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What, December already?! The Advent Calendars are up and a few windows have already been opened (and treats scoffed, no doubt) – and while December 25th may still be a few weeks off, Pexmas is coming to SE15 this very weekend.
Of course, we know that Festive Fairs proliferate at this time of year, and you’ve no doubt already got a few down on your calendar as must-visits. But we absolutely think you should make a slot available for Pexmas on your festive rounds – not only is it the event’s first year, which means that a buzzy atmosphere and sky-high enthusiasm are dead certs – but its setting is quite unique and definitely worth a look: an abandoned group of laundry buildings, hidden away in an enclave in a residential area, lovingly restored to things of artistic (literally – there are a number of high-profile artists in residence in the studios) beauty. You’ll be largely undercover – and thus not frozen solid – and you’ll be at a safe distance from the street, which means little ones will be safely contained.
And aside from that, there’s the fact of the wondrous treats that Pexmas will have in store for you and yours. Read on for a tantalising taster and you’ll think all of your Pexmases have come at once…
Askey Print’s Sew & Tell Dolls
Ellen & Eve are the talented ladies behind Askey Print, a range of cloth kit dolls to buy, make and love. There are six to choose from, and each one is culturally different and distinct from its sisters: choose from Japanese, Indian, Moroccan, African, South American or Anglo Saxon, all of which are representative of London’s vibrant mix of races and cultures. 10% of profits from the sale of the dolls are donated to The Girl Effect, a charity that works to empower and give voice to young girls in developing countries – so by buying one of these kits, you’re helping to make more than just one child smile.
Shop Eastern Bloc
Think handcrafted wooden dolls, odd and exuberant glass tree ornaments, bog-standard household necessities given a fabulously unusual and sparkly twist: all of this and more is what you might expect from Shop Eastern Bloc, which sells unusual and covetable items from Poland, both modern and traditional. We think every Pexmas tree deserves a mouthblown glass gherkin, don’t you?
Modern Folk Collective
Five talented, enthusiastic young ladies, all recent graduates, and a swag of handcrafted loveliness: some of it inspired by tradition, but all of it with a fantastically youthful and contemporary edge. Hand stitched patchworking, intricate resin jewellery, wonderfully kooky cards and prints, plus Romanian-influenced embroidery and leatherwork are just some of the wares you’ll find here: ideal gifts for someone else, with plenty of temptation for you, too.
Threads
A well-established Bellenden Rd institution, Threads will be bringing its unique mix of retro gear to Pexmas, with everything from accessories – just right for tucking into stockings or placing under trees – to über-fab and utterly unique pieces in which to make a wow party entrance or Christmas Day statement. And of course, what would a vintage clothing stall be at Christmas without the Christmas jumper? From reindeers to snowflakes, some with a hint of Lund and others with a touch of Lindt, expect a great big cuddly stack of them to delight over and cosy up in.
Cut Out Girls
Military is rarely out of fashion but Libby and Carla take army chic and upcycle it into something that transcends trend. Handknitted, sturdy cotton rope bags are customised with leather straps fashioned from the disused belts of Eastern European soldiers, and made beautiful with the addition of handwoven woollen strands, while old rucksacks are customised to give a beautiful edge to a functional and fantastically hardwearing item. Go and stroke some overpriced buttery leather in Selfridges, by all means, but remember that smart, urban girls are Cut Out Girls!
And just in case you’re a generous soul who’s set to give away all of the festive loveliness you buy at Pexmas, make sure you have a little something with which to remember your Pexmastime. In the Right Light have set up a pop up festive studio, in which you can pose with your family and friends: a holiday snap with a difference. Smile – it’s Pexmastime!
Follow @pexmas on Twitter for regular updates, put it on your Christmas shopping map for the weekend of 8/9 December and get ready to spread some Pexmas cheer!