I love a good pop-up shop. It’s a great way of sourcing something a little bit different and a little bit quirky – basically not a big-name brand. It’s also nice to help a small business (usually run by a multi-tasking mummy) rather than a huge, anonymous conglomerate. Give me groovy over Gucci any day.
Yesterday’s event, run by Apartment 49 and hosted by my lovely friend Tara, was gorgeous. A HUGE product range (I was quite blown away) and Tara’s fabulous lounge room was absolutely buzzing with enthusiastic customers when I popped in just after midday. From clutches to coasters, ginger jars to jujus (more about them later), as well as bags, throws, rugs, tableware, ceramics, cushions and even pool floaties – it was a deliciously eclectic range of products. And as most of the items had been sourced in Oz, they were reasonably out-of-the-ordinary for us HK gals.
Georgina James of Elsie’s Kitchen was also hard at work behind the scenes, pulling quiches and all sorts of other yummy treats out of Tara’s oven for us shoppers.
I came away with some great bracelets for added sparkle at my next ladies lunch, and a one metre-long white oak cheese paddle that I can’t wait to whisk out the next time we have friends over for a BBQ – I am relishing the anticipated complements already.
My only regret is not splurging on a juju. These amazing pieces of feathery wall art (originally they were meant as head-ware) are made in Africa, and I really regret not buying one. I um-ed, and I ah-ed, and in the end I came away without one. Oh well, all is not lost. If I can’t get along to the next Apartment 49 pop-up, I am reliably informed they will soon be selling online. Happy days.
Apartment 49 can be found online at www.apartment49.com. Elsie’s Kitchen Catering can be reached on Facebook at elsieskitchenhk.
Beyond the Highrise 