Contemporary fashion

The Standard Store

You’ll find the Sydney outpost of The Standard Store in the heart of Surry Hills, a neighbourhood known for its creative energy and passion for challenging the status quo across food, fashion and everything in between. Catering to both men and women, their offerings range from an eclectic selection of heritage brands to emerging labels from around the world. Discover Australian brands like A.Emery, Esse Studios and Haulier to name a few.  

Chinatown Country Club 

A super-clean aesthetic dominates the interiors of the experiential space, cafe and library at Chinatown Country Club . Located in Sydney’s CBD, it’s part concept store and part creative chill-out zone. The team is extremely passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable in. You’ll find a range of up-and-coming designers hanging on the racks alongside established favourites, for both men and women. Highlights include brands like Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Martine Rose and Studio Nicholson.

Incu, The Galeries 

Incu is a local favourite. And although the brand has a number of stores scattered across the city, the mens- and womenswear offerings in The Galeries are second to none. On the ground floor, you’ll find two women’s stores: one filled with international and Australian designer clothes (think labels like Wynn Hamlyn, Anna Quan and Matteau), the other exclusively showcasing the latest shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories from the likes of A.P.C., Acne Studios and more. 

On the level below, the menswear offerings span local favourites, such as PAM and COMMAS, as well as a tightly curated edit of international designers. Keep your eyes out for pieces from the well-loved in-house collection, Incu, across all locations.     

Maplestore 

Maplestore has two Sydney outposts: its Newtown flagship and another in the harbourside suburb of Balmain. As a culture-filled precinct, Newtown is filled with aesthetic flair – and Maplestore embodies the area’s eclectic, bohemian spirit perfectly.

The shelves are well-stocked with denim and wardrobe classics, but you’ll also find your fair share of head-turning pieces. Distributed throughout the clothing is a charming collection of books and lifestyle accessories, which make great gifting options.

Belance 

Dedicated to balance, simplicity and sustainability, Belance offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. With a focus on bespoke tailoring, it's best to make an appointment at their Paddington boutique (known to those in the know as Casa Belance) if you’re looking to take home a truly memorable memento. From smart-casual styles to luxe tuxedos that will level up your eveningwear collection, the common thread here is high quality.  

P.Johnson Femme 

From bespoke tailoring to thoughtful ready-to-wear pieces, P.Johnson’s newly minted womenswear showroom is a must-visit in the streets of leafy Paddington. Housed in a converted terrace, the space is filled with colour, whimsy and theatrics – a surprising contrast to the brand’s pared-back approach to wardrobe classics. Invest in finely crafted suiting, elegant silk separates and elevated denim while indulging in the drama of the modern atelier. 

Lucy Folk

Lucy Folk’s sun-filled store on William Street in Paddington embodies the brand’s bohemian approach to dressing. Bespoke jewellery services offer the chance to create an heirloom piece in collaboration with master jeweller Craig Spark, though the seasonal collections of pendants, rings and bracelets are equally as special. You’ll also find signature holiday attire alongside elegantly embroidered dresses and handcrafted silk two-piece sets. 

The Intersection Paddington 

A hub of Australian fashion, The Intersection is a shopper’s paradise. Highlights include KITX’s flagship, as well as boutiques from Lee Mathews, Venroy, Bassike, Camilla and Marc, Natasha Schweitzer, and New Zealand label Maggie Marylin’s only Australian offering.  Beauty aficionados should stop by Aesop and Mecca or make an appointment at FENN for one of the city’s best facials.  

Vintage

Swop and Uturn

Vintage fans are sure to find a gem or two in Sydney. Some of the city’s most fashionable residents rate Swop and Uturn as the best places to pick up pre-loved pieces, and, while both stores have an ever-changing selection, they’re consistently treasure troves of clothes, shoes and accessories.  

Homewares and gifts

Title, Provider Store and more...

If your suitcase is starting to fill up but you haven’t found a souvenir for everyone on your list just yet, don’t miss Sydney’s enviable homewares and gifting stores. Title is the perfect place to find rare vinyl, an eclectic selection of coffee table books and even international films.  

Provider Store’s signature refillable candles and elegant Japanese wares are all crafted with the purpose to be both artful and functional. The tiny store is filled with beautiful unique finds, including an impressive selection of antique cabinets, vases, bags and more.. 

For more whimsical homewares, check out Maison Balzac’s kaleidoscopic glass-filled showroom in Surry Hills, as well as the In Bed store on Oxford Street.