Menske - a unique seasonal project for Men in Collingwood, Melbourne. Photo - Katie Goodwin.

One of Menske's talented exhibitors, Mitchell Barber from Hecho a Mano co demonstrates leatherwork at the event. Photo -Katie Goodwin.

Menske custom totes. Photo -Katie Goodwin.

The Menske team.  From left - Sean Kellet, photographers Brooke Holm and Katie Goodwin, Menske founder and director Courtney Holm, stylist Marsha Golemac, designers Jasmine Holm and Marcus Hollands. Photo -Katie Goodwin.

A few months ago I stumbled across a brand new seasonal pop-up project in Melbourne and was SO seriously impressed, I vowed to share it with you in time for their next event. It's called Menske, it's a curated showcase of clothing and designed products for men, and it's the creation of Mens fashion designer Courtney Holm, who has enlisted a stellar crew of collaborators to realise this impressive undertaking, including her clever sister, the very talented local photographer Brooke Holm, lovely local stylist Marsha Golemac, and many more semi-familiar faces!

Menske is a series of quarterly pop-up events, designed to showcase Australian designers of quality goods for MEN. I would describe it as a kind of carefully curated mini design market, where you'll find a stylish edit of locally designed product, from fashion to accessories, leather goods, jewellery, grooming, art, local music and good books / magazines in a relaxed environment especially for guys.  The 'EDIT' is the important part here - this is not a frenzied cacophony of competing brands and corporate sponsors, it's a thoughtful collection of complementary products... all killer, no filler, as they say.

Initially, it was her own fledgling menswear label, Article by Courtney Holm, which first triggered Courtney's idea for Menske.  'As the director of a newly launched men’s fashion label, I have struggled to find the right platform to showcase my products and build a public brand presence in Australia, mostly due to being a start-up with a very niche market' she explains.  Fuelled by collaborative design initiatives she had seen and experienced overseas, Courtney was inspired to launch a local event which could offer a similar kind of camaraderie and support for fellow emerging designers.

'I started Menske as a solution to a problem I faced personally, but found along the way that there are many other designers, artists and makers in the same boat' Courtney continues.  'What fuels the Menske project is its collaborative nature, while it also remains highly selective when it comes to quality. This is why we are unlike other trade shows or temporary retail spaces. The outcome of Menske is to imagine and create an easy going, socially engaging shopping experience for men that ultimately supports our local industry'.

Menske's next event opens this weekend, featuring their 'Winter Selection', including a fresh pick of Australian and NZ designers and brands, including Ben-Tovim Design, bespoke tailor Carl Navé, Tanner + Teague, custom bike saddlery and leather goods by Busyman Bicycles, Alex Rains Furniture and many more.  There will also be a schedule of daily events, including coffee education, a whisky bar, barber cuts and music - keep across Menske's instagram (@menskeproject) for updates!

Menske Winter Event

Saturday 9th August, 11.00am – 7.00pm
Sunday 10th August, 11.00am – 5.00pm

Allpress Studio
84 Rupert St
Collingwood VIC

Himesh Chhima of Well Sensered Food at Menske's Autumn event earlier this year. Photo -Katie Goodwin.

Rowan Faulkner and Chris Pickings of Pickings and Parry at Menske's Autumn event. Photo -Katie Goodwin.

Rowan Faulkner and Chris Pickings of Pickings and Parry at Menske's Autumn event. Photo -Katie Goodwin.