As a long time fan of both the Renegade Craft Fair and The Vintage Bazaar, I was excited upon hearing that the two were teaming up to produce Bellwether, a roaming event billed as a "market + happening + feast". Last weekend The Hideout, a music venue in the Bucktown neighborhood, hosted the inaugural version of Bellwether-- they will pop up next at The Garfield Conservatory. While there's not a shortage of neighborhood street fests in Chicago during the summer, Bellwether stands apart in their commitment to artisanal food, original artwork and vintage wares. Chicago-based Revolution Brewing Company offered craft brews and fare included offerings from food trucks like Meatloaf-a-Go-Go and Beavers Coffee & Donuts.My lovely friend Dani, of Everyday Darling, met up with me at the market and we particularly delighted in browsing the vintage vendors and snapping photos in the Smilebooth. Since we arrived early, we did miss the evening festivities that included a screening of the new documentary, "Sign Painters" and DJ sets.
At the next Bellwether Market I look forward to seeing more vendors (there were 40 this time), visual art installations and expanding the food offerings. The market is off to a strong start and I look forward to see how it evolves in the future. Did any of my Chicago based readers stop by The Hideout event? What did you think?
I met Kathy and Eric of Independence Vintage last summer when they were selling at The Vintage Bazaar/Renegade Craft Fair market in Wicker Park. They are both friendly, knowledgable and bring a well curated collection of items to the markets. The photo of the visible man above and the next 8 are from their booth.
They always have a spectacular collection of vintage hats, I particularly enjoyed the aqua sun hat!
An adorable striped bathing suit found in Rainbow Vintage's booth.
I spied the elegant bird house in Cushion Chicago's booth. It's evident in the arrangement of Sarah's booth that she's also an interior designer-- I was particularly fond of the antique milk glass bottles used as flower vases.
It's always a pleasure to meet vintage vendors that have traveled to Chicago with treasures from their corner of the country-- The Hunter Gatherer Shop came all the way from Nebraska with dozens of 1950s dresses, silk ties, jewelry and accessories.
A studded denim jacket for a child, wish it'd been my size!
1970s platforms meant for disco dancing the night away.
Both Dani and I purchased dresses from Hunter Gatherer, here is Dani modeling the sweet 1950s cotton dress that went home with her.
Vintage paper cut silhouettes and brass pieces in Amelia Jane Vintage's booth.
I regret not buying a few of these statement belts in Amelia Jane's booth, look at the one with the pair of mushrooms!
The Black Bear Combo included an accordion player!
There was an abundance of plants and clever planters for sale at Bellwether-- my favorite being this set of industrial metal drawers housing wee succulents and African violets.
Sweet salt and pepper shakers and dainty purses at Veruca Vintage's booth.
In the warehouse stage/space a piano was set up and dozens of geometric art pieces hung from the ceiling.
The geometric pieces were made by Essimar and they also provided materials to make your own piece to bring home.
Of course we had to jump in to the Smilebooth, a digital photo booth that you control via a camera remote. I especially enjoyed the backdrop with its giant balloons.
Dani and I showing off the 1950s pink dresses we bought at Bellwether.