Photography: Elizabeth Shrier
Words: Claire Margine
Renegade Craft is an indie, outrageously cool, modern reimagining of a craft fair. “We’re really trying to stray away from the more cutesy side of things or the more traditional side of things,” says Madelon Juliano, Artistic Director at Renegade Craft. “I always like to think of it as Anthropologie meets Barneys meets your favorite contemporary art museum store. We’re not limiting ourselves to any specific aesthetic, but we are interested in cool and different work.”
These events take place in 12 major cities across the U.S. and the U.K. Part craft fair, part festival, part food truck feast, Renegade Craft is a can’t-miss addition to your calendar. We chatted with Madelon to get the scoop on what makes Renegade Craft one of a kind. Read on for what’s in store for you at these craft fairs, and some of her tricks and tips for having the best time ever.
What makes Renegade Craft special
Renegade Craft is more of an immersive event than simply an opportunity to shop. “We try to make our venues feel a little bit more bespoke and more like a happening than your average craft fair,” says Madelon. Part of that comes from visually transforming the venues so they don’t have the typical craft fair look. “We let artists set up their space the way they like and it tends to be more fun to shop because it feels like you’re shopping at little mini boutiques,” says Madelon. “Vendors really go all out and we really encourage them to bring it with their displays.”
It’s competitive to snag one of these spaces. “It’s 100 percent juried. We don’t accept the same people without jurying,” says Madelon. “Even if you’ve been there for 10 years, we want to see your work grow and see you bring new work to our attendees and audience.”
And if you’re an artisan- or craft-fair regular, you won’t see the exact same vendors that are in your typical rotation. “Our fairs aren’t exclusively local or specific to a region; we try to bring a bunch of different people to these events so people don’t see the same people they’re seeing at every fair. They might see an artist from England or Ohio, instead of the same folks,” says Madelon.
Renegade Craft pairs the artisans’ unique spaces and wide variety of vendors with a few extra elements that make the event feel completely fresh.
Free to attend: You may put a well-deserved dent in your budget from shopping, but you’ll never be charged to walk through the doors. “We’re always free to attend because we strongly believe that the money from people attending should go to our artists,” says Madelon.
A first look at future trends: “I see so many things that go to mainstream markets after seeing our artists sort of start that,” says Madelon. Anthropologie, Target, and Barneys are just a few of the retailers that shop Renegade Craft for new artists and ideas.
Be the first one of your friends to premiere new trends by scoping out the booths. “For this year, I’m seeing a lot of maximalism: patterns and colors and color-blocking,” says Madelon. “We’re seeing a lot more ceramics people, too, which has been a growing trend these last three or four years.”
Access to experts: When you go to the Info booth, you’ll be face-to-face with a Renegade Craft staffer who has tons of insider information to share. “We’re there to greet you at the entrance,” says Madelon. “And we’re really friends with our artists and we travel with them throughout the country. We love getting feedback at the events, so come talk to us!”
Seasonality: The winter markets are definitely geared to give you a better holiday shopping experience, and to put you in a festive mood. “Artists are trying to share giftable items that are smaller and at a lower price point, affordable but really cool,” says Madelon. Spring and summer markets offer a totally different vibe with fun warm weather clothing, summery home goods, and food and drinks packed with seasonal flavors.
Insider tips for first-time attendees
Ready to head over to your nearest Renegade Craft? Here’s what you need to know to make it even more amazing.
Go beyond the shopping: Yes, this is absolutely the most fabulous shopping for your home, wardrobe, and holiday gift list. But don’t forget to check out all of the other activities floating around the fest. “Sometimes we’ll have tarot readers or shibori dye workshops or an aura photographer,” says Madelon. “We really want to grow the experiential activity side of things so it’s unique and not your average workshop. Expect at least one or two non-shopping activities at the fair, and always definitely drinking and food.”
Rideshare your way there: Whether you use a ridesharing app, take public transportation, or ride your bicycle, do what you can to skip driving. “Public parking is always an issue; we get a lot of people coming and vendors come with all their stuff,” says Madelon.
Bring some cash: “I recommend bringing a little bit of cash, but most vendors do take cards,” says Madelon.
Wear something fun: “Wear a cute outfit, it’s fun to dress up and go to it,” says Madelon. “It’s fun to go out with your friends and have brunch and go to the fair. Make it an excuse to put together your weird outfit that you’re maybe nervous about! It’s a very accepting environment. And if you’re wearing your weird outfit, maybe you’ll buy something out of your comfort zone or buy a piece of jewelry that you wouldn’t usually wear.”
A few etiquette suggestions for Renegade Craft newbies
After years of events, Madelon is an expert on how to stay safe and be kind at your first-ever Renegade Craft. Here are a few of her top tips for newbies.
Lock up your bike: “Lock up your bike and don’t pull it through the event,” says Madelon. Space is limited, and carrying your bike with you all day will probably be a hassle that detracts from your shopping and cocktail-sipping adventures. Plus, you’ll leave more room for other shoppers. Bicycles are unwieldy creatures.
Ask before you photograph: We know everything at the booths is gorgeous, but pause for a sec before you snap a picture. “Ask artists before you photograph their work,” says Madelon. She recommends giving a simple explanation, like “Hey, I really love this and want to buy it, but have to think about it for later,” and then getting the go-ahead from the artist.
Don’t ask for deals: “What’s so great about Renegade is that a lot of people started their businesses or collections or careers at these fairs. We have so many great examples of artists who are huge now and employing 30 people. Those people are not the kind of people you want to haggle with,” says Madelon. “It puts them in a weird position and they work hard to produce stuff. The prices at the market are very accessible, but it is stuff that’s handmade and bespoke, and has taken people’s literal sweat and tears.”
If a price isn’t right for you, there’s no need to tell the artist. “If it’s too expensive, walk away!” says Madelon. “You don’t have to comment, you don’t have to make them feel like they’re not worth the money.”
Check yourself before you wreck yourself: “Watch your cocktails and watch your stuff when you’re going into booths,” says Madelon. “I’ve seen a lot of drinks spilled on stuff and it’s an awkward position to be in because it’s never on purpose. But when you’re in the booth, set your cocktail aside and ask the artist if there’s somewhere you can put it. Don’t just put drink rings on their tables.”
Ready to go?
Renegade Craft happens a few times a year at cities throughout the country. Follow Renegade Craft on Eventbrite to stay up-to-date on when they land in your city.
