Words: Lara Pacillo // Photos: XChange
For Lottie Goodwin, the thrill of finding a vintage piece in real life is unmatched.
“There’s so much choice online, but for me, nothing beats finding that perfect piece in person,” she says.
“Getting to try it on and it fits you perfectly, you just know it’s meant to be.
“I also think it’s really special being able to shop directly with the vendor and hear a bit about their story, and the story behind a particular item. A lot of our vendors source overseas and handpick their pieces, so there’s usually something meaningful attached to each.”
That direct connection between buyer and seller played a key role in sparking the launch of XChange in 2023, and what has fuelled its growth from a small warehouse market in Stepney to filling out The Market Shed on Holland to now a fully fledged national tour in 2026.
Alongside its regular Adelaide program, which runs roughly every six weeks, XChange will travel to Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, bringing its community of vintage fashion and independent sellers to new audiences across the country.
After hosting a handful of markets in Melbourne and Sydney last year, taking XChange national felt like the natural next step.
“For me, it’s obviously very scary, but I’m just in that mindset of giving it a go,” says the 26 year old.
“I wanted to take this community to major cities around Australia and really leave a mark there.
“Getting to know so many vendors and building something strong in Adelaide has been really special. I’m always striving for more, and it motivates me to try new things and set new goals.”
Today, XChange has built a loyal following among Adelaide’s young fashion crowd, drawn to its mix of 90s and Y2K fashion, streetwear, jewellery and accessories, all carefully curated by independent sellers.
“The idea is that someone should be able to come to the market and put together a full outfit with accessories,” Lottie says.
“Say if they’re heading to a festival, everything goes hand in hand.”
Fashion stalls sit alongside tattoo artists, tooth gem stalls, tarot readings, food vendors and live DJs, making XChange as much about experience as it is about shopping.
Much of that atmosphere is shaped by Lottie’s close work with her partner, Bel Hartlett, also known by the DJ name Godlands, who acts as the brand’s creative director.
Lottie has a special place in her heart for the sellers she works with, having been one herself throughout her late teens and early twenties. From selling on Instagram to Depop and regular markets through her brand Casper and Willow, she learnt the ins and outs of building a small fashion business.
“I’ve had a lot of experience in the seller’s shoes,” she says.
“Sometimes vendors can feel overlooked, so I really wanted XChange to be a great experience for both the seller and the customer, and really foster that community feel.
“Being able to help vendors reach new goals and be part of their journey has been one of the most rewarding parts for me.”
Support is central to how XChange operates, with sellers often growing to become Lottie’s friends.
“We’re not just there to take a stall fee and put someone in a corner,” Lottie says.
“We help vendors plan their layouts, communication is really strong, and they know they have support.
“For a lot of people, it’s their first ever market. They’re not always sure how to trade in person, so it’s really nice to be there to guide them through it and give them that opportunity.”
For aspiring vintage fashion sellers, Lottie says the key to success is authenticity.
“Some people see one really successful seller and think doing the same thing will bring the same results,” she says.
“But if you don’t love what you’re selling, you’re not going to want to put in the work to make it succeed.
“If you love thrifting, curate a collection that feels true to you. Focus on selling something you really love and find your niche.”
The next XChange market will take place on Sunday 1 February at The Market Shed. Visit XChange on Instagram or on its website to find out more about upcoming dates and locations.
