Mosman’s Military Rd fashion strip continues its rejuvenation with the arrival of a new Gorman boutique

MELBOURNE fashionista Lisa Gorman has joined the growing number of designers moving into this booming fashion strip on Sydney’s north shore.

Melbourne brand Gorman, founded by creative director Lisa Gorman, will open its first Mosman boutique on Saturday. Picture: Emily Gillespie

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MOSMAN’S latest designer fashion boutique opens on Saturday when Gorman debuts its ninth store in NSW.

The brand, founded by creative director Lisa Gorman in 1999, will be at 844 Military Rd.

The Melbourne label joins a roll call of Australian designers along the strip, including Rebecca Vallance, Hunter & Alexandra, Camilla and Marc, and Anna Thomas.

Gorman said the character of the area inspired her to choose Military Rd.

“The street has a heritage, classic feel to it,” she said.

“I love longstanding retail strips that have history about them, the Victorian buildings, the neighbourly feel, a local clientele.”

The Mosman store will look similar to this new Gorman boutique in Melbourne. Picture: Emily Gillespie

Gorman said the store was an original classic Victorian.

“We will be keeping the original assets as they are — the pressed tin ceiling, polished floorboards, gorgeous fireplace — then giving it a coat of powder grey paint which is our wall colour, adding our white powder-coated racks, timber elements such as shelving, 1960s copper pendant lights and vintage cane furniture,” she said.

“I love the mixing up of different elements with bits and pieces from different periods in time; it results in a warm, homely feel that I want our stores to exude.”

Rebecca Vallance outside her Mosman store. Picture: Kristi Miller

Hunter & Alexandra designer Michelle Ohannessian. Picture: David Swift

“Ladies interested in pops of colour, practical, versatile shapes, organic cottons, colours and prints will like the store, I think,” she said.

“I’ve just launched Go Gorman — our new activewear collection — I’ve heard the ladies of the area will be keen on this apparently. We’ll find out soon.”

Gorman said the brand was known for its visually strong signature style.

“It’s not so much about runway fashion trends, as it is about creating collections based on print and colour,” she said.

“These two elements are at the core of what we do at Gorman.

“Artist collaborations play a big part in my business and I’ve now worked with 49 different artists, designers, businesses and institutions to present collections that combine their works and ideas with Gorman product to maintain freshness and excitement each season.”

Gorman said she was looking forward to getting to know Mosman shoppers.

Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman from Camilla and Marc. Picture: Annika Enderborg

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