Australia may well be renowned internationally for its coastlines and multicultural cuisine, but for style-starters, it’s the ultimate destination for unforgettable and inspirational fashion. SOMA presents an insider’s guide to the very best in Aussie boutiques.
One of A Kind > Catering to the Australian male who craves truly unique apparel and handpicked vintage houseware is the aptly titled Sydney boutique, One of a Kind. Living up to its namesake, the intimate space – blanketed by a large and lush green vine – stocks a range of classic couture from international labels, including Generic Surplus, B Store, Three Over One and Whyred, as well as impeccable Australian designers like Vanishing Elephant and Rittenhouse. Curated and owned by Dion Kovac—the man who introduced Sydney to serious style with his previous street/skatewear store, One Spot—this art-gallery-turned-storefront houses a wearable collection that offers impeccability in its choice of style. Here you won’t be told what to wear, but rather given a choice of garments so well put together that it’s virtually impossible not to walk away influenced and inspired by the one-of-a-kind items within.
114 Burton St, Darlinghurst, NSW, www.oneofakindsydney.com
Somedays > Somedays effortlessly fuses art and fashion in an art gallery and retail space located in the creative hub that is Surry Hills, Sydney. Opening in 2005, Somedays focuses on Nordic fashion, stocking clean and crisp labels such as Maria Westerlind, Gram, NYS, POUR and Tiger of Sweden. The décor and design of the 1600 sqft loft-style building mirrors their sharp, understated style, with a nod to 1950s design aesthetic. In the half-decade since Somedays opened its doors, the store has become something of an icon for creative locals. Those not in the mood to shop can browse the art on show—with new artists each month—or get comfortable in some of the Swedish furniture and simply people-watch. When the sun fades, Somedays is often the most sought-after Surry Hills location, offering a steady stream of collaborative evening events with local and international artists.
72B Fitzroy St, Surry Hills, NSW, www.somedays.com
Alice Euphemia > No mention of shopping in Australia would be complete without the inclusion of the Melbourne institution Alice Euphemia. Launched in 1997 by Caroline Price and Karen Rieschieck (now the store’s sole owner), Alice, as it’s affectionately known, was the pioneer in providing a platform for exposure for Melbourne’s up and coming designers. True to its original vision, the city-based store has helped launch the careers of numerous Australian labels, with individual guidance on marketing, production and career development. Here you’ll find sales assistants who genuinely love and are knowledgeable about every brand stocked within. Rieschieck is a woman passionate about the state of Australian design, and is often sought out by media for her opinion on the changing face of Australian fashion. In addition to selling their wares, Alice Euphemia also encourages its designers to develop their side projects, often hosting nights dedicated to the art or film of a stocked designer. Labels housed include Tina Kalivas, Arnsdorf, This Charming Man, Ellery, Elke Kramer, Lucy Folk, Maise and Friedrich Gray.
6 Cathedral Arcade, or 37 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC, www.aliceeuphemia.com
Glitzern > Melbourne creatives Caroline Price and Moira Rogers are armed with the belief that the right accessory can transform any outfit. Sharing a love of accessories – from the small and sweet to the strange and surprising — the pair opened Glitzern in 2007, a store dedicated to providing Melbournians (of both sexes) with the finest in jewelry, bags, sunglasses and gloves. The intimate exposed brick building sits in an unassuming but fabulous city lane off one of Melbourne’s busiest streets, and is easily missed by inattentive passersby. After witnessing a growing trend for quality-constructed accessories and an increase in designers trained in gold- and silver-smithing, the pair scoured the globe for the most innovative and unique designs. Among their small, yet spectacular collection, expect to find work from Kim Wong, Comfort Station, Lia T, Pamela Love and
House of Baulch.
1A Crossley Street, Melbourne, VIC, www.glitzern.com.au
Lion in Love > After working as the main buyer for a chain of successful Melbourne boutiques, creative entrepreneur and stylist Nikki Cremasco saw a gap in the market for eclectic, vintage-inspired fashion that catered solely to the Australian female demographic. Inspired by the art of Dali, Picasso and Sarah Moon, as well as the music of Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Jimi Hendrix and Femi Kuti, Cremasco has created a store that beckons to be experienced. Embarking on four buying trips a year, Cremasco handpicks each piece for her store, calling upon the raw talent of up-and-coming Korean and Japanese fashion designers to provide a unique alternative to the high street chain stores and mainly European/Australian designer boutiques that pepper Melbourne. The store itself is located in the heart of the city, and has been carefully decked out in rare vintage finds and one-off pieces that reflect the individuality and personality of Lion in Love apparel. The ideal destination for those seeking something more than the status quo.
234 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC
– Fiona Killackey
