Sydney fashion set returns to natural habitats
After the long lockdown, a refreshed city is ready to reassert its style credentials.
1 After the long lockdown, a refreshed Sydney is ready to reassert its style credentials. Let’s face it, the prospect of outraged Melburnians clutching pitchforks and Prada bags is the only thing stopping the Emerald City from being named the country’s fashion capital. The flagship stores of luxury brands answer the prayers of those who like inspecting the latest designs in spectacular settings, price tag-viewing optional. A walk along Sydney CBD’s King St takes in the Maison of Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co’s 1800sq m home and the exquisite Hermes (reopens November 5) boutique in the heritage-listed Trust Building with a staircase to rival Elizabeth Bay House. Just think of them as retail galleries where everything is part of the gift shop. Take your voyeuristic experience to the next level by joining the inevitable queues outside and wondering just what the person in dark sunglasses behind you will be buying.
2 Being seen at the latest restaurant is as important as refuelling on quality produce. It’s a testament to chef Kylie Kwong’s star power that she can drag the fashion set to South Eveleigh (currently touted as the new Surry Hills but with lingering vestiges of the old Redfern). Kwong has set up shop in the historic locomotive workshops, updating the vast industrial surroundings with an on-point cork tile fit-out and serving some of the freshest Australian-Cantonese style dishes for lunch from Monday to Friday. The five spice firm tofu salad and steamed dumplings are almost as satisfying as watching Kwong in full flight.
3 Swimwear giant Zimmermann, Dinosaur Designs and Sass & Bide all got their start at Paddington Markets on Oxford St. Since 1973, the eclectic assortment of stalls has showcased the varied work of those unable to commit to Sydney’s long-term retail rents. Expect plenty of relaxed linen pieces, contemporary jewellery and some unusual leatherwork. While there’s a smattering of vintage pieces, including 1970s sunglasses, most items are straight from the workshop. Invest in the next big thing or just cross the road if you prefer to swing the shopping bags of those who have already made it; Saturdays 10am-4pm.
4 Putting your best face forward is easy following a facial at Sydney’s leading hotel spas at Crown in Barangaroo, The Langham or QT (reopens Monday) but every aspiring cover star knows that looking your best is all about the eyebrows. Head to Amy Jean Linnehan’s Privee salon, which brings a heady dose of LA luxe to Double Bay. Lie back on an Hermes blanket and think of emerging with perfect arched brows. Amy Jean has brought her tweezers to the smooth foreheads of Naomi Campbell and Dannii Minogue.
5 Scented candles are the new must-have handbag, with home accessories becoming an important way to express personal style. Two new stores at Paddington shopping district The Intersection deliver a whiff of the good life. French candlemaker Trudon opened its inaugural Australian store in May, filled with luxe products that first gained the sniff of approval from Napoleon Bonaparte and Louis XIV. The Italians have set up shop next door with Santa Maria Novella. The famous apothecary also has candles but its scented wax tablets for wardrobes will transport you to Italy every time you reach for your Versace or Country Road.
theintersectionpaddington.com.au
6 When you’re looking your sharpest, even beauty sleep can wait. Night owls should brave the journey down a suspicious-looking city alley to hole-in-the-wall bar Cantina OK! The staff here operate with the fervour of born-again drinkers, extolling the merits of mezcal and tequila. Sip the Latin American delights straight up or indulge in the theatre of a sassily shaken margarita. The roller door stays open until 2am and the intimate surroundings that accommodate only 20 revellers will allow you to get up close and personal with your companions. The alley vibe may be borrowed from Melbourne but the upbeat mood is 100 per cent Sydney.
7 If your idea of shopping involves wearing activewear and clutching a smoothie, head to Gould St at Bondi Beach. While Campbell Parade is closer to the sand, the beautiful people not wearing bikinis prefer to stroll by shops lining the back blocks. Grab a coffee from New York outfitters Saturdays and stock up on relaxed basics from Jac + Jack, Venroy and Orlebar Brown. Restaurateur Maurice Terzini from nearby Icebergs also has an outpost of his fashion label Ten Pieces, perfect for the drop-crotch surf-punk set. Aesop and Le Labo can sort out your bathroom cabinet while Tuchuzy stocks international labels, including current It Girl favourite Anine Bing.
8 The strip clubs of Kings Cross have slowly been replaced by wine bars and restaurants, with Dear Saint Eloise on Lankelly Place the spot to sip outside while cloaked in a double-faced cashmere coat or Uniqlo puffer jacket. Rub shoulders with the likes of Aje designer Edwina Forest and former GQ editor Grant Pearce, who are on hand sipping pinot noirs the night I watch the passing parade while tackling a fine French chablis and nibbling on anchovies. Larger meals are available for those with appetites that extend beyond sample sizes.
9 Vintage fashion has moved on from polyester shirts that smell of mothballs and regret. Tucked away in Elizabeth Bay, Athena Levendi’s AXL Bazaar sells covetable designer pieces from labels such as Chanel and Prada that have the air of vintage cool without the body odour. If you prefer a bargain hunt to a select edit, head to the Wayside Chapel’s Op Shop on Hughes St in nearby Kings Cross, where fashionable denizens donate last season’s finds.
Best beds
10 Minimalism has its merits, just ask Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani, but when it comes to accommodation sometimes less is just less. At Skye Suites, occupying seven floors of Koichi Takada’s striking residential development in the Sydney CBD, the balance has been successfully struck between design restraint and little luxuries. The boutique suites are decorated with clean lines, masculine charcoals and soothing neutrals but feature handy kitchenettes, laundries and spacious sitting areas to make you feel at home. The Instagram-trap lobby, with its skeletal white arches and the ground-floor pool will only make you feel at home if you’re already used to an A-list address.