Visionary Dennis Paphitis founded this minimalist eco-minded beauty company long before plant-derived skin-care lines were the rage. Shoppers will want to stock up on the gentle but effective cleansers, day creams and aromatic body balms, all presented in lovely apothecary-style brown jars and bottles with scientific-looking labels.

Featuring delicate, architectural pieces that are sought after by avant-garde women everywhere, especially fans of Issey Miyake, this boutique is often where you will find the designer himself advising shoppers.

Belinda Seper’s growing empire reaches its nexus on William Street with a great edit of big international names such as Marni and Miu Miu.

A fantastic open-air venue, where you can browse unique fashions from fledgling designers, plus vintage clothing, furniture and knickknacks. The beach bags and resort wear. This is where the hip children’s clothing line Rock Your Baby was born. Bonus: after bagging a bargain, head to the beach just steps away. Open Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The brother and sister team of Camilla Freeman Topper and Marc Freeman have been wowing the city’s tastemakers since their fashion week debut in 2003. Expect precise, subtly sexy separates, day-to-night dresses and luxurious fabrics, along with a chic swimwear collection. Starlets Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth and Rose Byrne are all fans.

This well-regarded furnishings store, located in rapidly gentrifying Redfern (their original store had been in neighboring Surry Hills since 1996) is the go-to for made-to-order lampshades, cushions, blinds, curtains and just about anything else you can think of for the home. Owners Bryan Fitzgerald and Casey Khik also stock exquisite 1920s Japanese silks, hand-woven African textiles and popular fabrics like Swedish brand Marimekko.

Located in Double Bay, this bright and airy boutique is a locals’ favorite stocking international brands including Missoni, See by Chloe, Diane Von Furstenburg and Matthew Williamson.

Christine Barro is on every self-respecting stylist’s speed dial. That’s because she has a great eye for the avant-garde and champions lesser-known designers (she was the first retailer in the country to stock cult bag-maker Anya Hindmarch) and burgeoning Australian talents. Christine is all about accessories, so come here to find that special piece of jewelry or quirky handbag from such designers as Jamin Puech.

Claude Maus makes sexy, slightly androgynous men’s and women’s wear that has earned the label a devoted following. Their butter-soft T-shirts are ideal for layering, and stretch denim and mod-ish leather jackets are all perfectly suited to fashion-forward Melburnians.

Australia’s best-known department store has an impressive selection of designer clothing.

Former Vogue editorSharyn Storrier Lyneham is behind this interiors store, filled with whimsical and wonderful finds, from vintage furniture reupholstered in one-off fabrics to canvases printed with Baroque interior scenes and gorgeous candles from Maison Balzac. Clients can also order unique fabrics – like Storrier Lyneham’s own design Harlequin – by the meter.

Many of Australia’s best-known designers, like star duo Sass & Bide, got a start selling their wares at the local weekend markets, and these ad hoc retail institutions are still worth scouring for both up-and-coming labels and vintage pieces. Hit up Glebe Markets (10-4 every Saturday), in the city’s inner west, for artsy finds from vintage vinyl to quirky accessories and original fashion labels.

This hip boutique stocks stylish finds for men and women from designers like APC, Comme des Garçons and Mansur Gavriel.

At the flagship Island Luxe store, find clothing, jewelry, furniture, art and accessories. Unique pieces from local designers line the shelves, as do antiques sourced globally.

A fine-jewelry store that carries covetable gems with a bohemian flavor, such as leather bracelets that highlight a single exquisite pearl.

Melbourne’s GPO (located in the former General Post Office) plays home to both Australian fashion talent and international labels as well as a selection of eateries.

Venerable department store institution Myer is a one-stop shop for high-end Australian designers like Nicola Finetti, Toni Maticevski and Manning Cartel, along with iconic international labels like Missoni. The beauty department is ideal for stocking up on homegrown beauty brands like Aesop and Jurlique.

The Italian-born designer launched this feminine line in 1995 to great acclaim. Women love the femininity and sensuality of the clothes, especially his great line of cocktail dresses and tops, which are embellished with flourishes like beading and ruffles.

Each Saturday stalls stretch across several blocks on Oxford Street on the grounds of the Paddington Uniting Church. The “makers market” hosts local fashion designers, along with purveyors of jewelry, crafts and gourmet foods, at 250 stalls. Many of Sydney’s young design talents display their new T-shirt and blouse collections or latest line of flirty dresses and fanciful hats. A portion of the funds raised benefits the church’s social programs. Open Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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, Josh Goot and camilla & marc are represented. The beautiful boutique is located in renovated church in Paddington.

A cutting-edge boutique stocking Belgian designers Dries Van Noten and Bernhard Willhelm, among others.

This wonderful indoor produce market is the place to pick up gourmet items, such as hard-to-find Asian pantry staples. The fabulous niche growers, like the vendor who deals only in wild mushrooms, and the curry specialists who create their own simmer sauces, pastes and relishes are worth seeking out. Closed Mondays, Wednesdays and public holidays.

The focus at this hip shopping district is the street-level Albert Coates Lane, home to several must-see designers. Shops include Aesop, Billabong and UGGS.

Handcrafts, art and souvenirs are for sale along the harbor boardwalk every weekend. It’s touristy but worth a stroll on a sunny day.