Shopping

It’s the same thing every time: you open the wardrobe and stare at dozens and dozens of outfits, waiting for something good to manifest, like chocolate in an empty fridge. When did we buy all this crap? And why did we think maroon jeans would stand the test of time? Well lucky for us there’s a place that’s working to break the clothing-misery cycle.

New Balance lands in Melbourne Central with its huge new concept store in the old Kookaï digs.

Tucked away on Little Collins Street, e.g.etal is more art gallery than jewellery store, exhibiting exquisite contemporary jewellery from over 50 Australian and New Zealand designers.

A Brunswick institution since 1989, Dejour Jeans on Sydney Road is a denim lover's dream. This not-so-hidden gem offers Australian tailor-made jeans for $65. Yep, bespoke jeans, made to fit, for $65. That isn't a typo. 

Melbourne is no stranger to fashionable punters—after all, the city is dubbed the fashion capital for a reason. You wouldn’t be the first to be in awe of someone’s fit as they walk down Swanston Street, and you certainly wouldn’t be the last. Wondering where everyone is going? It could very well be SWOP. 

A cornerstone of the city's sartorial community, Up There Store has long stood as the preeminent destination for the burgeoning trends of Melbourne. 

Once upon a time, Arc’teryx was exclusively reserved for the weekend warriors and outdoors type as a top-end brand that would help one attack the elements. In more recent times, however, the brand has been adopted by the global streetwear community thanks to the versatility of the garms and Veilance, their fashion-forward sibling label—and now, you can find both under one roof at their new flagship Chadstone locale. 

LA steeze powerhouse, JOYRICH, has arrived in Melbourne, and they’ve set up their first location in the backblocks of Cremorne. 

Patagonia has unveiled its new flagship store in Melbourne, reviving a heritage building from 1884.

Opening the first ‘Power Store’ in the Asia Pacific and joining just a handful of other locations in the world that have them (New York, London and Detroit), Foot Locker just hit QV Melbourne.

Step into the store and you are immediately transported to a psychedelic world of purple metallic changerooms and sequin curtains, disco music bouncing out of the speakers and a fluorescent green zebra at the door to greet customers.

If you’ve ever dreamt of sauntering through London’s Dover Street Market or finding something special at Opening Ceremony, then Slow Waves needs to be your next shopping destination.  

Windsor just gained a shiny new store whose luxurious nonchalance looks right at home on Chapel Street.

There’s nothing wrong with CBD shopping, but you do tend to see the same brands again and again. And again.

Secret Sneaker Store must be one of the best-kept secrets in the entire sneaker industry. Secret. Sneaker. Store. Try saying that five times without developing a lisp, I dare you.

If northside living was a product, you’d find it on the shelves at Keoma. This place is what Fitzroy is all about.

It took a while, but Sydney-born success story, Bassike, has finally joined the Emporium flock. It’s good to see the CBD’s premier shopping destination embracing more local designers (not that we don’t love cruising Superdry and Uniqlo with the best of them).

If we were showing a Sydneysider the good places in Melbourne, we’d take them here. Brixton Pound in Seddon.

It’s hard not to get excited about suits when you’re chatting to Miles Wharton. He’s the kind of guy that makes James Bond look underdressed.

You’d never know it was here from down on Collins St. Perched up on the second level, with a view of leafy plane trees, there’s a New York-style jewellery store with a history going back to Melbourne’s gold rush days. This is the new-look Kozminsky.

Ryder may have moved, but the brand hasn’t lost its Australian accent. On the front doorstep, picked out in tiny hexagonal tiles, are two protea flowers and the word “G’day”. It’s a beautiful touch. We’re seriously considering one for the office...

Pickings & Parry is one of those stores that makes you feel 10% more manly just by standing in it. As if, with enough passive exposure, you could arm wrestle a grizzly bear and mix an Old Fashioned at the same time.

Local slow-fashion boutique Kuwaii started as an alternative to the ‘churn’ fashion model: cheap materials, low-quality labour, nothing sustainable or ethical. Founder and designer Kristy Barber wanted to change all that, so 10 years ago she started up a little boutique label (the name’s a play on kawaii, the Japanese cuteness culture).

The Australian-made, tailored silhouettes of Manning Cartell have a glorious new postcode to call home. They've sashayed their way onto the ritzy strip of High Street, Armadale. 

It’s one of the wedding traditions we don’t talk about. Get the bridesmaids to wear hideous dresses so that, by direct comparison, the bride looks like some luminous alien brought down from heaven.

It’s unisex, edgy, and very farrsshuunnn—it’s Collingwood’s Spacebound Store. If you haven’t heard of this local independent label before, then are you even Melbourne? Jokes aside, Spacebound really needs to be on your list if minimalist t-shirt designs, faux suede, and monochrome detailing makes you first-world broke.

Armadale’s bustling High St has a new resident, and it’s looking classy AF. Meet The New Trend, an iconic Canadian multi-brand fashion retailer that started up back in 1992.

Sneaker-heads, listen up, because Sneakerboy just opened its latest concept store in Chadstone, and it’s looking absolutely ridiculous. If Turtle from Entourage had dreams, they would look something like this: a brushed-concrete Trainer Temple, big flat screens hanging from the ceiling, decked out in cutting-edge street footwear.

The Paris end of Collins St has long been home to the crème de la crème of Melbourne fashion. But that might be about to change. Flinders Ln is throwing its impeccably styled hat into the ring with its new menswear store: MASONS.

How many times have you spotted a marsupial, just walking along, and thought: ‘That pouch looks really convenient. I wish I had a pouch to put stuff in.’ Must happen to us at least a couple of times a day. Well rejoice, because a new Aussie boutique has developed a range of products that celebrates the humble marsupial.  

Tired of seeing the same fjallraven and Longchamp backpacks on everyone from uni students to cashed-up Toorak mums? We feel you. Finding a bag that’s actually unique (and not just spruiked as ‘unique’ by a brand’s marketing team) is actually kind of hard. Especially in an age where Instagram is making fashion increasingly generic and homogenized.  

A 60s-inspired fashion boutique inside St Paul’s Cathedral? Yep, it does exist.

Time to upgrade your plastic-fantastic Casio? We know just the place. German watch brand Kapten & Son has just opened Australia’s first ever bricks and mortar store, and—hells yes—it’s in Melbourne. Prahran to be precise, tucked down King St just opposite the Town Hall (look out for the blue anchor sign as you’re walking down Chapel).

You’ve probably seen them around: velvety soft raincoats, oozing Scandinavian sophistication and a certain you-know-you-want-me vibe. Rains coats are already stocked in boutique stores all over the world, but it’s only recently the brand has lashed out and started its own concept stores. The first two were in Denmark (Rains’ home country), then came Paris...and now Melbourne.

Local label ELK prides itself on contemporary accessories, hand-crafted leather goods, and stunning original footwear. So it should, because this is some seriously cool stuff.

Wearing glasses can be both a blessing and a curse. But that’s not the way the founders, or shall we say the visionaries, at Dresden Optics see it.

It’s official: Instagram sensation Duzenman has just opened its impeccably-styled doors on High St. This is the brand’s first bricks and mortar store—more of a leather emporium really (owner Samantha Duzenman calls it an ‘atelier’)—and they’ve picked a good spot for it. High St Armadale was made for shops like this. Exquisite boutiques that you can peruse at your leisure while waiting for a table at nearby High Society or Moby 3143. Local brands with a luxe edge.

Australia’s biggest independent luxury retailer just got a little bit fancy. Harrolds has expanded its 101 Collins St HQ in the CBD, with a salivating ground floor line-up of store-in-stores: Tom Ford, Thom Browne, and (the ink’s still dry on the contract) Stella McCartney. Plus iconic brands like Manolo Blahnik and streetwear label, Off-White. Basically the names you can’t get anywhere else in Australia. Did we mention it was fancy?

If your credit card debt is still in the ‘scary but deal-able’ phase, you probably haven’t yet discovered Harrolds, Melbourne’s addictive high-end retail outlet. Ladies should make a bee-line to their Collins St flagship store, which has just undergone a sexy revamp, including exclusive in-store partnerships with Manolo Blahnik and Stella McCartney (the only stockist in Australia, so far).

The 60s and 70s were very good to Jimi and Zoe Paul, the husband and wife team behind Bali-based label Mister Zimi. There’s a definite ‘groovy’ streak running through the brand, with playful florals and big block colours evoking a time when everyone looked effortlessly awesome and the avocado was the height of haute cuisine.

Since its humble beginnings in menswear, Rag & Bone has made a name for itself as a leader in ready-to-wear men’s and women’s fashion, thanks to its combination of classic, high-quality tailoring and downtown New York edge.

Launching way back in 2013 with the help of a wildly successful crowd funding campaign—Melbourne Watch Company has been putting together beautiful timepieces since then.

Slate Melbourne is your gateway to understated elegance and bohemian ease. The team behind the brand have embraced the ‘Gypsy Movement’, an image of ‘creative and optimistic people who blend fashion and art, whilst maintaining a relaxed, laidback approach to life’. This is a far cry from the ‘Warehouse Sale Movement’, an image of a desire for style that is achieved through boxing day and stocktake sales that leave you traumatised and very highly strung, one many of us have been embracing.

If you want to add a splash of colour and quirk to your wardrobe, look no further than the bold, eye-catching designs at Leonard St. With funky prints, cool colours and retro designs, Amanda McCarthy’s hand-drawn pieces hang in store with minimal fuss. Situated in iconic Carlow House, Leonard St. pieces hang with minimal fuss, except for an intricately framed mirror to admire the simple lines and silhouettes.

After 15 years in the wholesale business, the team at fashion and accessories label ELK have finally bitten the bullet and opened up their new flagship store right in the CBD.

Jac + Jack have recently opened its sixth boutique store in Armadale. This luxurious boutique has a relaxed modern vibe featuring marble, brass and black steel fixtures, polished concrete and Birch ply enhanced by plentiful natural light.

Locally designed in Melbourne, Nique offers high quality mens and womens clothing. The Fitzroy boutique has it’s own unique understated design. The walls have been stripped back to raw shell, steel beams have been exposed and the boutique retains it’s original shell reminiscent of classic Victorian Architecture.

Concrete Jungle is your one-stop shop for all things sneakers and streetwear, with brands from Adidas to Vans. They specialise in footwear with heaps (and we mean HEAPS) of sneakers for both men and women, but they also have a pretty decent range of street apparel and accessories as well.

Everyone loves a good bag. Functional, stylish and able to fit all your personal items like Hermione’s expandable backpack, tote-ing around a perfect bag makes life so much easier.

This luxury menswear store is opening its flagship boutique in Melbourne, and is stocked all throughout Australia, Europe and the US.

Sometimes, you're looking for a gift for that special someone that's just a liiiittle bit unusual. What about a custom-designed silver necklace that incorporates a crow's wing, or a taxidermy fox that’s got rubies for eyes? If this strikes a chord, you’ll want to pay a visit to the incredible workshop and showroom of world-renowned artist, jeweller and (vegan) taxidermist, Julia DeVille.

One of the hottest labels to come out of Melbourne, Kuwaii takes a modern approach to tailoring, using luxe fabrics and soft colours to create cutting-edge looks. Founded in 2008 and entirely made in Melbourne, the label's reserved approach to shape and structure makes for a look that's full of clean lines and luxe details.

If you’ve ever wondered where you could find a smart, vintage hat for the gentleman in your life, we have the answer. Fitzroy’s Smart Alec not only sells, but specialises (we're serious) in unique, classical hats for the dapper gentleman.

Whoever said it was hard to shop for men clearly hasn’t visited The Windsor Annex. The space is as considered as the quality of clothing at this particular retail store—there’s no florescent lighting or worn-down fitting rooms here—and with fantastic gents and ladies labels, it's a must-visit for you fashion-savvy readers. 

All you guys out there in your 20’s and 30’s are well acquainted with the struggle of finding a well-tailored suit at an affordable price. Thankfully, the 4-man crew behind the bespoke menswear lifestyle brand, Saibu no Akuma ('devil in details' in Japanese), are here to solve your problems.

Kuwaii is iconically Melbourne: that perfect combination of alternative and effortless; its sleek sillhouettes and trademark colourways translate across borders via a strong aesthetic that is instantly recognisable. They may even be solely responsible for getting a few black-loving Melburnians into colour... maybe.

Is your wardrobe in need of a little something special? Perhaps an 80's sports jacket, or a neon power suit? You'll love the incredible fashion and costume finds at The Aquarium in Northcote—a vintage and retro fashion store that also sells vinyl and homewares to a style-savvy crowd.

After opening its first Australian store in Prahran, Canadian luxury brand Kit & Ace have made their way to Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. Stocking all the high-end basic threads we've come to love, plus gorgeous cashmere favourites, the Fitzroy store will also include a new space called The Wall, featuring an installation work from local artist Nick Thomm.

Who invited this chick? Who cares, she's got stellar style... A collaboration between photographer Hugh Peachey and stylist Zoe West, Who Invited Her is a boutique fashion store reflecting a sense of the 60s and French chic. From subtle floral prints to stylish heels and intricate jewellery, ladies, Who Invited Her is a must for stocking up your wardrobe. 

Made in Melbourne denim label Denimsmith produces some of the best quality jeans in the country. Their East Brunswick factory doubles up as an awesome retail space that showcases their latest collections, maing it one of the best places to buy jeans in Melbourne, as well as one of the coolest fashion hot-spots for checking out how your clothes came to be. Whether you're investing in that life-long denim jacket or need a new pair of skinnies for day-to-day wear, Denimsmith is a top fashion go-to in Melbourne. 

If you're after some funky, wearable and stylish shoes, Lost In Seasons is well worth a visit. Stocking the full range of Rollie shoes, Lost In Seasons is in the SO:ME Space section of South Melbourne Market. There's a huge array of patterns and styles and if you're a sucker for metallics, you'll be in heaven.

Frankie's Story is a unique children's store with a strong focus on sustainable and organic materials. The designs and materials used are all top-notch and it's a fantastic place to find some stylish threads for the little one in your life.

You'll fall in love with the selection of homewares, jewellery, skin care and many, many other types of knick-knacks that are available at Klopper. Situated inside the South Melbourne Market, there is a beautifully curated selection of goods. Klopper is the perfect place to head if you're after gifts for that hard-to-buy-for female in your life!

Designer women's clothing meets artisan-style deli in this gorgeous little store in Hawthorn East. Mallalieu stocks a range of threads, accessories, homewares and vintage pieces and will ensure your tastebuds are also delighted by their sweet and savoury bites. Pull up a seat in the leafy courtyard or wander through for a browse with your coffee in hand (in a takeaway cup of course!).

Cordwainer and leather goods brand Wootten is a petite Prahran-based business that makes some of the best shoes in Melbourne. The styles are classic and the craftsmanship is of a world-class quality, making for a footwear or satchel investment that just keeps on giving. The customisation is seriously incredible too: Order from this amazing Melbourne fashion brand and you can choose everything down to the stitch detail of the shoe. A must for our more sartorial Listers!

Canadian luxury brand, Kit and Ace has opened its first Australian store. Situated on Greville Street, Kit and Ace are treating Melburnians to easy-to wear, liveable luxury clothing. A brain-child of the team behind active wear success, Lululemon, Kit and Ace know what they’re doing when it comes to creating truly comfortable threads. With the tag line ‘technical luxury’ Kit and Ace produce clothing that is innovative and functional, yet made from high-end fabrics such as cashmere. Kit and Ace aim to provide shoppers with an ‘experience’ when they step in store. 

Australian womenswear label Katie Hosking stocks some of the most beautiful women's seasonal fashion in its North Carlton store. With knits, shirts, trousers and accessories that suit all occasions, as well as ankle boots to die for (seriously, can we justify a pair a season?!), this is one epic Melbourne fashion find. A definite must for any fashionista!

A welcome addition to Armadale’s shopping strip, luxe women’s wear label Aje has brought a new dimension. Originally hailing from Sydney, Aje continually produces edgy pieces that inspire the feminine; think sequined skater skirts and embroidered trench coats. Aje’s Armdale store sits on High Street and is open 7 days.

Búl, a Melbourne women’s wear label from designer Virginia Martin now has a store in Armadale. Producing luxe designs using high quality materials, Búl favours classic shapes with a distinctive edge. A focus is always placed on fine details; luxurious natural fabrics and unique prints a hallmark of the label.

One of our favourite brands for chic comfort wear, bassike Hawksburn is busy fitting the east-side kids out with the kind of kit that you want to wear 24/7. With a strong emphasis on the use of natural fibres – cotton, wool, cashmere, leather and bamboo , bassike uses a muted colour palate.

One of Melbourne’s best menswear stores is tucked away in the busiest strip of the city. Incu at Flinders Lane is a dedicated male-only clothing and accessories store, so dudes no longer have to feel lost in the Melbourne’s fashion scene. Offering classic looks and street wear with a distinct style, every guy can benefit from a piece (or three) from Incu. 

Northcote fashion boutique I Dream A Highway keeps the most beautiful collection of locally made men's and women's fashion, accessories, shoes, crafts and more. You'll find stunning homewares too—think trinkets, lighting, decorative accessories...the list is endless! The perfect stop-off for gifts in Northcote.

Melbourne fashion label Obus is our go-to for beautiful accessories, clothing and shoes. Their colour palettes are always fresh for each season, and you'll fond other local goodies such as Kester Black nail polish and locally made jewellery in each store. A true slice of Melburnian creativity!

Classy, minimalist (and affordable!) watches with a twist. Melbourne watch brand The Fifth releases five new watch designs on the 5th day of every month, for five days only. The Fifth's stock is limited, so if you’re lucky enough to snag one of these gorgeous exclusive timepieces, you can rest assured as one of the lucky few. Purchase The Fifth online. 

Talbot Avenue makes some of the most stylish sportswear we've seen being flaunted in Melbourne's gyms and yoga studios. Combining fitness and lifestyle clothing, the Melbourne fashion label is our online go-to for new threads that are perfect for brunching or working out. 

Say hello to Melbourne’s newest accessory haven, Carlisle Accessories. Nestled in Balaclava’s Carlisle Street, this little store is home to one of Melbourne’s largest range of accessories. You’ll be able to find everything and anything from footwear, to hats, watches, jewellery and bags in this one location. Shop til you drop. 

Clog-lovers, this is the store of your dreams. In rain or shine, Funkis diligently supplies clogs of every form, shape and size for us toe-freeing fans. Influenced by Swedish fashion with (of course) an Australian twist, this high-end Aussie brand at The Strand also sells gorgeous accessories and jewellery to match your gorgeous shoes!

Beautiful, smart womenswear for every occasion, Megan Park pieces will ensure you’re effortlessly standing out at every event. One of the best homegrown Melbourne fashionbrands, everything you see on the rack is diligently handmade – there’s no such thing as mass-production at Megan Park! You’d be silly to go past this Melbourne fashion boutique on your High Street shopping spree. 

International designer Megan Park still refuses to mass-produce clothes after decades of success. Every item you pick up in their Fitzroy store is designed in-house, and worked on by the same specialist throughout production, so you know real love has gone into each and every design. One of Melbourne’s most loved labels, brand-name Megan Park offers stylish, smart casual wear for every occasion. 

Find peace, serenity and quiet inside this gorgeous international studio. Acne’s Armadale store complements their high-end ready-to-wear fashion items with modern art and architecture. Inside this stunning space you’ll find some of Melbourne’s most on-demand clothing, so if you see something you like you’d be wise to grab it quick. 

Loved around the globe, Acne is the go-to brand for statement items and true designer pieces. Combining multi-disciplines, walking into their Little Bourke Street studio is a shopping experience like no other. One of Melbourne’s biggest international brands, you’d be a fool to skip Acne if you’re after something really special. 

Be gone, ripped wools and hole-torn sweaters! Luxury knitwear brand Jac+ Jack is bringing high-quality fabrics back into Melbourne wardrobes. Producing some of Australia's finest quality cashmere knits and luxury basics, Jac+ Jack’s painstakingly made products guarantee you’re receiving top quality for your dollies. Their clothes are simple and modern, fitting seamlessly into every wardrobe. The Emporium Jac+ Jack store is a must-visit of any Melbourne shopping expedition. 

For essential wardrobe staples with an edge, look no further than Melbourne’s favourite boutique, Viktoria + Woods. One of the best premium brands in this city, Viktoria + Woods only uses the highest quality fabrics, making this designer store in Armadale an all-too-easy addition to everyone’s closet. Choose from their beautiful seasonal collections for seamless sports-lux fashion.   

Dudes, listen up! If you're looking for the best men's shoes in Melbourne, and don't care much for your budget, Double Monk is the perfect place to find them. The independent shoe shop specialises in the best leather shoes sourced from around the world, presented alongside accessories such as grooming products, umbrellas, socks, ties and more in its bespoke retail space. One for investment purchases that'll be with you for years to come, Double Monk is one of Melbourne's best mens boutiques that's a delight to visit—the true epitome of luxury! 

Bringing together Melbourne’s favourite international brands with their own exclusive range, Grace showcases the best of Melbourne fashion. Shop for your entire wardrobe from top to toe at one of this city’s best boutiques. Whatever your style is, Grace can provide. 

When we first discovered East Brunswick boutique The Boroughs, we nearly cried with joy! If you love quirky design objects, books, fashion accessories and jewellery, you'll love this Melbourne design shop, which is packed to the rafters with wares by local (and the odd international) designer. The Boroughs also run classes on site, so be sure to check their website for updates. Looking for a gift for the friend who's impossible to buy for? Trust us, you'll find it in The Boroughs.

South Yarra design hub A Good Space stocks homewares, ceramics, stationery and giftwares that are ethical and sustainable, making it the perfect spot for grabbing a gift that will do good! The store currently keeps a handful of the best Melbourne based labels (inclusing jewellery by KISAH, one of our favourites!), as well as a rotating collection of international brands. If you're looking to support the little guys while still picking up something stylish, A Good Space is for you!

Relative newcomer to the Melbourne fashion game, búl in Fitzroy is a minimalist's new best friend. With a focus on quality natural fabrics, each collection draws inspiration from a unique coastal location. búl pieces are unfussy, modern wardrobe essentials, with a feel that is distinctly 'Melbourne'. When the designer (Virginia Martin) has a background that includes interning at Proenza Schouler, you know you're looking at no fashion flash-in-the-pan. Clever fashion for the understated Melbourne woman. 

If you're not in love with Zimmermann, you're pretty much un-Australian. An icon of the Aussie fashion industry with a sexy aesthetic, Zimmermann has riden the retail waves over the years in inimitable style (and a fancy bikini). The South Yarra Zimmermann store is pocket-sized perfection—step inside to find feminine dresses galore in a great range of colours, prints and fabrics, plus easy pieces to wear every day, and those famous bikinis. A must when shopping for swimwear in Melbourne. 

If you are looking for designer womenswear in Melbourne, chances are your first stop will be Ginger & Smart on High Street, Armadale. The savvy Sydney sisters have created a name for themselves among discerning fashionistas who favour quality, ladylike but forward-thinking fashion, rather than fleeting look-at-me trends. For a races-ready frock or cocktail dress, you really needn't pass go. 

Seriously, what did we gals do before Camilla and Marc arrived on the scene? The go-to for every special occasion (hello races, weddings, meeting the in-laws), this label may be Sydney born, but the High Street Camilla and Marc store is a Melbourne shopping institution. Head to Camilla and Marc for fab frocks and beautifully tailored pieces in the most gorgeous, high quality fabrics. A label for those who like to get noticed for all the right reasons. 

Skin & Threads is an Aussie fashion brand that makes luxury basics—think jeans, t-shirts, premium sweats and knits. The Melbourne fashion store inside the Emporium centre stocks a great selection of garments that can be pieced together in easy-going, flexible looks—dress up Skin & Threads denim with boots and jewellery, or pick up a tee or two for weekend slouching. A Melbourne shopping staple.