SO:ME Space is a unique retail concept space within South Melbourne Market where you can find a whole heap of cute things (while in proximity to the greatest paella of your life). With a focus on design and sustainability, SO:ME Space is a retail launch pad for emerging Melbourne designers, who get an opportunity to trial and sell their products – spanning homewares, craft and fashion – in real life. The support of SO:ME Space has led many of its designers, including shoe brand Rollie and womenswear label Ena Pelly, to scale up with huge success. Here, we take a look at the next crop of Melbourne’s up-and-coming designers you can visit at SO:ME Space.

1. THE SUPERCOOLThe Supercool is a gift emporium where you can truly find something for everyone, from your funky grandmother to your cousin’s new boyfriend you’ve never met but got in the family Kris Kringle. The Supercool supports local makers and designers and has a diverse range of unique, bold colourful homewares, as well as clothing, toys, books and nursery gifts for the little ones in your life. There’s so much to choose from: bougie candlesticks for your next dinner soiree, picnic mats, fringed beach umbrellas and more.

2. OSARA Get the very best of Japanese tableware at Osara, without having to get your passport stamped. The Osara team work closely with Japanese artisans and ceramicists to bring ethically handmade tableware to your dinner table, and to make every meal you cook feel that extra bit special. Beyond dinnerware, at Osara you’ll also find sake sets, glassware, matcha bowls and some of the best-smelling incense – trust us, your nose will thank you.

3. LA SIERRA La Sierra specialise in slow fashion, knitwear and homewares made from alpaca wool, one of the most sustainable fibres on the planet. The brand works with Ecuador and Peru’s Indigenous artisans, who use traditional methods to produce a range of knitwear, unisex clothing, bedding, toys and throws. La Sierra’s fair-trade principles enable artisan communities to make a sustainable living for their families. We’re eyeing off their cosy alpaca throws as a new friend for our couch.

4. RUBY & SKY Ruby & Sky is the place to go when your wardrobe needs an update. Ruby & Sky proudly supports independent Melbourne and Australian designers, stocking rad clothing, jewellery and accessories. We’re particularly loving their range of handcrafted statement earrings from Polka Polly (it’s OK to have a pair for every day of the week, right?). Beyond wardrobe staples, there are homewares and a range of natural products that are good for your body, soul and the planet.

5. SUKI MCMASTER There are people who can illustrate, but then there are people who can really illustrate, and Suki McMaster falls into this latter category. While Suki technically isn’t in SO:ME Space anymore (you can find her just across from the space in West Aisle), she did start in the precinct. She has a range of illustrated baby clothing, homewares, gifts and napery on offer. The cute sloth or koala-print babywear sets make for some pretty fun baby-shower gifts.

6. LUNA & SOUL Pre-paid for this term’s pilates and yoga classes and have nothing to wear? Luna & Soul have you covered, literally, with their range of activewear. Conscious of the major impact the fashion industry has on the environment, Luna & Soul work hard to make activewear that does good for the planet – all their products are made locally using sustainable materials. This is the place to go for the stretchiest, comfiest yoga wear for holding that pose.

7. AKANA Akana’s handmade leather shoes are based on traditional Turkish footwear, a style perfected over six centuries of the Ottoman Empire. Unlike mass-produced shoes which are glued together and fall apart over time, Akana shoes use double-needle stitching and will be a trusty wardrobe staple for many years to come. Our favourite thing about these shoes? The soft buttery leather moulds to the exact shape of your feet, making them super-comfortable no matter where you travel.

8. REMEDY CLOTHING Remedy Clothing is a circular clothing brand, which means they only use 100 per cent recycled materials to make their products, and ensure what they make can be recycled once it reaches the end of its lifecycle (which will be a long way off, as they also design for longevity!). At Remedy, you’ll find year-round unisex basics including t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, tote bags and even bucket hats to get you through summer.

This wrap of cute picks was produced in partnership with the South Melbourne Market. Visit SO:ME Space at the South Melbourne Market on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays or apply for a SO:ME Space stall.