We love the DIY craft movement's rising prevalence (Renegade is the jam). The thing is, keeping track of the fairs and markets where homegrown goods are available gets tricky, and the merch itself can be overly kitschy. That's why Red Hook's Brooklyn Collective is one of our favorite shops. The pretty space, founded by Rachel Goldberg and Tessa Phillips (jewelry and fashion designers, respectively), allows independent artists and designers to sell their wares, keep 100 percent of the profits and never have to censor their creations for uptight store owners. Think paintings, photographs, accessories and clothing that is unique and incredibly well-made, without a note of cutesy irony.

And this weekend, new wares and art for spring, from the founding ladies and Niccole Ugay, Marc Goldberg, RT Peters, Adam Walko, David Aloia, Lewis Williams, Alexandra Batsford, Jess Yam, Vandalized Vintage, Milton Carter and our Fresh Faces in Fashion alumnus, Knox, will be presented on Saturday night. It's a perfect chance to pick up something different for your closet, and, if you've never been, check out the Columbia Street waterfront district in Red Hook. The views of lower Manhattan from Alma are particularly amazing—especially if you've got one of their killer margaritas in your hand.

Brooklyn Collective was founded in an area that mirrors its image—offbeat, genuine and not at all similar to anything you'd find in Manhattan. If department stores leave you feeling disconnected and a little itchy, or if you've had enough of seeing your bag from Searle on ten different people every time you get on the train, this is the perfect antidote for your woes. The opening will be held at 7 p.m., with a reception down the street at Mazzat Mediterranean, beginning at nine. That gives you a good two hours to snatch up a piece of the emerging designer goodness!

Brooklyn Collective, located at 198 Columbia Street, is open Thursdays through Sundays, from 1 to 9 p.m., (718) 596-6231.

- Susannah Edelbaum

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