Top 7 Shopping Hotspots in Melbourne

Melbourne is renowned for its formidable fashion. The twists and turns of its alleyways reflect the unique folds of its high-end, boutique and vintage fashion districts. Here’s some of the top spots to get a fashion fix.

Boutiques on Chapel St

If cutting edge Australian designers like Alannah Hill, Betina Liano, Gorman, Sass & Bide and Shakuhachi get your sartorial chops salivating, then head to Melbourne’s posh district on Chapel St, Prahran. It’s full to the brim of top labels, alongside high street stores like Topshop, Sportsgirl and Dotti, so you can mix luxe with streetwear in one easy place.

Get the Luxe Look

If only the best will do, Darling, then flit along to Collins St in Central Melbourne for Chanel, Louis Vuitton and the height of high-end.  Take the short walk through the city to Bourke St for department store heaven with David Jones and Myer stocking a selection of top brands.

Hipster Happenings on Brunswick St

In the heart of Melbourne’s hippest suburbs, Fitzroy and Brunswick, unique boutiques line the street where indie hipsters can be found in search of a vintage bargain or boutique blow-out. Best shops to check out along Brunswick St are Kinki Gerlinki, Shag and Quick Brown Fox. Think Peter Pan collars, vintage style tea dresses and quirky heels.

Finders Keepers at Flinders Lane

Flinders Lane is nestled right in the heart of Melbourne and hides a treasure trove of tiny boutiques for all fashionistas. From cutting edge eyewear at Fokus, Kinki Gerlinki’s quirky Japanese inspired designs and vintage finds; to men’s forward-thinking fashion at Incu, the alleys of Flinders Lanes have a feast of fashion.

Vintage Heaven in Southbank

Hidden in Southbank next to HWT Towers on City Rd, American Rag is a specialty vintage store that imports original 1940s, 1950s and 1960s mint condition pieces from the USA.  If you’re looking for something for a special occasion like an original 1950s prom dress, or just love your high-end vintage, then American Rag is the place to look.

Factory Outlet Bargains

Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) are located in Cheltenham, Essendon and South Wharf (Convention Centre Place). Stocking reduced price brands such as Armani, Adidas, Bendon, Burberry, Cue, Country Rd, Marcs, Guess and Mimco.

Bridge Rd Discoveries

Melbournites in the know go straight to Bridge Rd, Richmond (between Hoddle and Church St) for cut-price fashion. Sportgirl, Portmans, and Dotti sit along side the clearance and outlet stores for Alannah Hill,  Gorman, Boo Radley and Anthea Crawford. The strip also houses numerous bridal boutiques without the gastronomical price tags.

Add some sizzle to your style with Melbourne’s hidden couture – from the city to the suburbs – and discover why Melbourne has gained a reputation with fashionistas the world over. Grab some girlfriends and check out flights to Melbourne to update your wardrobe.