Portobello West

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Portobello West fashion and art market is a monthly market held in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The Market is a regular event at which local designers and artisans can sell their creations directly to the public. It was established in August 2006 by Carlie Smith, a graduate of the University of Victoria who, after living in London, England for 2 years, wanted to bring the European style market atmosphere to her home town. Carlie envisioned a regular event that would raise the profile of local designers and artisans as well as be a regular outdoor community event.

[edit] Location

Originally held at the Plaza of Nations, Portobello West relocated to the Rocky Mountaineer Station in November 2006 as a result of the Plaza's closure.

[edit] Data

The inaugural market was attended by some 4000 shoppers and had 92 vendors selling local fashion and art products. Since then the average attendance has been 1500 shopper and 75 vendors (not including food and drink vendors).

[edit] Trivia

The name 'Portobello West' was suggested by Carlie's father, Grant 'Fuzzy' Smith, as a reference to the famous Portobello Road market in London, England and also to the location of the new market (in Western Canada).