From vintage to multi-brand: Where the FJ editors shop in Melbourne
image via @somebuddy_lovesyou / instagram
words by Fashion Journal
The spots not to be missed.
Ask anyone living in Melbourne and they’ll tell you, we’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to fashion. From talented local designers who punch far above their weight, to curated multi-brand stores and vintage destinations that do the hard work for you, the city is scattered with some of the best shopping spots in the country (we’d even argue the world).
Despite the convenience of e-commerce, an IRL shopping trip is hard to beat, especially when you get to know the incredible people behind your favourite brands and brick-and-mortars. Whether you prefer to hit the streets with an exact item in mind, or you’re simply in the mood to peruse, the key to a successful shopping trip is good intel.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
And as a partner of Melbourne Fashion Week for many years, the editors at Fashion Journal have got you covered. Below, the team shares the shopping spots not to miss on your next retail therapy session.
Lost and Found Market
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Located up a flight of stairs in the heart of Fitzroy, Lost and Found is a sprawling fleamarket comprised of stalls from vintage sellers across Melbourne. You can find all kinds of clothing, accessories and bric-a-brac from decades past, like frilly ’50s swimsuits, patchwork ’60s denim and silk slipdresses from the mid-’90s. Expect to lose a few hours exploring the markert’s expansive offering.
288 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Sucker
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Run by artists for artists, Sucker in Fitzroy stocks forward-thinking Melbourne designers like Wackie Ju, Stella Vendetta, Ess.Bee, Annie Enoka and more. It’s the place to go for fashion and accessories that are two steps ahead of the trendsetters.
63 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Somebuddy Loves You
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Highly-frequented by FJ’s Feature’s Editor, Lara, Somebuddy Loves You boutique in Fitzroy has a stunning edit of some of our favourite Australian and New Zealand labels. You’ll find workwear staples from Marle, Harris Tapper and Wynn Hamlyn, tights by local brand Dal1992, shoes by Miista, and a great range of wedding guest dresses from the likes of Dominic Healy, Permanent Vacation and Paloma Wool.
193 Smith Street, Fitzroy
PDA Shop
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Entering PDA feels like you’re walking into your incredibly chic friend’s apartment, with dreamy mid century furniture and cosy ambience only adding to the divine selection of vintage, mostly sourced from Italy and around Australia. Co-founders Belle and Sarah are beyond helpful, they even offer private styling appointments free of charge, so you can book in a time after hours to peruse a selection of clothes and accessories that’ve been lovingly curated just for you.
264 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Goodbyes
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With stores in Brunswick, Collingwood and Prahran, consignment chain Goodbyes is basically the beating heart of circular fashion in Melbourne: you walk in with a bag of clothes you no longer wear, you walk out with a bag of pre-loved items you’ll want to wear to death (or send back into the eco-system once you’re done with them). Here you’ll find some absolute bargains among pristine, pre-loved designer wares.
127 – 129 Sydney Road, Brunswick
2 Johnston Street, Collingwood
142 Commercial Road, Prahran
Swop
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Another excellent pre-loved consignment store, enter Swop in Collingwood and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into the club – vibes are high, music is pumping and style inspiration is everywhere you look. You’ll find international designer pieces at reasonable prices and well-organised racks of pre-loved pieces from local brands looking for another home.
8 Peel St, Collingwood
E Nolan
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Melbourne designer Emily Nolan recently opened the doors to her Collingwood boutique and it’s a celebration of everything she’s known for: impeccable shirts, tailored suiting, made-to-measure coats, Italian-made heels and flats, and luxurious cashmere scarves. The lighting is sexy, the changing rooms are draped in canary yellow curtains, and flowers sit inside a vase dotted with ceramic cigarettes.
235 Gertrude Street, Collingwood
Pan After
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Offering more than fashion, Pan After in Collingwood is a beautiful destination to find everything you’d want to dress your home in: crisp Tekla bedding, unique pottery and objects made by artisans around the world, woven baskets, Japanese incense, art books and handmade soaps.
38 Cambridge Street, Collingwood
Florian Home
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A shopping trip in Melbourne itsn’t complete without a wonder down Rathdowne Street in Carlton North. Once you’ve fuelled up on pastries and caffiene, pop into Florian Home to peruse the dreamy selection of homewares, including giant pillar candles, tortoise shell cutlery sets, cute ceramics, design and cookbooks for the coffee table and niche fragrance brands.
619 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Kahe
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Venture into the city to Melbourne’s iconic Curtin House and you’ll find Kahe, the recently-opened boutique helmed by local designer Kacy Heywood. We love Kahe for interesting (and always flattering) denim, classic staples with a sexy twist (often in silk and suiting) and the designer’s own shape-shifting footwear. Think tall boots that transform into wedge mules.
Curtin House, Level 2/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Dot Comme
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Anyone who’s braved the stairs to Rooftop Bar at the top of Curtin House has passed the alluring entrance to Dot Comme. Merging art and fashion, the store is a haven for those unafraid of experimenting. The online store lists archival pieces from brands like Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe and more, while the brick-and-mortar store stocks more accessible streetwear and everyday pieces.
Curtin House, Level 3 and 4/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Saloon
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Founded by Melbourne-based creatives Georgah Crane and Kirra Scotland, Saloon is comprised of pieces that strike a balance between Georgia’s minimalist aesthetic and Kirra’s eclectic style. The duo’s light-filled brick-and-mortar space in Curtin House is home to a curated selection of local labels like All Is A Gentle Spring, Azur, Maroske Peech and Mondo Mondo, as well as a divine array of homewares.
Level 4/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Who Boutique
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Originally known as ‘Whofish’ back in 2001, Who Boutique has been helping dress Melbourne’s south side for over 20 years. Now, the clothing store is run by Tali Zevi, alongside her mum, and has become one of our favourite spots for European brands. Think Paloma Woo, Baum und Pferdgarten and Rabens Saloner, as well as Tali’s very own in-house brand, Exotic Import.
Shop 3/1216 High Street, Armadale
Distal Phalanx
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Inside Melbourne’s iconic Nicholas Building you’ll find Distal Phalanx, home to a curated selection of fashion and jewellery from emerging and established designers, both locally and internationally. Think larger-than-life accessories by Marland Backus, alongside Bettina Liano jeans, and Maroske Peech Demi Belts and Geotards. The store also stocks a variety of niche fashion and art publications, perfect coffee table fodder. Check Instagram for current opening hours.
603/37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
For more multi-brand shopping spots in Melbourne, see our directory here.
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