Home to the vast majority of Australia's talented designers, Melbourne has unique fashion boutiques tucked away into little laneways in the city and trendy inner suburbs. Whether shoppers want retro or modern, cheap or chic, the Victorian capital has got it. Below is a guide to the best places to shop for unique local designers in Melbourne.
Prahran & South Yarra's Chapel Street & Greville St is the Style Strip With Many Local Designer Boutiques
Long been considered the 'style strip', Chapel Street, which runs from South Yarra through Prahran and beyond, is the best place to come for a great cluster of boutique shops boasting local designer gear.
A popular haunt for locally-made gems, 'Ellin Ambe' (511 Chapel St) is a good place to start shopping. A pseudonym, Ellin Ambe is in fact Melbourne designer Di Clarke who has been designing and making her own line of trendy women's garments in her busy Chapel St store for over a decade. Her unique line is complimented by the range of delicate accessories on sale from overseas designers such as Tribu and Rossi.
Another Chapel St staple that draws all the fashionistas is 'Fat 272'. A hip fashion boutique, Fat 272 (272 Chapel St) has its own unique label alongside young designs such as the inventive 'I Peck Your Pun' line. Very out-there and off-beat, the range on offer is too different and anti-fashion to ever make it as catwalk couture but ultimately, too cool to care. Come here for funky accessories and jewellery and individual handbags.
Prahran & South Yarra's Chapel Street & Greville St is the Style Strip With Many Local Designer Boutiques
Long been considered the 'style strip', Chapel Street, which runs from South Yarra through Prahran and beyond, is the best place to come for a great cluster of boutique shops boasting local designer gear.
A popular haunt for locally-made gems, 'Ellin Ambe' (511 Chapel St) is a good place to start shopping. A pseudonym, Ellin Ambe is in fact Melbourne designer Di Clarke who has been designing and making her own line of trendy women's garments in her busy Chapel St store for over a decade. Her unique line is complimented by the range of delicate accessories on sale from overseas designers such as Tribu and Rossi.
Another Chapel St staple that draws all the fashionistas is 'Fat 272'. A hip fashion boutique, Fat 272 (272 Chapel St) has its own unique label alongside young designs such as the inventive 'I Peck Your Pun' line. Very out-there and off-beat, the range on offer is too different and anti-fashion to ever make it as catwalk couture but ultimately, too cool to care. Come here for funky accessories and jewellery and individual handbags.
Wander down the Little Lanes for a Look at Melbourne's Best Local Designers
Part-gallery, part-retail outlet, the petite 'Little Salon' (71 Gertrude St) gives art a function, selling artsy accessories made from just about anything. This wearable art sits alongside the traditional variety, with off-beat paintings and ornaments of sale, all of which are made locally.
While Collins St is home to the best in high-end international fashion, its little sister Little Collins St is the place to be for lush local designer labels. Home to many unique treasures, 'Eg Etal' (185 Little Collins St) stocks over 40 local and overseas designs and is the perfect place for that unique fashion find. Not for the budget shopper, the high-end location means the designer prices are to be expected but it's definately worth it. Bits of metal and fish wire may not be the making of most designer fashion but this unique gem is unlike any other.
Scour St Kilda's Best Shopping Strips – Acland St, Fitzroy St & Carlisle St – for Great Local Designs
Punters would be forgiven for expecting a store by the name of 'Dollhouse' (32 Carlisle St) to be the go-to place for all things pink and girly. Interestingly though, Dollhouse is anything but dainty. Selling clothes and accessories in all shades of black, this store is the perfect place for something hip and different with a touch of goth. Surprisingly approachable, the staff are very helpful.
While most jeans that got paint-stained would be thrown in the washing machine, those bought from 'Hoss' (3/135 Fitzroy St) are treasured. Specialists in urban clothing with attitude, this store stocks mens and womens labels including Tsubi, Roy and Shem. Although gaining increasing fame in the Melbourne fashion arena, these labels are still considered edgy enough to sport to that slick city bar.
Last but certainly not least is Acland St and its rows of unique boutiques. 'Hunter & Gatherer' (82a Acland St) is a haven for all things rare and retro. They have hunted and gathered from charity shops about town for the best in vintage, especially for those who like things cool and oldschool. Definately not to be missed for those rare, unexpected fashion finds.
Part-gallery, part-retail outlet, the petite 'Little Salon' (71 Gertrude St) gives art a function, selling artsy accessories made from just about anything. This wearable art sits alongside the traditional variety, with off-beat paintings and ornaments of sale, all of which are made locally.
While Collins St is home to the best in high-end international fashion, its little sister Little Collins St is the place to be for lush local designer labels. Home to many unique treasures, 'Eg Etal' (185 Little Collins St) stocks over 40 local and overseas designs and is the perfect place for that unique fashion find. Not for the budget shopper, the high-end location means the designer prices are to be expected but it's definately worth it. Bits of metal and fish wire may not be the making of most designer fashion but this unique gem is unlike any other.
Scour St Kilda's Best Shopping Strips – Acland St, Fitzroy St & Carlisle St – for Great Local Designs
Punters would be forgiven for expecting a store by the name of 'Dollhouse' (32 Carlisle St) to be the go-to place for all things pink and girly. Interestingly though, Dollhouse is anything but dainty. Selling clothes and accessories in all shades of black, this store is the perfect place for something hip and different with a touch of goth. Surprisingly approachable, the staff are very helpful.
While most jeans that got paint-stained would be thrown in the washing machine, those bought from 'Hoss' (3/135 Fitzroy St) are treasured. Specialists in urban clothing with attitude, this store stocks mens and womens labels including Tsubi, Roy and Shem. Although gaining increasing fame in the Melbourne fashion arena, these labels are still considered edgy enough to sport to that slick city bar.
Last but certainly not least is Acland St and its rows of unique boutiques. 'Hunter & Gatherer' (82a Acland St) is a haven for all things rare and retro. They have hunted and gathered from charity shops about town for the best in vintage, especially for those who like things cool and oldschool. Definately not to be missed for those rare, unexpected fashion finds.
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