100% recycled line of knit pullovers from Kdon, available at Portobello West

On the last Sunday of every month, over 110 artists and designers come together to sell their unique creations at one of the best spots for finding local and independent fashion in Vancouver: Portobello West Fashion and Art Market.

Created in 2006 by Vancouverite Carlie Smith and designed to mimic European artisan markets, Portobello West is one of the Top 8 Places to Shop for Fashion in Vancouver. A huge success in Vancouver—the market averages over 1,000 shoppers per event—Portobello has been a boon to local designers, offering a showcase for both well-established brands and up-and-coming talent.

At Portobello, you’ll find local clothing, jewelry, and accessories in a variety of styles, ranging from urban streetwear tees to high-concept, architectural handbags to 100% recycled knit pullovers (from Kdon; pictured below).

Personally, it’s the jewelry and accessories—they often have truly fashion-forward bags—that keep me coming back to Portobello West. That, and that this is the perfect destination to bring visitors who love to shop—just browsing this lively market is fun, and these are items you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Portobello West is held at the historic Rocky Mountaineer Station, about 10 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and admission to the market is $2. (Or, become a Market Member for $15 and get free admission for a year plus vendor discounts.) The market is held on the last Sunday of the month; find a list of 2010 dates here. The next Portobello West is September 26, 2010.

Also in this series:
Vancouver’s Local & Independent Fashion, Part I: Main Street.
Vancouver’s Local & Independent Fashion, Part II: Gastown