Insights and Commentary - Carlie Smith

Insights and commentary from people involved in style and fashion in Vancouver

You are…
Carlie Smith - Director of Portobello West and East markets. The Portobello Markets are monthly markets held the last Sunday of the month in Vancouver and Toronto. Portobello West is also held in Calgary in Spring and Fall.

The road travelled…
I have been in marketing since I was a teenager and always knew I wanted to have my own business; from my first business, a fruit stand at age 5, to today with an established community event. I had the idea for the market when I was living abroad in London, England and was inspired by their weekly markets and loved to buy unique items directly from the person who made or designed it. When I returned to Vancouver, I started attending every fashion related event and spreading the word about my idea and today I would say that Portobello West is quickly becoming a large part of the City and will live on beyond me. I am now in Toronto and doing it all over again for Portobello East!

The more things change…
I have seen the Vancouver fashion industry evolve into a fantastic community. Everyone involved is supportive of one another and there isn’t rivalry or resentment towards each other. Groups like the Vancouver fashion meet-up and Fashion High have worked to bring everyone together. The sense of style in Vancouver has definitely evolved as well. When I first returned from London everyone was still wearing yoga gear everywhere but most people have stepped it up and are showing their unique sense of style.

The more they stay the same…
Hmmm, I would like to say very little has stayed the same but I think there are still people that will always prefer an international brand over an independent label; however that is slowly changing. My hope is for one day to be like Capetown, South Africa where supporting local is second nature and owning big name brands is passee.

On style…
I think that style is a true reflection of yourself and that you should strive to be original in your choices rather than following what everyone else is doing.

Favorite memory/experience…
My favourite memory about what I do would be of our first market in Vancouver. It was held at the Plaza of Nations for the first three markets before we relocated to the Rocky Mountaineer Station. The day was sunny and bright, the atmosphere was buzzing and it was an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction seeing everyone coming together to bring my idea to fruition.

Your style…
My style, I love dresses! I have about 10 that are in current rotation. My favourites have pockets but they are all easy to wear with colourful details and look great with my favourite pair of Fly London boots or flip flops. They are also all from Portobello West and accessorize well with my collection of jewelry from the market!

Big fan of…
Fashion, original art, people that follow their dreams and take the risk to do their own thing.

Insights and Commentary (this is a blog afterall)...
I think you could tell based on my previous answers that I like to support local, independent businesses. Once you start to consider where your money is going you are more willing to spend a premium knowing that the money is staying within your own community and helping someone you know. The concept of shopping locally is definitely a political statement and it’s like a switch you turn on that you can’t ignore once it’s been flipped. I also think that owning my own business has given me a greater respect for those that have their own businesses and I would rather support them than some anonymous corporation.