Market of Artists and Designers
Whenever I have the time, I like to check out flea markets and arts & craft bazaars for unique handmade creations and super-good buys. One of my favourites is the Market of Artists and Designers (MAAD) at the Red Dot Design Museum. Started July 2006, MAAD takes place every first Friday evening of the month. It is a platform where artists, designers, architects, craft makers, illustrators, photographers, performers or anyone with a creative passion can participate to showcase their works, gather feedback or test the market. It also means you are likely to score unique creations not available elsewhere, or snag a very, very good buy when sellers clear past season stock. Most of the sellers make handmade craft & accessories, plush toys, bags, illustrations, photographs or offer creative services. I have also seen F&B owners using MAAD as a test bed for new flavours/ideas, and you simply pay whatever you want for it and give them your feedback. Everytime I go there with a set amount of cash to shop as a control mechanism (most of the stall owners only accept cash), I always end up looking for a bank to get more cash. Sigh.
The Red Dot Traffic Building was built in 1928 as a police barrack. The conservation building was designed by Public Works Department architect F. Dorrington Ward. It housed the Singapore Traffic Police Headquarters for some time until 1999, and was refurbished to become a creative hub in 2005 to house creative companies of various disciplines as well as the Red Dot Design Museum (free admission during MAAD) showcasing more than 1,000 award-winning exhibits from the International Red Dot Design Award, one of the world’s leading and largest design competitions. All the tenants are located in offices that used to be the police investigation rooms, rifle shooting range, canteen, armoury as well as jail cells!
And here are some of my favorite MAAD folks:
By Invite Only
By Invite Only is an indie Singapore-based jewelry house where items are mostly handmade by the designer Trixie Khong herself. All jewelry pieces are sourced from all over the world and come in limited numbers of less than 200 pieces. It is currently available in in Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Jakarta.
Aura Quartz Necklace
The designs are largely inspired by 18th century circuses and the Victorian era. I have my eye on the gold bracelet with a floral motif.
My eyes lit up when I saw this tray – 50% off! Resist, resist the urge to sweep the entire tray…
I settled for a classy 24 karat gold plated agate druzy necklace. At 50% the original price of S$69, it was a definite steal. *Absolutely pleased*
These really cute felt brooches and acrylic necklaces are from a lady seller. They are really well-made, and best part is – they cost less than S$10 each! She’s also one of the reasons why I visit MAAD in anticipation of her new creations. She’s quite shy though, I haven’t been able to make conversation despite buying from her a few times by now. I better not terrify her more lest she runs away, haha.
Quirky eco accessories from recyclofashion
I met Harng from recyclofashion when his quirky designs made from recycled materials caught my eye. Harng is currently pursuing a degree in visual communication in the School of Art, Design and Media at a local university, and creates eco jewelry with two friends Yong Zhi and Ash.
This necklace made from melted plastic bottles vaguely reminds me of a Marni.
The Plumber’s Wife got bored
This is definitely the first time I have seen anyone making jewelry out of a kitchen sink sieve. I would wear that; it will be a natural conversation piece.
The coloured beads came from Harng’s granmother’s tea coasters which she was about to throw. He took them apart, added pearls and made them into bracelets.
Made from a plastic tubing, sewing thimble, paper roll and wooden parts
Upcycling is certainly the trend these days. I think with a bit of refining, these accessories are set to wow more folks.
You’ll never be caught in a bad hair day with this necklace made with hundreds of black hair pins
I was quite excited to see Kang at MAAD – the first time I saw him was at a flea market almost six years ago. He only had one product then – bangles made from old vinyl records. Look how many creations he has now! A nostalgic moment indeed.
I bought a vinyl record brooch which will go very well with my jackets
Guess what these necklaces are made of? The humble cable tie.
You can wear the necklace in various ways too
Loving these super pretty clutches made by a Caucasian lady
Designby Mysa
I like their dainty dresses which make me look saccharine sweet (not an easy feat, trust me). At S$45 a dress (buy one get one free!), it’s a no brainer at all.
MAAD
Fashion is not the only thing you can get at MAAD – there are prints and photos for sale as well
While you are there, do take a look at the award-winning designs from the International Red Dot Design Award – this entire space is decorated with Tupperware products, how innovative! I have half a mind to re-decorate my mum’s kitchen…
Fancy a toilet bowl which doubles up as a wash basin? While it is probably a great space-saving idea, I don’t think I will be washing my face where I crap anytime soon. Ewww.
I am naming this the Nipple Lamp.
I’m already looking forward to the next MAAD, and discovering more great buys!
Market of Artists and Designers (MAAD)
Every first Friday of the month
5:00PM to 12:00AM
28 Maxwell Road
Red Dot Traffic Building
Singapore 069120
Nearest train station: Tanjong Pagar
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