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Melbourne Talent Time

Kuwaii x Kayleigh Heydon Sher Idanlee

Shop Melbourne designers march to their own beat, and there’s never been a better time to give your wardrobe, home or lifestyle an overhaul featuring the finest local labels and artisans.

You know there’s style on the streets of Melbourne, and it’s time to make it your own. Local designs span cutting-edge street wear right through to avantgarde looks, and you’ll find it all throughout the CBD and on the high streets. But there’s more, too. Handcrafted homewares, art and provisions are just some of the other leading local creations you can find at shops and markets throughout Melbourne. Support local and check out the collections by local designers, most of whom manufacture using slow fashion principles. Alpha60’s amazing architectural yet wearable pieces are showcased at its Flinders Lane stores. Nique is another locally designed label, this time featuring minimalist daywear for stylish guys and girls created, wherever possible, using natural and sustainable fabrics. Bold colours, interesting patterns and timeless shapes are the design hallmarks at womenswear brand Kuwaii. +alpha60.com.au +kuwaii.com.au

+nique.com.au

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Artistic Finds

Fitzroy’s Rose St Artists’ Market is a place to source amazing pieces of art, fashion, homewares and jewellery. Stop and chat to the artists about their creations and, if you can’t find exactly what you want, commission a handmade piece. Most people associate Queen Victoria Market with fresh produce, but it’s also a great place to discover artists and makers. Head to String Bean Alley or the specialty shopping sheds to find clothing and accessories, photography, homewares, and collectibles. +rosestmarket.com.au +qvm.com.au

The Local Way

There’s plenty on offer if you want something special. A wealth of edible options is on offer at Clementine’s, where everything is made in Victoria. Local honey from Melbourne roofs, capers grown in the High Country, condiments from King Valley and much more is ready for your basket. More tasty treats are available at Chocamama. Its chocolates and confectionery are all made in Melbourne, including the Hosier Lane Bars, with splashes of colour inspired by local street art. Find everything – art, books, clothing, body products and more – stamped with the culture of the city at Melbournalia. +clementines.com.au +chocamama.com.au +melbournalia.com.au Clementine’s

Make it High Fashion

There are lots of luxe international designer labels at the top end of Collins Street. Head to luxury department store Harrolds for labels as diverse as Stella McCartney, Balenciaga and Acne Studio for both men and women. Immerse yourself in glamour at Marais, which brings together a number of big names (Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Chloé) and more avant-garde labels like Juun J, Heron Preston and Wooyoungmi. If you're seeking designer shoes and accessories, look no further than Miss Louise, which stocks all the best names, including Jimmy Choo, Tods and Valentino. +harrolds.com.au +marais.com.au

Rose St Artists’ Market @imakesoftfood +misslouise.com.au Harrolds

It’s considered one of Melbourne’s quintessential fashion labels, and the good folk behind Alpha60 work hard to keep the city stylish.

Fifteen years ago, siblings Georgie and Alex Cleary launched a label and, although the duo grew up in Canberra, the aesthetic – classic styles with an avant-garde edge – was always aligned with Melbourne.

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“Melbourne, and its people, has always been such an important influence for Alpha60,” says Alex. “A big part of this is how so many of the creative industries mingle together. The art, music and fashion scenes are so strong, but seem to work together to produce all the things we love about the city.”

The label has five outlets in Melbourne, but its Chapter House concept store on Flinders Lane is one that combines the best of fashion and art. Offering virtual tours of the space also connected the Clearys and their customers during lockdown.

Rejecting the standard fashion model of releasing a small number of ranges each year, Alpha60 produces a small drop nearly every month. “It’s so that what we are selling is more aligned to the season and what people are after,” Alex continues. “You can only buy Alpha60 at Alpha60, so we can control what is in store and when. For late 2020 we are exploring a lot of new tapestry techniques – they look super fun!” +alpha60.com.au

Alpha60 Chapter House Alpha60

Nique

Suki McMaster

ELK, Collins St Fiona Lynch

Indy Wonders

Nique

Originally launched in Melbourne as a graphic design studio by Nick and Lucy Ennis in 1998, Nique has grown to become a respected, ethical fashion label. Inspired by subtle luxury and everyday practicality, the Ennises create timeless pieces that are minimal and modern but also make a statement. Sustainable fabrications are a core aspect of Nique – its White Labels basics line is created using eco-friendly fabrics – but the duo is constantly working towards improving the company’s footprint. Nique also supports i=Change, which sees $1 from every purchase donated to charities, including Food Bank, Child Wise and Dress For Success. +nique.com.au

Suki McMaster

She might be the new kid on this particular block, but Suki McMaster has been selling her colourful, whimsical giftware and baby products for more than 10 years. Now with a shop on Victoria Street at Queen Victoria Market, she’s making even more homes happy. Many of her designs, from reusable bamboo range of cups to tea towels, are printed with cute Aussie animals, but there are more grown-up designs, too. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a friend overseas or something cute for yourself – a gorgeous scarf or pretty notebook, perhaps? – this is the place to find it. +sukimcmaster.com

ELK

Founded in 2004 by Marnie Goding and her husband Adam Koniaras, Elk the Label is one of Melbourne’s most successful family-run fashion labels. Heavily influenced by the Scandinavian aesthetic, the designs are made using the finest quality ethically sourced materials from all over the world. And while the designs are all Australian, Goding and Koniaras collaborate with artists and traditional makers globally so that each collection is guaranteed to bring its wearers inspiration and authenticity. +au.elkthelabel.com

Venture Melbourne

Just a tram ride away, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods express themselves differently.

Belle's Hot Chicken - Fitzroy