By Anna Cipollone
Thursday nights on the Drake Sky Yard have been made over for the summer. From outside, peering down through the glass into room 222 may feel like accidental window shopping. With The Drake Hotel already established as a trendy spot for cultural events, it seemed the perfect venue for a pop-up Make Sale.
An interactive gallery-meets-shop event, Make Sale is a delightful treat for bar hoppers turned impulse buyers. Sarah Magwood, the Coordinator of the Make Sale events, knew first hand the challenges facing new designers when she recently launched Cozette, her own line of millinery work and reworked vintage. “There weren’t enough avenues for local artists, especially merchants of any kind, to be getting the word out about their products,” she said. Realizing just how many were struggling to promote themselves inspired Magwood to offer up room 222 as a weekly meeting ground for shopping, mingling, and collaborating.
Each week a different artist, storefront, or designer takes on the challenge of styling the space thematically for the evening. The addition of an interactive element to the events has helped visitors feel less like customers and more like guests. “It encouraged people to meet the talents behind the products and to be part of that creative process,” said Magwood. Last week, guests were star struck by Stormtroopers, Wonder Woman, and Darth Vader, all of whom were spotted sauntering around the Drake as part of the Silver Snail event. Graphic novels and comic paraphernalia were for sale and artist Marvin Law whipped up superhero sketches on request.
Up next on July 23, The Refinery will transform the space into a private eye office for a Femme Fatale theme with vintage clothing and accessories for sale. 1940s makeup and hair styling tutorials will be given throughout the evening and documented in black and white images taken by a professional photographer.
The end of the month will feature Cozette Vintage and Designs in an Atlantis theme that will transform the room into an aquatic paradise. On the spot $10 makeovers will be available, adding ocean life to any outfit. With a special aquatic collection of vintage wear for sale as well as Cozette millinery creations and reworked vintage by Edmund and Lou, the evening is sure to supply enchantment under the sea.
Cozette Designs, born earlier this year out of Magwood’s love of the millinery arts, can be perused by private appointment at her live-in studio. For a low-key retail experience, guests can stop by for a custom consultation or to shop the racks of Cozette Vintage.
As for the future of Make Sale, Magwood would like to start bringing in more collectives and artists. “I want to start focusing on people who don’t have stores and who need avenues to promote themselves and celebrate their products,” she said. With fresh ideas made-to-order, Make Sale is a delicious fundraising idea and a far cry from that tired old lemonade stand.
Make Sale Summer Lineup
July 23: The Refinery
July 30: Cozette Vintage & Designs with Edmund and Lou
August 6: ShopGirls
August 13: SOOS Jewelry with Coffee Stained Cards
August 20: Freedom Clothing Collective
August 27: The Deadly Nightshades
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