A Year of Curated — Moments, Makers & What We’re Carrying Forward

Dapper & Suave
4 days ago
4 min read

Jason & Rob — reflecting on Curated by Dapper & Suave

This photo was taken at the end of one of our final markets of the year.

We were tired, proud, and quietly taking in everything 2025 had become.

Because this year wasn’t just a series of dates in the diary — it was a collection of moments, conversations, risks taken, lessons learned, and a growing sense that Curated by Dapper & Suave is becoming something bigger than we first imagined.

So, before we look ahead, we wanted to pause and reflect.

Starting the Year with Intention

We began 2025 with a clear theme: Visit. Collaborate. Celebrate Creativity.

At the heart of it was a simple belief — that independent businesses deserve spaces where they are genuinely seen, supported, and celebrated, and that visitors deserve markets that feel thoughtful, welcoming, and human.

The year opened with a renewed focus on collaboration. We introduced new ways for makers to connect, for visitors to linger, and for Curated to feel less like a series of markets and more like a shared experience.

Spring: When Moments Turned into Meaning

Spring reminded us why we do this — and how much Curated could grow.

Alongside our spring events, we hosted our first-ever two-day event at Syon Park, welcoming over 2,500 visitors across the weekend. It was a defining moment for us, not just in scale, but in confidence — showing that Curated could expand while still feeling considered, calm, and community-led.

Sun-filled days, conversations between stalls, first-time exhibitors finding confidence, and returning visitors who felt like friends — these were the moments that quietly shaped the year.

One thing that stood out early on was how often makers told us they felt seen. Not just booked into an event, but genuinely welcomed. That feedback stayed with us and became a guiding principle for everything that followed.

Summer: Growth, Pride & Learning to Pause

Summer brought energy — and momentum — in every sense of the word.

Our Summer Market at Syon Park took place on one of the hottest days of the year, welcoming over 1,600 visitors despite the soaring temperatures. It was a true testament to the strength of our community, and to the care taken by makers, visitors, and venue teams alike to create an enjoyable, welcoming atmosphere even in challenging conditions.

June also marked our first Pride Market, a moment we’re incredibly proud of. It was colourful, joyful, and deeply affirming — a celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and community that felt entirely aligned with who we are and who we want Curated to be.

By August, we intentionally slowed down — but we didn’t stop. Our Family Fun Day offered a relaxed, playful moment for families and visitors, keeping Curated present through the summer while giving space to reflect, reset, and prepare for the busy months ahead.

Autumn: Community at Its Strongest

Autumn was about people.

We welcomed 18 new independent businesses into our Curated family and deepened relationships with those who have been with us from the start. Alongside this, we co-hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Syon Park — a day that showed the power of community, raising over £1,800 through generosity, warmth, and shared purpose.

It was also a season of learning — attending industry events, having honest conversations, and taking notes on what works, what doesn’t, and where Curated can grow next.

Festive Winter Season: Ending the Year with Theatre, Warmth & Scale

The festive markets closed the year in the most fitting way — with atmosphere, creativity, and a real sense of occasion.

At Denbies Wine Estate, our Festive Market welcomed 2,100 visitors, filling the space with conversation, discovery, and festive cheer.

At Syon Park, the Festive Market evolved into something more theatrical and immersive than ever before. Across the event, we welcomed over 5,000 visitors, and introduced new elements designed to encourage people to stay, explore, and enjoy the experience well into the evening.

We created a dedicated food vendor area, added live music, and brought moments of surprise and delight through fire eaters, stilt walkers, drag queen bingo and hosts, and a much-loved visit from Father Christmas.

To support this, we introduced a marquee with seating, giving visitors space to relax, eat, and enjoy performances from a central stage — and enhanced the event lighting to carry the atmosphere into the evening hours. These changes transformed the market from a daytime visit into a place to linger, gather, and celebrate.

Despite the scale, what mattered most was that the event still felt personal — thoughtful curation, meaningful interactions, and spaces where both makers and visitors could genuinely enjoy being there.