Showing 1-21 of 21 results
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Alannah Hill
Somehow greater than the sum of their (cheap-fabric and often slapdash, repetitive-cut) parts, the clothes of theatrical, ever-lippied Miss Hill have an enduring, widespread appeal. Her outré shops and even more outré runway shows draw on her gift for meta-narrative and her kookily conservative but oddly comforting vision of womanhood, which may explain the attraction.
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Cactus Jam
Split along us/them, princess/practical lines, one side of Cactus Jam stocks global heavyweights Cloë and Cacherel and other OS lovelies like folksy-modern Tsumori Chisato and celebrated Brit Duro Olowu. Cute cardies and singlets from Paris by Vanessa Bruno are also a real find. The other side features antipodeans Karen Walker, Zimmerman and TL Wood and casual wear.
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Chapel Bazaar
Noddy eggcups, 1950s couches and yellowing lace: as long as it's retro, it earns a space at this giant undercover market. Permanent stallholders sell off their hoarded treasures at marked prices. Even if you walk out empty-handed, you'll have a whole new appreciation for the city through its past fashion fancies and follies.
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Crumpler
Crumpler had humble beginnings, making bags specifically for Melbourne's bike couriers. Its products impressed everyone, so it made more. The bags are durable, practical and have unique designs, and they're now sold all over the world. An extensive range includes bags for cameras, computers and digital things.
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Cyberia
Cyberia keeps moneyed misses and misters clothed and attired in designer threads. Smart basics, like jeans and jumpers, share the racks with something-for-my-party frocks. And tall glass cabinets can make an instant ensemble, with sunnies and jewellery, and even screenprinted undies. Local and overseas designers crowd the racks of this well-stocked store.
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Dot & Herbey
Grandma Dot and Grandpa Herb smile down upon this tiny corner boutique from a mural-sized photo, right at home among the vintage floral fabrics and retro styles of their era. Dot & Herbey keeps a small range of treasured dresses and tops, plus floppy hats and jewellery. Rings and bracelets fashioned from knitting needles recall the domestic bliss of the era evoked in the store's frocks and blouses.
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Eg Etal
With a collection of pieces from over 80 antipodean designers, this unique retail space holds many little treasures. It's a place where fishing wire and metal piping are precious metals, and where aesthetics and meaning are given equal consideration, with symbolic pieces preferred over the purely contrived. A second branch in Flinders Lane (9639 5111; basement, 167 Flinders Lane) exhibits gold and gem jewellery, as well as larger conceptual/exhibition work.
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Empire III
Pretty vintage clothes, accessories, soft furnishings and furniture spill out the doors of Empire III. In which other single store could you pick up a rose-printed quilt, a chandelier, a nightie and a sumptuous evening gown? Empire III also has its own range of girlie bags and purses created from vintage, floral fabrics.
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Fat
The clothing in Fat stores may not make the international fashion catwalks, but that's the point. And it's not because Fat's thinking-person's offerings are for larger sizes. Local designers and Fat's own line fill the space between high fashion and antifashion. Pieces are conscious, irreverent and playful. Individual bags and accessories complete the offerings.
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Genki
Stocking funky Japanesey clothing for men, women and little rascals, Genki is a haven for all things cute, pink and quirky. Check out Genki's signature range of T-shirts with slogans such as 'I Love Kissing' and 'I Love Frisbee', as well as accessories and next-big-thing labels from London and New York.
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Hoss
Hoss carries a great range of designer clothes, boots 'n' all. Men's and women's jeans, shirts, dresses, knitwear and boots walk out of here on the bodies of many St Kilda-ites. Hoss' sister store, Milla ( M0358; 9537 1750; 210 Barkly St) specialises in stock for ladies, including bags.
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Hudson
Stocking a range of local designs and handpicked items from Japan and the US, Hudson can be relied on to source modern, lo-fi clothes with a twist (think baby trucker caps or killer knee-high socks). Local artists are regularly showcased in the front window (a Gorillaz-style cartoon of 'The Hudsonettes' appears from time to time) and choose the decorative novelty sticky tape when gift wrapping. Go for the one with baby elephants - it's '70s cute.
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Husk
This jewel-box version of the mini-empire's larger concerns in Albert Park and Toorak highlights the building's original Victorian ecclesia but evokes Persia and Paris. The curatorial range here is also eclectic - the unifying factor is luscious fabrics and a loving attention to detail. An early champion of the boho-luxe look, beloved of Melbourne's intelligentsia, it's the place to find Vixen, Easton Pearson and Gorman. There's also a small selection of own-brand teas and home wares.
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Little Salon
Part art gallery, part retail outlet, this little store is an aesthete's heaven. Wearable art, such as bags woven from seat belts, knitted corsages and button bracelets, shares space here with pieces for your wall or shelf. Everything is locally made and extremely well priced.
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Marais
Calling something after a Parisian neighbourhood may smack of parochial insecurity, but happily this venture delivers as much subtle sophistication as its inspiration. Stealthily signposted on the secluded upper floor of the otherwise workaday Royal Arcade, the airy space is a delight, with raven-stained parquetry, glossy white panelled walls and witty fittings. The stock is challenging but elegant. International labels include Preen, Blaak and Balenciaga; fashion editor darlings Josh Goot and Toni Maticevski represent the locals.
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Mimco
Melbourne-based accessories label Mimco has made adjuncts like jewellery, hats and bags a main event. Oversized, soft, feminine and functional, Mimco's seasonal bag designs make a sassy statement. Hair clips and jewellery acknowledge that it's often the little things that count.
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Queen
One of a number of independent clothing stores in the immediate area, Queen offers a range of bags, jewellery and clothes that you won't see on the backs of every second person you pass. The store has its own label but also stocks other Melbourne designers.
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RG Madden
Affordable style is RG's ethos. Eschewing already-established names, RG sources new design products from around the world. Whatever your designer want, it's likely you'll find a solution here. Kids' designer furniture, beautiful bins and cotton clothes - RG Madden's sharp range of home wares, furniture, jewellery, bags, stationery and electronic gadgetry will bamboozle even the most seasoned browser.
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Route 66
Nestled in Cathedral Arcade, Route 66 has been a vintage clothing stalwart for years. Menswear leans towards bowling shirts and sharp pants; womenswear is decidedly '50s va-va-voom: pencil skirts, cardigans with embroidered skulls and seamed stockings. Jewellery is heavy on the dice motif. Route 66 can also sort you out for a tiki mug, a book on hot rods or an eight ball for your gearstick.
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Scanlan & Theodore
Admired far and wide for consistently wearable, sexy clothes made with fine, unusual fabrics, this veteran label helped define the ultra-girlie (but not quite demure) Melbourne-girl look of the '80s. Idiosyncratic casual wear and far from sombre suiting are strong, but the label truly delivers when it comes to delightful dress-you-up dresses. Scanlan also has a store in South Yarra.
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Vegan Wares
Vegan Wares makes shoes from microfibre rather than leather so they're perfect for people who eschew animal products but still want something durable, comfortable and fashionable on their feet. The funky footwear comes in a broad range of styles for men, women and unisex, and can be made to order. Belts and wallets are also available.
Showing 1-21 of 21 results
