10/02/2025
In our series of Birmingham's Best Bits, Justine Marklew recalls her favourite memory of Birmingham - Oasis Market
"It was a rite of passage for anyone growing up in Birmingham in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Whether it was a curious one off trip to gawp in amazement at punks or understand what grunge looked and sounded like. To find out where Goth’s bought their boots or where a pierced belly button was the norm way before a pierced belly button was the norm.
Whether as a rebellious teen it was your second home, whether you wanted to by-pass the boring run of the mill clothing chains on the High Street, get your nose pierced, a tattoo, a pink Mohawk, a signed vinyl record from your favourite rock band or a steam-punk wedding dress – Oasis had it all!
It was dark, dingy, vibrant, scary, curious, exhilarating, colourful, crazy, calm and rebellious and righteous - all at the same time.
I remember my first trip to Oasis with my older sister, who was Uber cool, wearing lace, chains, biker boots or Dr. Martens with total conviction.
Her stories about Oasis Market felt like the stuff of legend to a shy, 12-year-old introvert, desperate to escape the hum drum and the norm.
So, when my sister dragged me into Oasis, it was with my heart in my mouth, felt like it was beating through my chest as we passed, goths and punks with a multiple piercings and women in six-inch heels head to toe in lace and tartan – I didn’t belong there and couldn’t begin to imagine a time when I ever could, but was desperate to try.
Oasis was wonderfully claustrophobic, with stairs and winding corridors and mirrors everywhere. It was small, dark, with the ceilings so low you could touch some of them and posters adorning every inch of every wall. It was easy to get lost – and what better place to get lost.
My first few trips were with my sister, then myself and my best friend plucked up the courage to venture back on our own.
The stall holders were always friendly and very accommodating. But I still never felt quite cool enough to blend in, but I suppose at Oasis no one is never meant to blend in and the spirit of the place is, be bold, stand out, be different, celebrate your quirks, customise your clothes, allow your rebellion to reign and where kooky was the key!
When I plucked up the courage to buy my first pair of Dr. Martens there it felt like a lottery win and I walked out of Oasis, passed the Humming Bird Night Club with my cherry red eight-hole Dr. Marten boots in my Oasis plastic bag it felt brilliant. The Oasis plastic bag of course I cherished and used to put my school books or PE kit in after that.
Walking to school with that bag, well it meant one thing - you were now a rebel. That Oasis bag made it official. I used that bag until wear and tear made the handles stretched and dog-eared and the Oasis Logo faded to nearly nothing. It was a sad day when I had to admit this bag - had had its day!
From then on saving my pocket money or Saturday job wages to buy a biker jacket, get my nose pierced, iron on patches for my denim jacket or more Dr Marten’s – there was a quiver of excitement every time I walked through the door.
Years later, I ventured back with my 16-year-old niece for her Prom dress, there was one guarantee, no one else at her prom would be wearing a mini red tartan dress covered in zips and chains with red, patent leather Dr Martens.
Then again, I took my own daughter there, age 12. Her passion for vinyl records, her punk inspired red tartan trousers, her patterned DM’s all started in Oasis and then…. ‘Mom, when can I get my nose pierced?’
GULP!
Despite my trepidation of that statement, I still love Oasis market like I always did and the constant chatter about it closing, being knocked down, disappearing forever has been happening for years.
It may not be here forever, but while it is, its stall holders and customers alike will continue to celebrate its cool, quirky, rebellion and the spirit of Oasis Market will always reign supreme!"
If you have any memories of Oasis Market, we'd love to hear them! The Oasis Fashion Store
