Pockets of Melbourne

Melbourne is widely known for its cafe and cultural fixes but the real key to the city is found in its fashionable haunts. Whether you visit an inner-city cluster of stores, or venture out to its up-and-coming corners, there’s no quicker way to get a feel for its sense of creative freedom than with a shopping trip.

CBD SHOPPING 

Melbourne is a city of endless choice. If you’re staying for a short time, or simply want to get your bearings, head to Bourke and Little Bourke Streets in the centre first. Here, The Emporium houses Australian stores from Aje to Zimmermann and is over the drawbridge from department store mecca David Jones, which has recently added Cult Gaia handbags and Burberry Beauty to its range. For lunch, Punch Lane is a local go-to – its Bar Saracen offers modern Middle Eastern fair paired with Australian wine. The bustling Chinatown is just next door and, unsurprisingly, has some of the best dumplings in the city.

HIGH FASHION AT NGV 

Thanks to the generosity of an Australian philanthropist, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has acquired more than 200 haute couture and Parisian pieces of wearable art. To celebrate, The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift exhibition (on until mid-July) showcases the incredible collection with iconic works from Gabrielle (before she was Coco) Chanel, and the late Azzedine Alaïa and Alexander McQueen. It’s presented alongside the gallery’s international collection, so allow time to marvel at both the intricate dresses and the masters on the wall.

FITZROY FRINGE 

A short tram ride from the city centre, Fitzroy is the urban heart of Aboriginal Victoria as well as home to a range of independent designers. The highlight of Smith Street is the Arena Store where all sleek and sustainable Livia Arena designs are made on-site. Gertrude Street offers a string of interesting stores, from Burlesque-inspired Edgeley to the well-edited Bruce vintage. There’s a lot to take in, so stop for lunch at Charcoal Lane, a social enterprise supporting indigenous locals needing a fresh start in life, and serving specialities from wattleseed gnocchi to wallaby. If you’re thirsty for more shopping, stroll down the road to equally ethical Arnsdorf as well as more second-hand stores on Brunswick Street.

PARIS IN PRAHRAN 

Le Louvre has been dressing the most stylish women in Melbourne since the 1920s. Run by the founder’s daughter, it’s relatively new red-brick premises, just off the popular Chapel Street in Prahran, has been renovated with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and is home to an utterly contemporary mix of some of the best brands in the world, including Balmain, Saint Laurent and The Row. The guiding principle here: fashion, art and design are one, and together they create a unique and wonderful experience.

DINE & DISCOVER

The most fashionable place to break bread in Melbourne is Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Sink into a buttery leather booth and try ultra-modern takes on British and Australian recipes – such as the famous meat fruit platter, presented as a perfectly ripe orange, until you cut into it. Situated in Southbank’s Crown Towers, this is the celebrity chef’s only permanent restaurant outside of Britain, and you’ll need to book ahead.

STAY CLOSE 

Situated in the luxury shopping district known as the ‘Paris End’, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is an astute choice with Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Versace stores for neighbours. Its 360-degree view, where bluestone cathedral spires rise up and the St Kilda sea meets the horizon, is unparalleled. What betterway to map out your day than over breakfast in front of floor-to-ceiling windows at the No35 Restaurant or Club Sofitel? ■