Where is it? 2/33 McLean Street, Coolangatta, Gold Coast.
Nine Lives Bazaar in one sentence? Rose Madden: Colourful threads
inspired by the golden eras of freedom, expression and good times.
How did the label come to be? Vanessa Cave: Rose and I have always
been op shop addicts. We started an Etsy shop selling epic op shop
finds, then, with no design experience, we winged it in Microsoft Paint,
drawing pieces we wanted to create, then flying over to Bali to hunt for
fabric. We started selling our wares at the Village Markets in Burleigh
Heads, and after a few years, we’ve been lucky to pick up a tribe of
like- minded, loyal Bazaar babes who froth on what we bring to life!
Is there a story behind the name? VC: Rose always dreamed
of buying a pub in the Byron Bay Hinterland, then opening a
vintage store next door called Nine Lives. We wanted our name to
acknowledge the fossicking that led us to creating the label, and I’d
recently been to Morocco, so it hit me – bazaar. We make timeless
items that outlast nine pairs of hands, and therefore have nine lives.
Please describe the space you’ve created. RM: It resides in the only
authentic retro/vintage strip on the Gold Coast. We found out our
shop and the antique centre next door used to be a dance hall inwartime 1930s called Jazzland. The floors are incredible, original
and heritage-listed – can you imagine the stories they would tell
if they could speak? Other favourite details include our luscious
rust velvet curtains; four Turkish rugs; O.G. ’70s Willow money tin;
custom-made clothing racks and herringbone counter; and dreamy
Moroccan lantern and tassels.
Where did your fascination with ’70s style come from? VC: We’ve
always found ourselves drawn towards clothing, décor and
homewares from that time. We became obsessed with living
a colourful life, and offerings today are really missing that
embellished, bright charm. My mum and grandma also hoarded
all their clothing and homewares from that era, so I guess you
could say it’s an inherited obsession!
What’s it like working with your best friend? VC: It’s such a hoot!
We bounce ideas and gossip with each other all day long (and night
long, over a million texts). Rose is the more tech-savvy one, teaching
herself Photoshop and, with eyes like a hawk, picking if a colour or
shape isn’t working in a print. It’s not often we argue or disagree,
but there are times when we have to come to a compromise. It’s not
worth arguing over a shade of orange, is it?
Who are your regular clientele? RM: Our customers range from
16 to 70, with many soaking up our ‘more is more’ attitude. They’re
drawn to the boldest of our cuts and colour offerings – to them, bell
sleeves and warm ’70s tones are life.
What do you love about what you do? VC: The freedom to be
creative; brighten the lives of our customers; build self-confidence;
go to festivals ‘for work’; and be our own bosses.
What’s next for Nine Lives Bazaar? RM: Our next collection,
Rainbow Revolution, is launching with its own festival that
we curated with local bands. We’re working on a swimwear
line – launching in time for summer, fingers crossed – made
from recycled fishing nets.
How can we contact you? ninelivesbazaar.com.aui love my shop
ROSE MADDEN AND VANESSA CAVE
BRING ’70S GLAMOUR TO THE GOLD
COAST WITH THEIR CLOTHING STORE,
NINE LIVES BAZAAR.
mind your business