Author results: Jean Louise Finch
Billy
Vintage fashion boutiques seem to be materialising around Melbourne faster than the Starbucks plague of 2004, so Chapel’s new addition Billy has added new spin on the usual recycled clutter.
The one-time warehouse-space now feels like a (incredibly well dressed) friend’s living room, complete with a coffee lounge, upholstered couches and a wide screen television.
Topshop DELIVERS
It’s happened to us all. A friend returns from overseas, clothed in next season’s fashion, you fall in love with a top/dress/bag, ask where it’s from and the answer (if not H&M) is frikkin Topshop.
Well breathe easy, no longer must you fly 16 hours, or get lost in a four level store on Oxford St.
Graniph Pop-Up Shop
If you are sick of pecks ‘voting for Pedro’ then Via Alley has a solution.
Graniph is based in Japan, but collaborates with artists all over the world to create original, limited edition tees. Yke Schotten, Fumi Nakamura and Paul Willoughby are just a few designers to work with the label, which has stayed solely in Japan until now.
Alphaville Ephemeral
Unless you’re in the market for an old vacuum clearer or splatted paint can, there’s no use heading to Alpha’s new store in the city just yet. But come next week and the space under St Paul’s will be transformed into the pop-up Alphaville Ephemeral.
For the past week Alpha 60’s Al, Georgie and co have been scraping and painting faster than Jamie Durie in a bogan’s backyard.
Retrostar Vintage Clothing
With floor to ceiling second-hand stock, Retrostar is the place every good Melbourne kid comes to test the vintage waters. It’s like rummaging around in Nanna’s wardrobe - if Nanna was a cross between Twiggy, Farrah Fawcett and Madonna with a dash of Banana Rama.
If you thought the endless selection was already decent enough, then brace yourself… Retrostar just got bigger.
Little Brother SS 06/07
Little Brother, alongside fellow New Zealanders Zambesi and Nom*D, are masters of understated sophistication. Their spring/summer 06/07 range is militaristic in style and musical in name with Pitch Jackets, Piccolo Pants, and Chorus Shirts (to name a few) that play with checks, stripes and formal wear details.
Queen
There must be something powerful in the air around Windsor, even stronger than the scent of scorched skin wafting out of Tantrum solarium. For the past few months north-west designers and labels have been branching Southside, and Smith Street’s Queen is the latest to make the leap.
You’ll find a familiar assortment of Queen pieces and brands like Holly Chalmers, Bul, High Tea With Mrs Woo and Ghost Patrol Dolls at Queen Windsor, but in line with its new locale the store has had a little face lift.
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