Recap of our first ever Sydney Pop Up Shop!!!

After a huge couple weeks, its time to take a moment and look back at one of the most surreal and special weekends for ITADAKI.

It's been around about a year and a half since I did my last market stall. The goal was always to put a pause on markets so I could focus on online sales, with the aim to eventually hold my very own pop up shop. There was something very special about popping up in my hometown for the very first time. Having my family and friends come through and show their support, meeting all our new customers and catching up with OG market day customers really felt like such a full circle moment for the brand. We cherish you all xxx

There is nothing I take more pride in than creating these beautiful temporary retail spaces that our customers can come in, meet us and try on our pieces in person. The curation of the space is so important to me as I want you guys to not only feel amazing in our clothing but feel welcomed and connected to the ITADAKI atmosphere. From our signature tartan change rooms to the baby geta shoes incorporated in the flower arrangement [my actual shoes that my mum used to dress me up in!], I wanted this space to embody our online presence in a physical way. We don't stock anywhere because we want to ensure your experience is authentic, meaningful and resonates with the brand. I hope you felt this.

We have always been associated and thought of as a brand from Naarm, so I must say I was a bit apprehensive about the reception we would get over the weekend from Eora/ Sydney, if any at all. You did not dissapoint though. Not only did you show up, Sydney, you came through like a tsunami wave of support. You ran our stock dry to the point where we had to go back to HQ and replenish stock twice over the 2 days!!!! Sold us out of so many styles, sizes and colourways including selling us out of our studded bangles which was a complete secret new range.

One thing I have really been reflecting on recently though is that everyone who lined up with you, whether it was your mums, your dads, brothers, partners- there was something for absolutely everyone that came into the store. It really made me realise that ITADAKI isn't just for the cool fashion girlies, its for anyone that wants to feel comfortable, confident and maybe try something a little against the grain.

Leading up to the pop up I was literally pulling what little hair I had out. Our packaging had been stuck in customs for over 2 months and I was convinced it wasnt going to come in time. Stock lead times were running late and I was driving and picking up stock daily from my local manufacturers. Running a business is no easy feat, but Im really proud of our little team and the wider community that we are creating at ITADAKI. These in person moments really bring home why we do all of this. Ive never been interested in running just a clothing brand. ITADAKI is equally about clothing, culture and community and we cherish all three.

So much love Sydney, we will be back!