An outdoor shopping experience this Sunday in San Francisco.

Discovering the hidden gems of the fashion universe, brands that are small, regional, or simply up-and-coming, is the favorite part of the job for fashion editors. And while the style rummager gene may well be in our DNA, this weekend’s Urban Air Market in San Francisco might be just the ticket for those looking to find a truly unique piece of jewelry, or a great under-the-radar brand in just one fun and sun-filled Sunday afternoon.

Bringing together the best in independent design in an outdoor marketplace setting, the expertly curated mix of designs suggests it’s time to forget everything you thought you  knew about fashion from street fairs and festivals and embrace what may prove the fashion shopping experience of the future. The event’s producer, Danielle Cohen, believes the goods available from more than 150 participating designers will surprise you.

“I do my best to curate the show to make the event about design, not discount brand-name shopping or hippy craft browsing, but about independent design. I am especially inspired by designers who are pushing fashion design in the direction it should be going, toward sustainability.”

We couldn’t agree more. Here’s a sneak peek at some of our favorite sustainable designers participating this weekend:

Adina Mills Designhouse

Jewelry designer, Adina Mills‘ beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces feature natural minerals and found objects. Mills says, “my designs are funky yet sophisticated, and they transgress the limits of art while encouraging their wearers to redefine beauty and freedom for themselves.”

Sarah Lillier

Sarah Lillier specializes in reworking vintage textiles into feminine dresses and separates. Her repurposed line, called Romantic Repurposing, takes vintage home linens like tablecloths and curtains and makes them into something new and modern. “The work, hours, and love that went into making, using, and cherishing these textiles is what inspires me to craft my own creations out of them.”

April Hansen’s line of delicate pieces in recycled gold and silver are designed to be layered over other jewelry and clothing for a unique and romantic look.

Daily San Franciscan

Specializing in hand cut gemstone jewelry and high end, upcycled  jewelry designs by Julia Szendrei,  Daily San Franciscan‘s goal is to always use what is available and to minimize material waste. “We are creating a free artist network for artists and boutiques alike to help better inform the world about what the artist community is doing here in California.”

Montree

Monica Zaidman’s handmade and sustainably sourced garments made from eco-jersey, up-cycled lace, and indigenous embroidery are inspired by her work with women in need in Mexico, Ghana, Peru, and shelters in Brooklyn. “Montree is comfortable, wearable, versatile, and above all beautiful.”

The Urban Air festival takes place this Sunday, May 6th 2012 11am-6pm in Hayes Valley, San Francisco

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