The Fashion Arch presents Mother’s Day Pop Up Store this weekend

In its continued commitment to promoting local designers and artisans, the Fashion Arch will be putting on its Mother’s Day Pop Up Store, from Saturday, April 30 to Sunday, May 1 from 10am to 6pm at 145 Creative Spaces on Tragarete Road (opposite the Queen’s Park Ovals).

Fashion Arch Managing Director, Ain Earle shared her excitement about launching the company’s second pop-up event for the year, part of the nationwide–and by extension, worldwide–return to normalcy in the wake of the lessened restrictions.

Many customers’ have adjusted their shopping and spending habits due to the pandemic constraints, which, in turn, have heightened their taste for quality local products. This has, in turn, impacted Earle’s approach to planning the pop-ups, with a greater sense of quality and holiday-specific choices in mind.

“COVID-19 has impacted a sense of ‘less is more’ [as] that’s how we had to live for almost two years,” Earle said. “We’ve tried to cover most of the bases in terms of what a mother might want.”

For customers interested in caftans and dresses for the mature woman, Salt Clothing and Accessories will have what they’re looking for. Marilou Atelier, designers of stylish resource wear and workwear will also showcase their creations. Sarafina Fashion Collections’ African-inspired clothing, jewelery and accessories make for exciting gifts.

Elegant jewelery from By Gaby Handmade, Ivy and Iona, Janvianne Bereaux, Jeweled Bird Designs, Kre8tive Impressions, Metah Designs, Nicola’s Art Jewelery Designs and Soul Rebel Designs promise to make stunning, unique presents. Handmade jewelery and craft items by KH Craft Designs will make cute, thoughtful trinkets as gifts.

For customers whose mothers or mother figures have a flair for the floral, Buds to Blooms offers cacti and succulents.

Art By Greta Michelle offers handmade pottery–mugs, plates, plant pots and other decorative household pieces, while scented candles by Ellie Home and Decor and Wishful and Co. can create a relaxing ambiance. Decorative bookmarks, plant pots and stylish tees can be found at Kemist Art Studio. T-shirts and tote bags can be found at Origins.

For the natural self-care enthusiasts, Blaqlocs Natural Products, Flower Child Botanicals, Olivia David Artisanal and Secret Scents will bring fragrant natural artisan soaps, skincare and bath products.

Sweet Too Bad’s decadent goodies would make a delicious treat for those with a sweet tooth, while Aurora Bitayson’s artisan fruit wines and syrups can take your meals to the next level.

Earle’s work transcends the managerial aspects of organizing retail events; she curates the items on display and steps into her role as consultant to inform how the merchandise is displayed.

Her passion lies not only in creating platforms to showcase the work of local designers and artisans, but in crafting and “refining” the way in which they prepare their products for retail spaces.

She said that many artisans have looked to their own creative skills and started businesses during the pandemic, but that there’s a “gap in terms of getting to represent themselves”, a need that she is happy to fulfill.

“People are interested in coming to see brands they haven’t seen before,” Earle said, explaining that many of the artists she works with don’t have a brick-and-mortar storefront. “[The pop-ups] are giving them the opportunity to get the facetime they need.”

So far, visitors have been “impressed”, Earle said, with the quality and layout of the pop-up shops, and this Mother’s Day event promises to maintain the standard. “I want you to feel like you’re walking into a store.”

Find exciting, locally made gift selections at the two-day Mother’s Day pop-up opening this Saturday and check out the Fashion Arch TT on Instagram.