Getting a Fashion Tune-Up on Ossington at Rolly's Garage Night Market

When I was in Thailand a few months ago, one of my favourite parts of the visit was a long night spent wandering through the Chiang Mai night market. The casual/festive feel, and all the treats available made for an entertaining evening of shopping and socializing - just the vibe that event producers Tiffany Naval and Robin Orbeta-Lacambra wanted to bring to their new series of night markets, which kicked off this week at Rolly's Garage.

"Back in the Phillippines, there are lots of markets at night that allow artists to showcase their talent," said Naval.

"We wanted to do something unconventional," Orbeta-Lacambra said. "That's why we wanted it in the garage!"

The garage is owned by Orbeta-Lacambra's father, who rents the space to her for events (and still tinkers on cars there part-time, post-retirement). She hopes to host the event monthly during the summer, as well as once in a while throughout the fall and winter. "Things look more magical at night - it adds a surreal feel to it," Orbeta-Lacambra said. "And this way you can vibe with each other, and actually talk to the artists."

The artists in attendance varied widely. There was Contra, selling their ehlife tees, and Melissa Clemente with her wall of feather earrings and rope necklaces, while Good Blood Bad Blood caught people on their way in and out with their door-side table stacked with strange - yet very interesting - tees.

Event-goers guzzled $4 drinks and nibbled on baked goods from My Happy Cupcake while trying on E.E.L.'s hipster-neckwarmers made from upcycled designer duds and pawing through the pile of Brazen Hussy bikinis.

Surreal, indeed, but in the best way.

Photos by Carl W. Heindl