Image features Antipastel captured at our Sydney AW16 Market by Mark Lobo

If it’s a distinctly Australiana flavour that you’re after, make sure you also check out Antipastel at our Sydney market this weekend. Designer / Maker Michaela Stone pays tribute to Australia using modern national emblems like prawns and budgies; brightening up her tongue in cheek jewellery and accessories range.  Read on to discover more!

Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to begin your label
As a little girl, I used to fill up countless supermarket sketchbooks with biro drawings of everything from princesses to centaurs and my own Sailor Moon/Planeteer-inspired superheroes. I grew up watching Fantasia, The Little Mermaid and Fern Gully on repeat, and enjoying the works of Australian illustrators and artists, like Jeannie Baker, through picture books. I learned to play the flute, sing and act through school and went on to study visual communication at uni. I’ve always been creatively inclined and feel a deep desire to express myself through my own makings. I started ANTIPASTEL as a way to do that. I believe the world needs more colour and really I just need to get what’s in my head out there. I get a lot of joy from sharing that with other people and seeing them react positively to it.

What would be one piece of advice you would give a first time seller at The Finders Keepers?
Talk to your fellow stallholders! Finders Keepers is a great way to meet new customers, yes, but it’s also a great way to meet likeminded makers from all over the place! Step away from your stand for a few minutes and take the time to go around to the other stallholders and say hi. It’s a wonderfully supportive community out there! And try the food, too…

Tell us something exciting that you have planned for ANTIPASTEL in the next year
I have a bazillion ideas for new sketches that will make their way onto textiles and jewels shortly. There are a few bigger projects simmering in the background, too – but I’m keeping mum on those for now!

Name one resource that your label could not live without
Oof. Just one? Really, it’s the support – and the extended knowledge base – of the immensely talented creative friends I’ve been fortunate to meet through doing markets like Finders Keepers. Closely followed by packing tape, and cheese flavoured corn chips.

Tell us about your favourite product from your collection
New Aussie-made linen aprons! I’m proud that these are made here, they showcase my illustrations really well and they’re incredibly practical!