Hippie young things

Long before mom retired the ethnic tunic and printed wide-leg pants, the hippie had been relegated to the annals of fashion history. Only to be resurrected — years later — as fodder for the likes of Prada, with her sweatered waifs dressed in bell-bottom jeans in a check pattern.

What with hippies experiencing a renaissance of late — anyone been driven to pin a flower in their hair after one too many viewings of Almost Famous? What, no one? —kids on a budget are looking for alternatives to what high-end boutiques have to offer.

The hippie flea market, scheduled this June 14 and 15 at A. Venue Event Hall on Makati Ave., is every girl’s answer to the age-old question: where do I score some cool goods at a flea market where I don’t sweat buckets?

Organized by Irene Pineda and Pia Arellano, two friends with a hankering for quirky, non-traditional fashions, the hippie flea market features local designers and merchants who put a new spin on the hippie sensibility.

So who exactly can you expect to find at the flea market? According to Irene, you’ll be mixing with clothes-lovers, the sartorially adventurous and, of course, the modern hippie.

“The modern hippie projects a bohemian vibe by choosing eclectic pieces with a unique character,” says Irene. “She is a master of the mix, combining old and new to create a carefree, confident individual look. It’s not just fashion, it is a complete lifestyle.”

Think Kate Hudson in mom Goldie’s hand-me-downs rocking a tousled bed head and oversize sunglasses. Think Ione Skye doing her ode to the Babysitter’s Club.  Think Winona Ryder in Reality Bites dressed in a wispy lace frock Ethan Hawke erroneously — and rather spitefully, I might add — referred to as a doily.  

There’s plenty to choose from for the modern hippie at this fair. Floor-grazing maxi dresses and sultry suits by Salsatrends is just one reason to hop to. “I’ll be putting my summer collection on a big, big sale,” says Arleen Sipat, designer of Salsatrends. Expect lots of bold patterned, slinky dresses and hot swimwear. “It’s a total steal.”

Baubles by Cru, arbiter of costume jewelry ranging from trash-tastic to classic, will also be on sale. Gold cuffs, long strands of circular cutouts in silver and bronze-plated metal and chokers interwoven with gemstones are just a few of the must-purchase-now pieces by the accessory retailer Cru.

Inspired by the flea markets in Europe, LA and New York, the shopping extravaganza allows shoppers to experience the joys of discovering new labels with that local handicraft touch, as well as lifestyle bazaar veterans with a loyal following. The bazaar, according to its mission vision, “eliminates the inconveniences of bargain shopping and the hassles of online hunting.” Shop in the comfort of an air-conditioned space with amply-spaced stalls. There’s nothing like experiencing a flea market on a more accessible scale.

And, just like every hippie on the planet, this social event comes with a cause.

“The modern hippie, like their predecessors from the ’60s, is always fighting for something,” explains Irene. “The fair has various advocacies. We are supporting the green movement — all merchants are encouraged to use eco-friendly packaging. And we’re also supporting handicraft products by under-privileged women in Quezon City.”

Perhaps the essence of the hippie, one that has been forgotten in many a revival, is that even clothing can come with a cause.

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For more details, check out http://hippiefleamarket.multiply.com.