Sydney Shopping

Double Bay

The waterfront neighborhood houses the original Belinda store as well as an outpost that focuses on shoes and accessories. Jan Logan is a fine-jewelry store that carries covetable gems with a bohemian flavor, such as leather bracelets that highlight a single exquisite pearl.

Paddington

William Street: William Street is still the avant-garde heart of Sydney shopping. For the first-time visitor to Sydney, a ramble along William Street is a rite of passage. Cutting-edge boutique Poepke stocks Belgian designers Dries Van Noten, Bernhard Willhelm and Walter Van Beirondonck, among others. Belinda Seper’s growing empire reaches its nexus on William Street with Belinda, a great edit of big international names such as Marni and Costume National. Milliner Neil Grigg (40 William Street) supplies the ladies of Sydney with hats for every occasion, whether it’s a pinwheel for the horse races (an Australian society tradition) or a fancy wedding.

Oxford Street

Paddington’s main drag, Oxford Street, which runs from the fringes of the city center to the leafy eastern suburb of Woollahra, has undergone something of a transformation in recent years. Fashion powerhouse Scanlan & Theodore has had an enormous influence on Australian women’s style—every fashion-forward girl in Melbourne and Sydney owns at least a few pieces by the designers, be it their soft, flattering knits or slinky day-to-evening dresses. The label is hard to find overseas, so stock up while you’re here. Nicola Finetti does a great line of cocktail dresses and embellished tops. The strip is also home to the popular Paddington Markets every weekend.

Glenmore Road

This winding road off Oxford Street has become a nexus of style featuring the flagships of Australia’s next-gen talents. Shop for of-the-moment separates at Camilla & Marc and don’t miss Ginger & Smart (16A Glenmore Road), the homegrown brand has parlayed a collection of superchic accessories (their tote bags are a big hit) into a hot fashion line.

Five Ways

Just off Oxford Street is a quaint little shopping village called Five Ways, home to Parlour X. Owner Eva Galambos is forever globe-trotting to discover party frocks and fashion-forward labels for her stylish clientele. Along with international designers like Vivienne Westwood and AF Vandervorst, local talent such as Tina Kalivas, Willow, Josh Goot and Camilla & Marc are represented.

Queen Street

Located at the northern end of Oxford, a five-minute cab ride from the city center, Queen Street is home to the Akira Isogawa boutique, featuring delicate, architectural pieces that are sought after by avant-garde women everywhere, especially fans of Issey Miyake. Shop for high-end homewares at former Vogue editor Sharyn Storrier Lyneham’s interiors and textiles store, Edit.

The City Center

 is a hub for great Australian design, with boutiques from designers such as Bettina Liano, Alex Perry, Wayne Cooper and Zimmermann. The two big department stores—Myer and David Jones—have been battling it out in the fashion stakes to see who can claim the best selection of designer clothing, which means an excellent mix for discerning shoppers. Be sure to check out both their offerings; the two stores are within walking distance of each other. If you’re in the market for something unique, browse upscale, perfectly preserved vintage pieces at The Vintage Clothing Shop.