A Guide to the Canberra Fashion Boutiques

If you’re looking for some threads (note to self: research if people are still calling clothes, ‘threads’), there are plenty of racks, mannequins and shelves to ransack in the nation’s capital. Along with a booming restaurant, café and bar scene, Lonely Planet’s third best city to visit in 2018 has more fashion boutiques than you can throw a mirror at.

We look at the Canberra fashion boutiques you should be snapping change room selfies in.

Designer Op Shop

These guys are the purveyors of pre-loved and vintage designer clothing in Canberra. With sizes ranging from 6-18 and brands like Givenchy, Chanel and Gucci to be found, Designer Op Shop is the spot to find some one-off daywear, eveningwear and accessory gems.

Where: 18 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Rebel Muse

Covering “season trends and must have items”, as well as basics, denim and leather, this boutique is presented in such a way that outfits can be easily understood. In Rebel Muse you’ll find labels like Faithful the Brand, Steele, MLM, By Johnny, Hansen & Gretel and Romance Was Born; you’ll try said brands, and then buy said brands.

Where: 30 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Momento Dezigns

Offering a selection of global and local designer labels, like Alex Perry, Thurley, Sacha Drake and Mela Purdie – Momento’s motto is “straight from the runway to the store”. With a finger on the fashion pulse, they do exactly that.

Where: 17 Bougainville St, Griffith

Pink Ink Boutique

These Canberra fashion stalwarts offer “a luxury retail experience where the worlds of ART and DESIGN come together”. Pinkies is rack city – and no, not the Tyga song – rack city, as in it’s easy to get lost amongst the racks of Beau Coops, RVN, ivylee, Chan Luu, MaxMara, Megan Park and more.

Where: 130/24 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Mussen

Founders Mia & Zimona stock everything from activewear to gowns and playsuits. Their Dolce & Banana Tee is an absolute winner and it’s worth checking out Mussen for that alone.

Where: 9/9 Garema Pl, Canberra

Assemblage Project

Repping Australian and New Zealand labels, like Edition, Karen Lee, Sophia Emmett, Insync Design and Kowtow, Assemblage Project is a studio and a retail space that designs clothes for women. Pop in for a browse and you’ll most likely see a seamstress in action at the back of the store.

Where: 66/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon

If these don’t tickle your fancy, you can try Itrip Iskip, Braddon Tailors, Things of Desire and there’s Tip You’re It – a boutique for kids.

words by niall roeder