Here are seven eclectic Australian boutiques that make online shopping sound as boring as watching paint dry.
Frocks, Food and Vintage Medical Equipment: Spend Up at One of These Unique Fashion Boutiques
-
For Artists Only (Sydney)
A hike out to the sleepy suburb of Rose Bay is made totally worth it by this sleek emporium of all things cool. Curators Kristie MacDonald and Marty Salmon select local labels like Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Ksubi, ManiaMania and Lover to grace their hangers, while music merch and live entertainment come courtesy of the duo’s musical roots. Oh, there’s also an enormous drum kit suspended from the ceiling.
Image: For Artists Only
-
Perks & Mini (Sydney)
Walking into the Sydney flagship of Melbourne-based artist duo Mischa Hollenbach and Shauna Toohey doesn’t just leave you saturated with fashion but with art, design, books, mix tapes and even skateboards. Alongside selected threads from brands including Bernhard Willhelm and Billionaire Boys Club are ones from their own label, characterised by graphic energy and a roguish sense of humour.
Image: P.A.M.
-
Porch & Parlour (Sydney)
Some say food and fashion don’t mix, but those people haven’t spent a sizeable amount on Strummer and Happy Socks before muffling their guilt with raw mango cheesecake. This vibrant North Bondi space is also home to Porch Gallery, so if there’s an opening taking place you can throw bottomless champagne into the mix too.
Image: Porch & Parlour
-
Industria (Melbourne)
This eclectic Gertrude Street store combines vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories with old medical equipment, science gadgetry, vintage maps and ex-industrial furniture. Where else can you pick up a pretty ‘50s frock and a life-sized model of your digestive organs?
Image: The Design Files
-
Milly Sleeping City Studio (Melbourne)
Opened by mother-daughter duo Janette and Leah Muddle in 2005, Milly Sleeping boutique has been supporting independent local designers for seven years. Recently they also opened a studio in Melbourne’s CBD, a creative space with a rotating selection of designer clothing that transforms in sync with exhibitions taking place at the neighbouring Sarah Scout Gallery.
Image: Milly Sleeping
-
Kotemporary or Modern Art by Ksubi (Brisbane)
Cool kids Ksubi launched this remarkable retail space to blend their zeal for both fashion and art. In between post modern sculptures and avant garde videos are racks filled with Ksubi’s signature mix of street, surf and skate, making this one of the few places where shopping for jeans doesn’t totally suck.
Image: K.O.M.A.
-
Atlas Divine (Perth)
Sweeping industrial spaces give way to warmth and intimacy at this colourful Leederville boutique. Owner De recently renovated the store to make room for threads from around 65 Australian and international brands, all of which she personally selects. The interior is equally colourful, inspired by a trip to Bangkok.
Image: We Love Perth
