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Australia

Accessory shopping in Australia

  1. A

    Alexandre of Paris

    Alas, the great Alexandre – the original hairdresser to the stars – is no longer with us, having departed for hair-coiffing heaven early in 2008. But his top-quality range of French-made barrettes, headbands, clips and fascinators live on in this bijou shop. They range from the whimsical to the practical, from affordable to otherwise.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Gallery Freya

    This tiny shop hidden on the GPO’s top floor has some amazing pieces, from vintage Georg Jensen to African beads and Parisian bangles. It’s run by a talented collector with a wonderful eye for delicious detail. And she’s more than happy to take you through the finer points of Jensen’s work.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Kookaburra Kiosk

    This small, long-running second-hand clothing store has some fab finds from the fashion archives. It concentrates on unique vintage pieces and manages to avoid that fabric-explosion atmosphere that plagues so many of these vintage shops. Sort through the sale racks out the front for bargains.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Self Preservation

    Iron cases hold a range of jewels from local artisans and from long ago, some lovely leather bags, plus there’s a small gallery space out back. Not only can you shop for silver and gold, you can sit down for a coffee or a glass of wine while you decide. Multitasking never was nicer.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Nick Brown

    If women have little black dresses as their essential fashion item, the men's equivalent should be the crisp cotton shirt. A new Nick Brown short-sleeve may well be the perfect accompaniment to a Sydney summer. He even does made-to-measure to perfectly showcase that worked-out torso.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Christensen Copenhagen

    Owner Marianne Christensen buys up smart and fun imports with UK, Italian and French labels (as well as jewellery from Copenhagen), though Collette Dinnigan frocks can sometimes be seen here too. Expect fun and feminine party dresses and a staff happy to advise with the utmost tact.

    reviewed

  7. G

    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.

    reviewed

  8. H

    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.

    reviewed

  9. I

    City Hatters

    Beside the main entrance to Flinders St Station, this is the most convenient place to purchase an iconic Akubra hat. Or better yet, a unique creation that doesn’t scream ‘tourist’ or hark back to times gone by.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Strand Hatters

    Got a cold or wet head, or a serious case of the Crocodile Dundees? Strand Hatters will cover your crown with a classically Australian Akubra bush hat (made from rabbit felt). Staff will block and steam hats to customer requirements (crocodile-teeth hatbands cost extra).

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Glitzern

    Moi Rogers’ horde of vintage accessories and jewellery fills this former storage-cupboard space. Pieces run from high-’70s camp to exquisite Deco Australiana. Roger’s own bold work also features.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Kirrily Stores

    A slice of Newtown in Balmain (and also at 175 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee), Kirrily has casual cool women's wear that won't break the bank; a welcome change from the upmarket couturiers of the area.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Keith & Lottie

    An indie kid’s delight, this extremely cute store has journals, badges, necklaces, T-shirts, a few homewares, and coats and tops.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Crumpler

    Crumpler's bike-courier bags started it all. Its durable, practical designs can now be found around the world, and it makes bags for cameras, laptops and iPods as well as its original messenger style.

    reviewed