Hitting the malls and big box stores this weekend, the last before the big yuletide gift exchange, will be about as pleasurable as having a rowdy gang of creepy leprechauns tickle you with their callused hands. But we're not just venting. We have a solution. The perfect, anti-mall, gift oasis is tucked away on a quiet street in the Design District. The NDS Market, a temporary marketplace housed in jewelry designer's Nektar de Stagni's shop, offers choice finds from the local and national arts scene. We stopped in during Art Basel and snapped some images to entice you to visit. What's more, de Stagni says they're planning a cool series of movie nights and readings curated by market participants starting after the New Year.
Fashion
Tucked in a back corner, you find inspired black-and-white duds by Freegums, the creative outlet of Miami artist Alvaro Ilizarbe.
Jewelry
As the market is housed in NDS Shop, it makes sense that much the goodies are wearable bling. De Stangi's beautiful, sparkly designs are supplemented with those of Arielle de Pinto and Emiko Oye, among other indie jewelry designers.
Lit
Next to jewelry, the other mainstay of the market are the chapbooks, journals, anthologies, and zines. Some are from locals like Tom Healy and University and Wynwood and others Butt, K48, and Interview, are samples from the national scene.
Music
Grab stocking-stuffers of vinyl and CDs from Miami outfits Roofless Records and Sweat Records. Or at least come by and admire the amazing cover art.
