Here’s Where You Should Be Shopping In Melbourne
While its always been a shopping Mecca, in recent years Melbourne has seen an influx of international stores and brands popping up, as well as a huge crop of local designers making a splash. So if you’re planning on visiting Melbourne anytime soon, let this inspire you to do a little shopping.
[related_articles]32322,19772,9124[/related_articles]Shag
Where: 120 Chapel Street, Windsor & Shop 20, Centreway Arcade, Melbourne CBD
The self proclaimed “hunters and dealers of fine, wearable treasure”, Shag stores have been an institution in Melbourne since the mid-90s. Their HQ is their Chapel Street shop, which boasts everything from outlandish sequinned jumpsuits, to the perfect little black dress and everything in between. Shag continues to be the perfect place to find the thing you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without.
A Quirk Of Fate
Where: 289 High Street, Northcote
Easily one of the most well curated shops in all of Melbourne, A Quirk Of Fate has been a stalwart on Northcote’s High Street since 2012. Kylie Weir, the owner and buyer originally studied the art of footwear design, which is apparent with the eclectic and stylish range on offer in the store. Stocking jewellery, homewares, unisex clothes, stationary and more, AQOF is the ideal shop to pop in to for a well-deserved moment of ‘treat yo’self’.
The Strand
Where: Corner of Elizabeth Street and Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
A favourite with those working in Melbourne’s CBD, The Strand is often frequented during the lunch time hours by busy city locals. Gorman, COS, Acne Studios, Desigual, Nobody Denim, and more have all landed spots in this prolific strip of retailers. It really is a one-stop-wonder for all your shopping needs.
Photo: Nobody Denim/Facebook
Kinki Gerlinki
Where: 22 Centre Plance, Melbourne CBD; 250 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy & 209 Sydney Road, Brunswick
A staple in every northsiders sartorial diet, Kinki Gerlinki is worth a visit if you’re looking after some retro-inspired pieces that will make you feel like a beautiful, powerful land mermaid. All the clothes are locally designed and produced at the label’s head office on Sydney Road. If you’re ever feeling uninspired, pop into any of their three locations and chat to the incredibly friendly staff members. They’re always up for a yarn, and will help you choose the perfect outfit.
Emporium
Where: 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Home to some of the world’s best international stores (think, Uniqlo, Muji, Topshop, and Calvin Klein), as well as some Australian labels like Kookai and Gorman, Emporium has more than 200 stores that provide a fusion of fashion, culture, food and art. It also has a pretty special foodcourt that includes some fast food incarnations of some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants. Considering its six football fields worth of retail shopping in one location, it’s impossible not to partake in some kind of delightful spree at Emporium.
Kuwaii
Where: 7-8 Cathedral Arcade & 37-39 Glenlyon Road Brunswick
Established in 2008, designer Kristy Barber wanted Kuwaii’s offerings “to become sartorial staples — classic pieces that evoke effortless sophistication, innate beauty and confidence, and are made to last.” Her dreams have come true and so, by extension, have the dreams of thousands of her customers. There is nothing quite like owning a piece of clothing from this ethically responsible brand. With two locations and an online store, most staple pieces tend to get re-stocked over and over because they’re just that good.
Lady Petrova
Where: 304/37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
With every pastel colour under the sun on display in Lady’s shop, she’s been a major name in Melbourne’s fashion’s circuit for nearly a decade. Petrova has always had a close relationship to her customers, or ‘Ladybirds’ as she prefers to call them. They come to her regularly for advice about not just fashion, but also about style, relationships and business. Her love of sharing led Petrova to start her own school called the School of Fabulousness.
Obus
Where: Shop 5, Cathedral Arcade. 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD; 226 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy; 285 High Street, Northcote & 136 Lygon Street, Brunswick East.
Definitely one for lovers of colours and bright patterns, this Melbourne brand now has four locations throughout the city. Obus creates beautiful and practical wearable things for the modern woman, and now in it’s 17th year, it’s a mainstay of the Melbourne fashion landscape.
(Lead image: A Quirk Of Fate/Facebook)
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