If Sydney were SoCal’s beach sister, Melbourne channels N.Y.C.’s layered, structured silhouette and is home to hidden bars and shops in its secret city laneways. Clandestine no-more, we’ve rounded up the best of Melbourne shopping:
Head to the cobblestone Flinders Lane and go straight to Green With Envy (268 Flinders Ln., 613.9663.8043) for the best of Aussie fashion under one roof—Ellery’s perfectly pleated, geometric silhouettes are a standout. Christine Barro stocks some of the best accessories in Australia at her underground namesake boutique, Christine (181 Flinders Ln., 613.9654.2011). Head down to the basement at E.g.etal (167 Flinders Ln., 613.9639.5111) and you might mistake the glass-cased pedestals displaying accessories for an art gallery. Treating each jeweler with the respect they deserve, E.g.etal showcases a revolving door of Australian and New Zealand-bred rising designers. Be sure to grab some super-edgy and precisely draped street wear at Alpha 60 (201 Flinders Ln., 613.9663.3002). And Alice Euphemia (Shop 6, Cathedral Arcade, 37 Swanston St., 613.9650.4300) is dedicated to all-Aussie made and designed fashion labels. Their jewelry selection is unbelievable and everything is small production and one-of-a-kind. Celebs flock to Melbourne mega designer Scanlan and Theodore (Little Collins St, 03.9650.6195) for their perfectly tailored and always effortlessly chic pieces, which can only be found in their flagship boutiques in Oz. With details resembling precisely folded origami, Akira Isogawa (350 Bourke St., 613.9663.5003) is one of Australia’s most celebrated designers and his boutique in the Melbourne General Post Office is a bright, sun-drenched store you could spend a day in. How do you pick between Claude Maus’ (19 Manchester Ln.,613.9654.9844) intricately braided leather jacket and reversible fur and leather jacket? We suggest getting both from this Melbourne-based wunderkind.
STAY: The new Crown Metropol is über sexy and right in the heart of the city.
EAT: There is a distinct rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, but when it comes to food, Melbourne trumps. Gordon Ramsey’s Maze is spectacular—build your own tasting dinner, but make sure you order the pan seared scallops with caramelized kelp, sugar snap peas, mussels and Champagne—it’s melt in your mouth delectable.
WALKABOUT: Just one-hour out from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley wine country has a cool climate producing some delicious Pinots, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wines. Stop in at family owned Dominique Portet and make sure you have lunch at De Bertoli Winery.
