The Big Design Market is a shopper’s dream – here’s how to make sense of the chaos

Come September, Carriageworks is full of big, unwieldy things. Just this past weekend saw the enormous Sydney Contemporary attempt to stitch together every conceivable thread of the arts into one big form, showcasing the country’s best galleries and over 500 artists. It was a hit. It always is. But the Eveleigh institution isn’t done with supersized, multi-day events just yet.

This weekend will see The Big Design market come and conquer, switching photography, sculpture and performance art for handmade ceramics, jewellery and clothing. From Friday to Sunday (September 19-21), Carriageworks’ cavanivorous spaces will host more than 230 independent designers and makers from across Australia, supporting the art of craft while giving guests a literal one-stop-shop of discovery.

“Get all your shopping done in once place!” is the promise, once again bringing Sydney one of its biggest shopping days of the year. It’s a great chance to lock some unique Christmas presents in so you don’t even have the blink at the holiday rush, and it’s always been a place where people create, or recreate, their own individual style, plucked from the outrageous amount of local fashion designers keen to show off their latest and greatest.

Here are just some of the names you can expect to find at The Big Design Market this weekend:

• CHAP MENSWEAR
• Claud Chabo
• Clownette
• Dot & Herbey
• Danielle Lo
• EDER BY ANNA
• Evyie
• Isekai Studio
• Ignem Terrae Ceramics
• Katie Perry
• Leatheron
• Myrtle & Dove
• Perez
• Read & Bell
• River Timber Designs
• SDE LABEL
• TUUKJET
• Wyldling

You’ll also find guest artists creating large scale works for the event, as well as $25-per-piece showbags from some of the market’s best participants. And yes, that sounds very Easter Show, but these are full of products from independent brands that’ll be very keen on showing off their best side to potential future customers.

Tips for making the most of The Big Design Market

The Big Design Market is at its best when it’s showcasing designers who are driven by ethics but need more mainstream exposure. Unless you’re actively seeking these designers out, it’s hard to uncover the many makers out there who are constantly finding new ways to combine sustainability with high-end fashion. There’s zero doubt you’ll find at least a few pieces to elevate your wardrobe, but The Big Design Market is about much more than just finding your next favourite outfit.

1. Make the most of the variety

The Big Design Market places ceramics next to food, homeware next to brews, and fashion next to art. Much like how Sydney Contemporary deepens the story of where art is at right now, this institution celebrates where our best and brightest makers are at in 2025.

You might be heading along for the fashion, but don’t view the food and drink as supporting characters. Independent brands like Wonder Pies, Yulli’s Brews, Weerona Wines, and Matcha Matcha will be on hand as well, and they’ll be showing off their best products from sweet treats to street eats. Don’t just go for anything, try something new and keep the theme of “discovery” going as you shop your way across Australia’s creative industries.

2. Have your questions ready

It’s not everyday you’re standing face-to-face with the people who actually design and make these products. That’s always the value of markets, but you only get the opportunity to do it mass-scale once per year. You can grab different ideas, style tips, design hacks and just generally learn about each practice from the people who are really putting themselves and their work out there.

This is an opportunity to learn from a great deal of creatives, so don’t just spending your time browsing. Ask away. Ask the pie makers how to get the perfect crust, ask the fashion boutique where they see indie fashion going next year, ask some homeware sellers how to maximise your space with beautiful pieces. Trust us, it’s better than asking ChatGPT.

3. Don’t be a stranger

Every time you buy something, you’ll likely get a makers card explaining the product and giving you details on how its made. Maybe even why it was made. Use that form an ongoing relationship with the makers and designers that make Australia’s creative industries shine. If you like a designer’s piece, then keep paying attention to what kind of style they produce in the future. The beauty of independent makers is that they still have that determination in them.

They aren’t massive, global brands with time to compromise on quality or concept, they are actively trying to stand out in this world and you can become part of their network. The benefit to you will come not just in the form of knowledge, but maybe exclusive access in the future. Maybe even mates rates. Use The Big Design Market to forge relationships with the makers that best resonate with you.

The Big Design Market

Where: Carriageworks; 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 
When: Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21, 2025
Price: $8 for adults (kids under 12 enter for free)

sydney.thebigdesignmarket.com