This story originally appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of Elite Traveler.
While most beachfront locales call for flip-flops and tees, Sydney has a defined fashion sense and serious homegrown talent that has garnered global recognition. We’ve curated pieces from our favorite Aussie designers to help you fit in with even the trendiest Sydneysiders.
Aussie attitude
Sydney’s laid-back scene calls formore casual wear—forgo a suit for a rugged denim jacket from Ksubi. Pair with printed palm swim trunks from Mocha Salt that double as shorts if you choose to trade in the waves for shopping on Oxford Street or enjoying a brew at All Hands Brewing House. Sunglasses are a must—and these classic shades from AM Eyewear are both stylish and block out the unforgiving glare of the sun.
Where to shop
Named for its location on Oxford Street and Glenmore Road in Paddington, The
Intersection is a shopping district brimming with Australian boutiques, including Zimmermann, Sass & Bide, Ksubi and Papinelle. For international designers, visit Parlour X (pictured), an old-church-turned-boutique that carries exclusive collections from Australian labels Ellery, Maticevski and Christopher Esber, meaning you’ll take something home you can’t get anywhere else in the world. parlourx.com, theintersectionpaddington.com.au
Ksubi denim jacket, $384, farfetch.com
AM Eyewear Raymond sunglasses, $350, ameyewear.com
Mocha Salt swim trunks, $110, Belancé, +61 280 411 592, mochasalt.com
Bondi babe
Fit in with the locals with a floral set from Zimmermann and an oversized Helen
Kaminski bag for a morning of shopping in Paddington. Later, take to Bondi Beach in a colorful swimsuit from Matteau before heading to a sunset happy hour at Bondi Icebergs. Of course, you can’t go to Australia without picking up a colorful piece of opal jewelry—we love this piece from Opal Minded.
Opal Minded Reef Flows ring, $19,750, Opal Minded, +61 292 479 885, opalminded.com
Helen Kaminski Pinima S bag, $465, Helen Kaminski, +61 292 611 200, helenkaminski.com
Matteau Square Maillot swimsuit, $300, Incu, +61 292 660 244, matteau-swim.com
Zimmermann top, $950, skirt, $1,050, The Intersection, +61 293 574 700, zimmermannwear.com
Where to go
Head to This Must Be the Place to enjoy homemade spritzes, inventive cocktails and small bites considered among the best in the city. Unlike the dark speakeasies and clubs you’ll find nearby, This Must Be the Place is bright and airy. For a more rustic experience, 10 William St offers small Italian dishes with an Australian twist and an extensive European wine list—it’s intimate yet buzzy, and is a consistent favorite among locals.
tmbtp.com.au, 10williamst.com.au