International brands, unique local labels, independent boutiques and one-of-a-kind pieces – Sydney has plenty to offer the luxury shopper. Here’s where to find the best designer shopping across the city.
Splash out on international labels
The sparkling flagship stores of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Burberry, Tiffany and Hermes can all be found in the heart of the city around King and Castlereagh streets. Luxury labels like Celine, Fendi, Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Miu Miu and Prada all have boutiques inside the impressive Westfield Sydney shopping centre. You’ll find similar luxury names at Westfield Bondi Junction.
Westfield, Sydney
Inside the striking Harry Seidler-designed 25 Martin Place (formerly the MLC Centre), browse the powerhouses of Italian fashion – Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Valentino and Brunello Cucinelli. Further along Martin Place, invest in a timeless piece from Rolex or Omega. More shiny things await at The Star, with another Rolex boutique and the chic Kennedy, stocking luxury timepieces and jewellery. Squeeze in some last-minute shopping as you fly out of Sydney International Airport at the grand SYD X luxury precinct, home to iconic global brands plus a huge range of cosmetics and fragrance.
SYD X Luxury Precinct, Mascot - Credit: SYD X Luxury Precinct
Shop local with these Australian designers
Australian designers are among the world’s best and Sydney is the place to pick up homegrown pieces. The Insta-worthy Strand Arcade, built in the late 19th century, is home to local designers Acler, Bassike, Camilla and Marc, Aje, Rebecca Vallance, Jac + Jack, Scanlan Theodore, Manning Cartell, Viktoria & Woods, and more. Nearby, the elaborate Queen Victoria Building is home to local favourites Camilla, Elka Collective, Alquema and Helen Kaminski.
The Strand Arcade, Sydney
High-end local labels like Zimmerman, Lee Matthews, St Agni and Rachel Gilbert are found at The Intersection, a leafy outdoor shopping precinct in Paddington. If you’re looking for the next big thing, many of these labels got their start at Saturday’s Paddington Markets. On Woollahra’s Queen Street, visit independent Australian label Moss & Spy (a favourite of Queen Mary of Denmark). Along Bondi Beach, browse the flagship stores for Sir, Venroy and Kivari.
Zimmermann, Paddington
Luxury department stores for a one-stop-shop
David Jones and Myer have been synonymous with Australian fashion for more than 100 years. These iconic department stores sit in the centre of every capital city and have long been the place to go for that special outfit. Today, David Jones’ flagship is on Elizabeth Street in the city and stocks iconic international brands, Australian designers like Alémais, Carla Zampatti and Bianca Spender. Across the road at Myer on Pitt Street, spend up big on pieces from Alex Perry, Victoria Bekham, Missoni, Maticevski and We Are Kindred.
Myer, Westfield Sydney - Credit: Westfield Sydney Myer,
Jewellery and custom-made pieces
Looking for something sparkly or a one-of-a-kind statement piece? Discover the world’s rarest pearls at Paspaley’s Martin Place boutique or their chic store inside Crown Sydney. Fairfax & Roberts is Australia’s oldest jeweller and has been creating bespoke pieces since 1886. Admire the bold, geometric style of Australian brand Canturi at their flagship on Castlereagh Street, close to the stores of international stars Tiffany & Co, Bulgari and Cartier.
Jan Logan in Double Bay is a celebrity favourite and her distinctive pieces have been worn by Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Watts and Taylor Swift. In Woollahra, award-winning jeweller Matthew Ely creates custom-designed, handcrafted pieces from scratch for his loyal clientele. Sydney-born brand Sarah & Sebastian has boutiques across the city, specialising in their own style of minimalist luxury.
Jan Logan, Double Bay - Credit: Jan Logan
Independent boutiques for the perfect fit
Capture the effortlessly elegant style of the Eastern Suburbs in one of its chic boutiques. In Paddington, Parlour X is inside a beautifully restored church and stock international designers like Chloe, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant. Along Queen Street in Woollahra, shop the latest collections in Aquel, Riada Concept and Reads. Nearby, Double Bay is famous for its designer stores – try Belinda International, Aco and Mode Sportif.
Parlour X, Paddington
Just steps from the sand in Bondi, Tuchuzy is the place for high-end beach fashion and luxe accessories. In Surry Hills, look for elevated streetwear at Above the Clouds and statement pieces at The Standard Store. In the city, quirky Asian brands line the racks at Chinatown Country Club while Incu is a cult favourite for its minimalist pieces and envy-inducing bags. For a mix of exclusive international brands and exquisite men’s tailoring, Harrolds has an impressive store inside Westfield Sydney.
Tuchuzy, Bondi Beach
Across the bridge, Mosman is home to a number of independent stores stocking high-end local and international labels. Wander along Military Road and visit Fox & Dove, Khlassik, Burke Boutique and Moya Sydney. On the far Northern Beaches, Avalon is a hub of laid-back luxury, with shops lining the main street – nicknamed Barefoot Boulevard by the locals. Visit Peggy Concept Store, Déesse, Nash + Banks, mamapapa and Kristina Brenke Studio.
Kristina Brenke Studio, Avalon
Pre-loved luxury fashion and consignment stories
Even designer shoppers love a bargain. And pre-loved luxury fashion makes you feel good about doing your part to reduce waste. In Paddington, Di Nuovo is a treasure trove of vintage women’s designer pieces. Next door, Pelle Shoes has been the place for recycled shoes, bags and accessories for almost 30 years. Further east, hunt for gems at some of the city’s best consignment stores – The Sleeveless Society in Waverly, The Frock Exchange in Clovelly, and two outposts of Trading in Style in Clovelly and Bondi.
Di Nuovo, Paddington - Credit: Di Nuovo
Venla Resell + Relove has stores in Avalon, Balmain, Manly and Mosman. Individuals rent a rack, stock it with designer pieces they are ready to part with, and you get a great deal. SWOP Sydney in Darlinghurst also often has designer pieces on sale. Blue Spinach has been one of Australia’s finest luxury resale stores for 30 years. Today, they have a dedicated space inside David Jones in the CBD or you can visit their Redfern office by appointment to view specific pieces.
SWOP Sydney, Darlinghurst - Credit: Tom Ross
Bespoke interiors for your home
Keep your home looking as stylish as yourself with these high-end interior designs. Be inspired by the colourful collections at Melbourne brand Jardan’s Oxford Street store. Nearby, Great Dane is all about minimalist Scandinavian pieces and luxe lighting. Cosh Living in Alexandria has sleek indoor and outdoor furniture with a distinctly Australian feel. Make an appointment at Elsa Home in Redfern to pick out a marble bathtub, dining table or fireplace. For one-of-a-kind antiques, visit Tamsin Johnson Showroom in Paddington or The Vault in Rosebery.
Shopping tours, personal shoppers and stylists
Not sure where to start on your designer journey? Let an expert guide you through the city’s best designer stores and find something that’s perfect for you. Splendour Tailored Tours can arrange a private shopping tour with a top stylist, including champagne morning tea and an indulgent lunch. Josephine Eve and Image Confidence are two personal stylists who will create a bespoke tour through Sydney’s best boutiques. Or visit Myer, David Jones and Westfield Sydney to meet with their styling team.
Splendour Tailored Tours at Aquabumps, Bondi
