From hip, bohemian-inspired shops in Fiztroy to the relentlessly cool boutiques in South Yarra, it’s safe to say that shopping in Melbourne is every shopaholic’s dream destination. Travelshopa's Renee Lodens gives us her guide to the best independent shops in the city
A-Esque

Leather Goods With A Touch Of Chic

A-Esque is a brand that is obsessed with the artistry of creating leather goods for men and women, so expect to wowed by totes, carryalls and clutches in every shade of leather imaginable. Make a statement with their metallic bags or emblaze your initials on select pieces. Find it at 555b Chapel St, South Yarra Vic 3141

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Edgeley

Eclecticism At Its Best

Edgeley’s designs seamlessly balance between high glamour, practicality, elegance and kitsch. Not a surprise when you’re home to a medley of handpicked designers curated by the founder’s expert eye. Such buys include a luxurious velvet turban, panda scarves and polka dot shirt dresses. Find it at 220 Gertrude St, Fitzroy Vic 3065

Great Dane Furniture

A Wonderland For Scandi Lovers

Australia’s eminent purveyor, master, and collector of Scandinavian furniture, Great Dane Furniture exudes a fiery passion for timeless Scandi design. Personally chosen and imported by founder and Director, Anton Assaad, each piece is sourced direct from Scandinavia’s premier design houses and manufacturers. A must-visit if you are a lover of minimalism, clean lines and neutral elements. Find it at 175 Johnston St, Fitzroy Vic 3065

Husk

Bohemian Style From Desirable And Coveted Designers

Husk has been a purveyor for understated luxury ever since the opening of its Toorak store, 20 years ago. Alongside a carefully curated stable of emerging contemporary designers and iconic international labels, the fashion, homewares and accessory label also carries its own eponymous range of luxury knitwear – including lambskin leather jackets and exquisite dresses that incorporate Husks’ signature bohemian style. Find it at 557 Malvern Road Toorak, Vic 3142

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Skin And Threads

Classy Cashmere, Silk And Wool Items

The love affair with cashmere, silk and wool is pretty evident at Skin and Threads. Look effortlessly classy, anywhere, any place by completing your wardrobe with their exclusive knitwear, basics, standout separates and accessories. Skin and Thread boasts six boutiques across Melbourne. Find it at 115 Dundas Place, Albert Park Vic 3206.

Smart Alec Hatters

Purveyor Of Hats And Men’s Fashion Accessories

A fixture in the precinct of Fitzroy, Smart Alec Hatters has been a purveyor of men’s fashion accessories for over 10 years. “A well-dressed gentleman without a hat is incomplete,” says founder Michael Albert, who also believes that hats are forgotten accessories. The shop caters to everyone from the dapper gentleman to the progressive punk. Find it at 235 Gertrude St, Fitzroy Vic 3065.

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Suggested Itineraries

Classic Argentina

Buenos Aires & The Pampas Argentine Lake District Mendoza Iguazu Falls & Ibera Wetlands Northwest Argentina

ideal length 13 nights

Classic Taiwan

Taiwan

  • Hiking in Taroko National Park
  • Taking a dip in Taiwan’s famed hot springs
  • Experiencing a handful of Taiwan’s iconic night markets – you will not go hungry on this trip!
  • Spending a few days in the capital Taipei getting a sense of the island’s unique history
ideal length 11 nights

Tea Plantations and Coastal Hideaways

Hill Country Southern Beaches Sri Lanka Indian Subcontinent

  • Experience one of the loveliest train journeys in the world, from Colombo up to the Hill Country
  • Explore the countryside surrounding Ceylon Tea Trails
  • Spot blue whales and dolphins from the coastal town of Mirissa
  • Wander through the streets of Galle Fort, shopping for local artwork
  • Go on a day trip to Yala National Park to look for Sri Lankan leopard
ideal length 8 nights
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