Freshwater’s reputation grows as boutiques attract discerning shoppers from far and wide
FORGET Paddington - a beachside village on the other side of the city has found itself firmly on Sydney’s fashion map, with celebs flocking to snap up boutique brands.
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ONCE a sleepy hollow on Sydney’s northern beaches, Freshwater has become a fashion destination.
Shoppers are travelling from western Sydney and even further afield to snap up clothes from boutiques which pack the suburb.
Big names such as model Jennifer Hawkins and actor Megan Gale are splashing the cash there too – and it’s a favourite of Sea Eagles WAGS.
And it all started with Splice, which sells fashionista favourites including Camilla and Marc and Bec & Bridge.
The Lawrence St designer store was taken bought by its current owners 15 years ago.
Marisa Young, 33 and Gabby Manderson, 35, took the plunge to buy it when it was offered it to Marisa, when she was working there aged 18.
With their late father, David on hand, the Avalon pair brought in new brands, and now even have their own label, which counts Megan Gale among fans, not to mention cashed-up shoppers who travel from across the state to get there.
And they’ve watched as the suburb – then known as Harbord – has transformed around them.
“It was a quiet little beach suburb,” Mrs Young said.
“There was no clothing. There was the growers’ market, the newsagent, the hairdresser.”
The pair, who also have sister Lia Turner, 38, on board, put the start of the boom down to retailers looking further out of the packed Manly shopping scene to set up, and retail experts say as shops do well, other retailers want a slice of the action.
Over at Freshwater Arcade, designer children’s wear shop Lila and Huxley, was opened by Jenny Temple, 32 and partner, Simon Barrett, 33, last year.
The Freshwater locals wanted to cater for families moving into the area but also get customers from as far away as Penrith.
And the owners of hip store, The Apparel Collective, on Lawrence St, said people were amazed at what Freshwater has become.
“If they haven’t been here for a couple of years, they’re blown away. It’s just that village vibe,” owner Jason Langendam said.
Meanwhile, Marlene Mangioni, 52, who has spent her whole career in fashion – and lives in trendy Paddington - chose Freshwater to open her stylish shop, 23 Albert. And she has another store, Bertie, opening later this month.
“I saw a very big gap over this part of the world,” Ms Mangioni said. “I felt this instant connection with the area. I loved the village atmosphere.
“We’ve seen so much growth. You get a few anchor tenants and before you know it you get others.”
And while some of her brands, including Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang, command prices many can only dream about, she sells dresses from $100.
But you don’t need to flex your credit card at Ginger and Rose on Moore Rd.
Kristen Josue, 50, and Marie Beale, 55, stock affordable basics for 18-70 year olds, from across the world.
“We just thought it (Freshwater) was so up and coming,” Mrs Josue said.
Fresh Fox, run by Rachael Levey, 45, is among other must-visit stores and stocks exclusive and affordable labels. It originally started life as a pop-up but went so well it’s there for good.
Bohemian-influenced Kivari’s Bali-made clothes and accessories have also been a big hit since the shop opened last year.
Retail guru Brian Walker, from Manly, runs consultants Retail Doctor Group, and said several factors have equalled shopping success for Freshwater.
“We are seeing a bit of a resurgence of the high street retailers … we are seeing a lot of support for the local community,” Mr Walker said
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