What compelled hundreds of sophisticated frum women last week to stream from across the tristate area to an architectural marvel in the heart of Brooklyn’s hippest neighborhood? An unprecedented retail paradise known as the MRKT.
Masterfully produced by Ohr Naava, Brooklyn MRKT 2015 took place last Sunday and Monday, March 15-16, at the all-new 28,000-square-foot Brooklyn Convention Center in Greenpoint. A rarefied exposition magnificently staged in show-stopping hues, the event featured an exclusive selection of over 100 of New York’s finest vendors, enabling discriminating shoppers to purchase fabulous items in an atmosphere that invited conversation and connection.
“It was outrageous,” said one participant. “You walked in and felt like you were in the Javits Center. I have never seen this kind of décor at a frum event.”
With walls made of bubble wrap, rustic wood pallets erected to form booths, and flower-studded ropes and pallets suspended from the ceiling, the décor–designed and produced by Birch Events with furniture by Luxe Events–delighted your senses, giving off hip, urban vibes.
At the center of the massive hall was an elevated Breadberry bar, where participants indulged in a complimentary gourmet brunch, including a choice of fresh-roasted coffees. Guests also had a chance to relax at Ami Cafe couches and lounge chairs as they sampled gourmet tastings prepared by Heavenly Events and Catering. A beverage bar, sponsored by Junee’s, treated shoppers to an array of on-the-house drinks.
Surrounding the café area was a lineup of corporate sponsor booths, including Sary Wigs, Renaissance Wigs, Blossom Bleu, My Mother’s Armoire, The Nuttery, and Silhouette Gowns. At the Not 2 Shabbey paint-your-own-art studio, shoppers both young and old relished the chance to sit and paint, creating stunning glass creations. At the Eyes & Optics booth, delighted kids enjoyed on-the-hour entertainment all Sunday, including a balloon artist, mini-concert, and more.
But the MRKT was far more than a chic event benefiting a vital organization. In producing this expo, Ohr Naava’s creative marketing team–headed by Anelis Design–gave dozens of frum, female entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, grow their businesses, and channel their creativity.
“I brought my daughters with me not because I want them to shop,” noted one attending mother. “I want them to see that as a frum woman, there is so much you can do and be proud of. For a young girl, to see all these talented, ambitious vendors under one roof enjoying the fruits of their creativity…it’s incredibly empowering.”
Women who missed the live event can still get a taste of the electric energy by viewing photos at www.ohrnaavaevents.com. And individuals who want to support the cause–enabling Ohr Naava to continue transforming the lives of women and girls–can still purchase auction packages for one more month at www.ohrnaavaevents.com.
