Australia is home to an exceptional and diverse range of fashion boutiques that stock a variety of local and international labels. Some boutiques, like Brisbane’s Camargue, have been around for several decades (in Camargue’s case, 47 years). Others, like Sucker and Error 404, are part of the new guard at the forefront of Melbourne fashion. We asked stylists from around Australia to share their go-to fashion boutiques.
Elliot Garnaut, Melbourne stylist and commentator
“I love Marais, a Melbourne icon. They have a brilliant and diverse range of contemporary designer brands that are really hard to find anywhere else. Things like Sacai, are displayed with Rick Owens and Maison Margiela.”
Jade Leung, Melbourne stylist
“As I’ve recently noticed, around 80 per cent of the time someone asks me where an item of clothing is from, the answer is PAM. I love shopping at PAM for its well-curated variety of local and international brands including Karlalaidlaw, WTAPS, Aries and Heaven by Marc Jacobs. The PAM store in Melbourne is in Curtin House, home to a lot of stores and venues that hold memories from my social life, and have made up my community.”
Kerrie Carucci, Brisbane stylist
“Lidos Boutique, located in West End, is a hidden gem known for its stylish mix of women’s clothing, jewellery and gifts, including brands like Sabbi, Kinga Csilla and Summi Summi. Over on James Street in Fortitude Valley, Calexico is a must-visit, offering a collection of international luxury designers. Just around the corner, Samantha Ogilvie is the go-to for an exclusive mix of designer clothing, accessories and footwear. Camargue, a Brisbane institution since 1978, offers an eclectic mix of casual and luxe labels.”
Jenna Flood, Melbourne slow fashion stylist
“While the majority of my wardrobe is preloved, I do have some new pieces from some of my favourite boutique stores. I really love both Better With Friends and Before March in Melbourne. Better With Friends will always have the gift I am seeking and I love chatting to its owner Rebecca. Before March always inspires me with the dreamy imagery on their socials and website.
Sally MacKinnon, Melbourne personal stylist
“I would have to say Incu for Toteme, Acne, Ganni and Le Monde Beryl, and Grace in Armadale who stock my favourite international brand, Tibi.”
Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist
“We’re so spoilt here in Adelaide with so many aspirational and premium boutiques. A few fan-favourites would be Denim Iniquity, Love Affair, Azalia Boutique, One Rundle Trading Co, Lesser Store, Ecru Boutique, Madam Virtue and Shop Pond. What I love about these local boutiques is that you can find a mix of affordable, preloved and luxury pieces.”
Karinda Mutabazi, Melbourne stylist and creative director
“So many! In Melbourne, Who Boutique, Standard Store, Grace and Stable have the best international curation. I go to Up There, Subtype and Incu for streetwear and sneakers in Melbourne. In Sydney, I go to Chinatown Country Club and Above The Clouds.
For mostly Australian designers, I go to Before March, Better With Friends and Husk. For independent designers, I visit Sucker, Error 404 and Solari Studio in Melbourne, So Familia in Sydney and Blonde Concept in Canberra.”
Stuart Walford, Melbourne stylist and creative producer
“I think Incu is going from strength to strength and is constantly expanding its designer list. Shopping in its stores has always felt like a pleasant experience. In Melbourne, Subtype is also worth a visit, especially for those who love sneakers. Up There is a great one for menswear – great designers, lots of shoes and accessories too. Christine on Collins is a must-visit for jewels, hats and exquisite womenswear apparel.
Camargue in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane is worth a visit. It stocks womenswear and they have a really extensive range of brands from CDG, Simone Rocha, Ganni, JW Anderson, Issey Miyake, Dries Van Noten – the list goes on! Parlour X in Sydney is another great one.
Sonali Fernando, Perth stylist
“My favourite multi-brand boutique in Perth is Highs and Lows. Its buyer has a cool eye, and this is reflected in their stock of unique, fun and occasionally eccentric international and local brands.
For streetwear, my go-to is Lo-Fi. Lo-Fi has my absolute favourite range of graphic tees and I love checking out their sneaker range (and current playlist). Finally, my wild card favourite is two and a half hours out of Perth in Margaret River. Sagika Boutique could easily be overlooked as catering to an older crowd, however within it is a treasure trove of colourful, modern and unique pieces. It’s also the only place in Western Australia I’ve been able to find Desigual stocked!”
Jam Baylon, Melbourne stylist and creative director
I love Somebuddy Loves You in Melbourne as they curate brands from Australia and New Zealand with beautiful-yet-edgy silhouettes like Verner, Permanent Vacation, Muse and Wynn Hamlyn. They stock another shoe brand favourite, Miista.
Holly Karas, Melbourne stylist
“Who Boutique in Armadale! Tali has such a unique sense of style and taste and it’s really reflected in the brands and pieces she stocks. I come here to source pieces I’m unlikely to see elsewhere in Melbourne, and they’ve recently started their own in-house label, Exotic Import, which has really sweet printed T-shirts. It’s almost impossible to walk out of this store without a purchase.”
Answers have been edited for clarity.
For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.
