AJE
This Australian label was founded in 2007 in Noosa by longtime friends Eddi Robinson and Adrian Norris. The store now has 10 boutiques across Australia and has a strong celebrity following, including the likes of Madonna, Kate Moss and Jess Hart. A distinctly feminine label with a jagged edge. The selection of leather skirts included butter-soft wrap skirts in black and tan, as well as retro skirts with high waists in blush, tan and black.
A stunning collection of silky shirts and mohair sweaters, along with a feminine array of dreamy silk floral print dresses. The store fit-out has a modern luxe feel with polished floors, a solid marble counter, copper piping and oversized hessian shades. Charming staff and beautifully made clothes. Well worth a look, if not for the leather skirts, then for the interior.
• 10A/23 James St, Fortitude Valley.
MOLTEN STORE
A glittering boutique laden with crystals and jewellery referencing the stars, the moon and flowers. For boho-trinket seekers or gypsy brides, there's a dainty necklace or otherworldly headpiece for any occasion. We fell for the delicate 14ct gold chain bracelets with a crescent moon embossed with tiny zirconia crystals.
Other finds include the constellation necklaces, featuring a smattering of cubic zirconia crystals in the shape of a constellation that falls delicately on the collarbone All these pieces are made by hand and designed by local store owner Jessie Cameron. What's refreshing is the prices won't break the bank so you can afford to start layering.
• Shop 1, 49 James St, New Farm.
LEE MATHEWS
This Sydney designer is a master of reworking the vintage aesthetic into garments that are modern and fresh. Lee Mathews is known for clothing that is timeless and cut from top-quality silks and linen.
Star pieces on the rack this winter include the Hugo cashmere coat with a boxy cocoon-like silhouette and raglan sleeves, the Avery silk dress is a floaty, floor-length, silk-printed maxi featuring delicate ruffles at the neckline and buttons and ties at the back. Invest in one of Lee Mathews pieces and you'll have it for years — understated, classy and wearable.
• 16/65 James St, Fortitude Valley.
CALEXICO
You may want to enter this place armed with more than a few wads of cash up your sleeve. An incredible array of designer labels from France, the US and beyond. An extensive collection of Etoile Isabel Marant, including her new-season embellished leather jackets.
Gorgeous silk shirts and camis from French labels Equipment and L'Agency, feminine dresses by boho designer of the moment Ulla Johnson, swoon-worthy suede booties from Rag and Bone and the usual array of cool girl footwear from Isabel Marant. Star pieces included a charcoal pair of leather pants by J Brand, soft, well cut and pricey at about $1500.
• Shop 7/46 James St, Fortitude Valley.
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Any old Zomper knows how well the team at this institution of a shoe store chooses the stock. Leather sandals, boots and pumps from all over the globe — Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand brands are all represented.
The common thread here, however, is a taste for good design and quality. Sale time is the best time to visit this store, we found a pair of Italian sandals reduced from $200 to $60. The months of February, April and October and November spell heavily discounted, quality kicks. We liked the look of a pair of Jeffrey Campbell boots in an appealing mesh leather and a pair of organic-looking booties from Italy in soft distressed leather.
• 38 James St, Fortitude Valley.
ST. BARTS
Bringing together homewares from around the globe, St. Barts is a great spot to get lost in while you pick up something new to freshen your living space. Think Moroccan rugs, black onyx marble platters and salad servers made from seashells.
• 31 James St, Fortitude Valley.
SAMANTHA OGILVIE
Another gem hidden on Centro, just off James St. This classy-looking boutique with herringbone floors and an elegant fit-out, features a carefully curated collection for the grown-up fashionistas.
You'll find an excellent array of accessories out of Paris and New York — Isabel Marant's French partner Jerome Dreyfuss' handbags are practical, luxurious and modern. Sigerson Morrison shoes out of New York are edgy, but still last the distance with elegant shapes and good-quality leather. Also from New York, Tibi channels an international aesthetic, with colourful palettes and playful prints.
Other labels include LA-based denim brand Frame, known for flattering shapes and consciously sourced denim. Vietnamese designer Chan Luu's casual jewellery includes wrap bracelets and boho neck pieces feature semi-precious stones, silk and gold vermeil.
• Shop 10, 19 James St, Fortitude Valley.
