Shop Talk is written by OM senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne and Sarah Fischer, OM account executive and fashion maven.
Even just a few years ago, the term ‘craft fair’ might have conjured up images of Popsicle stick candle holders and other such kitsch. But these days, events featuring handmade goods are where it’s at — they are the perfect place to find unique gifts, not to mention one-of-a-kind treats for your own closet!
While there are too many outstanding artists to mention, this week SHOP TALK chats with a couple designers that caught our eye this season: Olena Zylak and Laura Langford.
Worn by such A-listers as Prince, Juliette Lewis, and Olivia Newton-John, Olena will celebrate 15 years with her knitwear label when she sets up shop at Originals Ottawa (Dec. 6-16).
“I love the large-scale texture of knitting as opposed to using fabric. I have an emotional response to knits that I don’t get from ready-made material,” Olena says. “And of course, I love wearing knits. I find that knits make people happy.”