Even with three Pursuit Fairs already, it’s still a struggle to completely define the event when asked to explain what it is. While we were in the search for a venue for Pursuit Fair Vol. 2 a few months ago, we found ourselves at the receiving end of this statement, “You shouldn’t call it a bazaar, or a fair, the event shouldn’t be compared to such. I think there’s a better term.” She uttered this after watching the video recap of Vol. 1. Though there was no real intent to find the “right” term, I was left perplexed – both excited that she felt what we are doing is better than the connotation of the term “bazaar”, but also confused on how we could simply and better communicate Pursuit Fair’s mission.
Photos by Zaldine Alvaro
Fast forward to the end of Vol. 2, I found myself pondering about the idea again, but now, with a fresher perspective of the fair and its energy. There were three dominant thoughts that came to mind while reflecting on it. First, it was fulfilling to know that participating brands were selling. As a brand and business owner myself, there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing that I could produce and create again because people are buying my product. As much as we don’t confront the reality of it, money is important in our pursuits, most especially in running a brand. Second, it’s a joy to see different communities come together in one space. From the fashion communities brought about by brands like Proudrace, Randolf, Salad Day, Prayer Meeting and Factory, to the neophyte streetwear communities of Wednesday, Tenement, Royalty, SYF, The Starving Artist and more. Then there were also the pomade and grooming groups brought by Eight Wolves and The Maverick, plus the Escolta movement and community through Gen. Mdse., Folk 1006, The Twelfth House and Bao Bar. The diversity was inspiring. And lastly, I noticed how the energy was filled with creativity and community, but also friendly competition. These things make the Pursuit Fair energy so captivating – every participant’s natural creativity, mixed with a sense of respect towards others, and the desire to be better.
What started as a fund-raising event for PURVEYR Magazine Issue 2 in 2016, has now evolved to something else. After all the realizations from Vol. 2, I could say that Pursuit Fair is not just a typical bazaar because it is entirely diverse. It’s about brand owners who are passionate and driven. It’s about independence – to trends, norms and commercial or conventional restraints. It’s meant to celebrate variety – in preferences, tastes and characters. And ultimately, it’s designed to inspire and cultivate brands and guests alike to be better, and to do and make more. It’s all that, plus some selling, because in all honesty, we all need to get paid a little to continue to do what we do.
If you missed Pursuit Fair Vol. 2, view the photos below. We can’t wait to host Vol. 3 and 4 next year, plus a few more sub-concepts under the Pursuit Fair initiative.
