perceiving accessories. There’s also a very stunning collection of bone and shell crafts that are so authentically raw and natural it just spells out the Goa style in huge capital letters. It’s the perfect place to pick gifts for your girlfriends, any lady love in your life and even a little something special for yourself!

The Vintage Boutique
When Karran Khanna opened his shop 3 years before, he probably didn’t expect that it wold turn out to be one of the most popular shops on the market. With its simple decor, one might not believe what one can find once inside. Lured by his charm and infectious smile many people flock to the Vintage Boutique to get their very own pair of brand new dead stock vintage sunglasses. With brands like Cartier, Persol, Cazal, Playboy, Christian Dior, Dunhill, Metzler, Gucci, Gff, Pierre Cardin, YSL, Rodenstock, Roman Rothschild, Viennaline and a few more under his belt, Karran’s definitely pulled out the big guns this time.

Arteya
Arteya is the dream project of the gorgeously talented Russian fire dancer Teya Solovei. Created with cruelty free feathers, her collection is a beautiful ensemble of earrings and hair accessories. Made with love using the most delicately patterned feathers, her shop is one of my favourite spots on the market this year. Each item is handmade using the finest quality beads and trinkets and they look adorable on everyone. When Teya’s not at the market you could be lucky to catch her fire-dancing with her beautiful husband Akim somewhere in Goa.

Timjan Design
This has been one of my all time favourite Goa fashion brands since I moved to Goa 5 years ago. Over time I’ve seen Swedish designer Emelie really expand her business and I have oodles of love and respect for this talented woman. Her collection is made here in Goa using fair trade policies, organically dyed fabrics and has a mix of fairy tale fashion with ethereal country charm. If you’re looking for a makeover, this is the perfect place to start. With gorgeous layered skirts, steampunk inspired vests and hoodies and delicate lace gloves in delicious colours like aubergine, chartreuse, turquoise and chocolate brown, don’t be surprised if you end up spending all your money all at once!

Flame
When it comes to aesthetics, this is one of the most attractive shops on the market for sure. Flame offers a vibrant range of clothes for women and children and some glittery handbags and accessories as well. I love the use of Indian block print fabrics and the burst of sorbet colours in this collection. Perfect festive dresses for little girls that come in clean cuts and pretty prints. And, if you’re not in the mood for something bright, there’s a lot of nice pastel cottons and cream coloured outfits for the more dignified fashionista.

The Night Market is open every Saturday from sunset on till very late. Besides being the one-stop shop for all your shopping, its a great place to grab a few beers with friends, listen to some cool tunes and even manage to dance away to some techno beats at the respective dance floors. It’s on now until the end of April and I encourage everyone to go and support your community’s artists and craftsmen for bringing their unique and colourful creations to such a platform.

Text and pics: Andrea Newton