Chicago is all abuzz about the new
Dose Market
, our very own monthly, European-style marketplace that blends food and fashion. It's no doubt something to be super psyched about, and we'll happily admit we can't wait to spring out of bed this Sunday to sip, sample, and try on local designs handpicked by four of Chicago's most in-the-know ladies. Emily Fiffer, April Francis, Jessica Herman, and Heather Sperling are the Dose dream team, and we caught up with these busy ladies just before the launch of the first Dose Market to find out how Chicago shopping is about to change forever.
What inspired Dose Market?
HS: "The desire to bring an incredible, year-round gathering to Chicago, and to support local artisans and entrepreneurs who we respect and admire. In terms of existing markets, we're especially inspired by New York's street and flea-market culture."
AF: "The River East Art Center, at the outset, was the inspiration; it’s such a great space. From there, the idea to round up the best of the best fashion vendors in one spot creating a pop-up, one-stop-shop for style. From there, the food was an essential addition, quite literally brought to the table by Emily and Heather."
EF: "I love the idea of going somewhere that doesn't require an effort to find the good stuff. Everything is good at Dose. Our mission was to do the work for you, to find the gems Chicago has to offer and round them up for the public to enjoy. Also, the idea of eating cheese and trying on dresses at the same time excites me."
JH: "The idea of being able to walk home with an amazing vintage dress, a terrarium, and a one-of-a-kind necklace plus amazing preserves, bread, and ice cream is so great. Plus, the fact that the roster of participants will be changing every month is going to always keep it fresh and unpredictable."
What about Dose is unique when compared to other Chicago markets?
AF: "The high level of planning and curation involved—the Dosettes are hellbent on quality and beauty."
HS: "The vendor selection is curated by four people who know the local food and fashion world inside and out. We spent a lot of time composing the group, and will do so for each and every market."
EF: "You can find me working over coffee and granola at Floriole, eating mussels at Maude’s, and scouring various neighborhood vintage stores for finds. A current favorite is the amazingly kooky Antique and Resale Shoppe. Heather and I also have a shared obsession with the collard maki-rolls at Mana."
JH: "Ogling the jewelry selection at Robin Richman, hanging out with the lovely Anne Novotny and her wares at Workshop in Pilsen, or playing dress up at Deliciously Vintage."
HS: "I'm all about a progressive evening, and my current favorite itinerary is a glass of champagne and oysters at Maude's Liquor Bar, dinner at The Publican, then cocktails at The Aviary."
JH: "Gosh, it's scattered, which is part of why I'm so excited about Dose. I certainly hit up several spots along Damen and Milwaukee avenues and Division Street in Wicker Park, but I also love spending the day in Andersonville at all the great home stores and digging through the various vintage shops all around town."