Once a city deprived of unique and luxurious labels, Brisbane has slowly but surely gained momentum to provide it’s sunshine state dwellers with unique shopping experiences and access to the desirable and unknown. So in a bid to fuel this bit of interstate rivalry that we have going on (sing it with me: anything you can do I can do better) I decided to map out Brisbane’s top boutiques. And they ain’t too shabby.

 

Violent Green

It may be small in size but the bustling Violent Green boutique is choc-a-block full of the latest men's, women's wear and accessories from local and international labels. You can find an edited selection of new season pieces from Silent By Damir Doma, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Pudel, Lonely Hearts, Beat Poet and Lover, but Violent Green’s turn over rate is high so I advise you save yourself the heartbreak and snap those goodies up quick. The store also stocks Lomo and Holga cameras for photo enthusiasts and a collection of jewellery, bow ties, sunglasses and accessories that could have me mesmerized for days.

Shop 9, Elizabeth Arcade

99 Elizabeth St, Brisbane

07 3003 0078

 

Blonde Venus

A pioneer boutique within the Fortitude Valley, Blonde Venus has been around for 20 years. Despite its age, the store maintains a strong direction and fresh perspective thanks to its stylish and passionate owner Thea Basiliou. With a love for innovative design the store houses exciting international labels such as Richard Nicoll, Peter Pilotto and Natalia Brilli and also proudly flies the flag for shining Australian labels including Dion Lee, Arnsdorf, Sara Phillips, Antipodium and Dress Up by Stephanie Downey. Blonde Venus also carries a classic range of menswear by labels Surface to Air, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and Fred Perry.

707 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley

07 3216 1735

 

Fallow

Located up a perculiar stairwell and behind a big black door with an antler on it, just finding the cleverly hidden Fallow is an adventure in itself. Once inside however, the den-like store with it’s no natural light, exposed brick, deers mounted on the wall and wooden floors is pretty spectacular. The store’s strong décor is echoed by the choice of products; favouring monochrome clothing, rich textures and quality leather accessories. You will find labels such as Chronicles of Never, Friedrich Gray, Claude Maus, Song for the Mute, Self Titled, Therese Rawsthorne and Gail Sorronda here as well as a unique range of jewellery and glasses which are also well worth a browse.

Level One, Cameron House
354 Brunswick Street,  Fortitude Valley
 07 3854 0155

 

The Outpost

The Outpost is pretty much an institution in Brisbane. As an avid supporter of the creative community here, owner Matt Brady holds regular in-store art exhibitions and events, and is also involved in local gallery Nine Lives as well as running the annual art/skate show ‘I Used To Skate Once’ which grows from strength to strength each year. Much like the projects it contributes to, The Outpost supports and stocks a collection of independent labels and products by artists and designers from around the globe. You can find a unique mix of men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, zines, art and music from labels such as Perks and Mini, Suburban Bliss, Solitary Arts, Nieves, Lousy Livin and The Quiet Life.
5a Winn Street, Fortitude Valley
07 3666 0306

 

Francis Leon

Relative new comers to the boutique business, Jo Turner and Katy Lysaught opened their own retail space and studio earlier this year for their own label Francis Leon. The loft style concept store allows customers to browse the racks and witness the creative and technical process behind the labels’ innovative and intelligent design. Experimenting with fabrications and designing for an age-less client, the Francis Leon store is well worth a visit for aspiring designers and fashion lovers on the hunt for meaningful and stylish design. The store also offers a bespoke service.

18/65 James St, Fortitude Valley

07 3852 5605

 

Jean Brown

Jean Brown is where the high flying Brisbane folk go to get their weekly luxury injection. It’s also where the poor little people (yours truly included) go to lust over iconic names such as Christian Louboutin, Lanvin, Chloe, Celine, Miu Miu, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Nicholas Kirkwood…and the list goes on. With a shoe and accessories store at one end of the Emporium Precinct, and a clothing boutique at the other, Jean Brown has got all of your luxury fashion emergencies covered. If you need some YSL in a flash – Jean Brown can take care of you. The store is also home to the Jean Brown Archive - one of the world’s most significant collections of antique and vintage accessories including 600 handbags.

Shop 62, Emporium,
1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

1800 253 882

 

The Tribune

Unless you get off on big sale signs and discount bins, outlet shopping can often be a sad and lonely place where clothes go to die. But it doesn't have to be that way. Brisbane boutique The Tribune breathes new life into the old funeral-style outlet by selling discounted designer accessories next to youthful local labels. As a little sister store to Jean Brown, The Tribune’s warm and cosy loft gives a good home to a range of designer items once on offer at Jean Brown, as well as a venue where customers can discover eclectic local labels such as Salita Matthews, Neon Heartache, Lunbanci, George Wu, Red Phoenix Emporium, Laura Made This, Subfusco.

Shop 164B, Arthur St, Fortitude Valley
07 3358 2988

 

Apartment

Away from the hustle of the street, basement level store Apartment is an oasis for men who appreciate quality street wear, a decent skate board and an international magazine. The store’s sleek appearance and minimalist style is complimented by the range of luxurious yet laid back clothing and accessories from labels such as A.P.C. Red Wing Shoes, Deluxe, Head Porter and Comme Des Garcons. Apartment also stocks its very own range of menswear.

161-163 Elizabeth St. Lower Level, Brisbane

07 3210 0073

 

Chelsea De Luca

Making sparkling costume jewels her trademark, Chelsea De Luca’s boutique, much like her designs, encompasses a modern take on old world glamour. From what appears to be your average cottage on the outside, a mere step inside will reveal a luxurious boutique fit for a Hollywood starlet. From French ironwork, velvet couches and Art Deco mirrors, the opulent space plays as the perfect backdrop to frost one’s self with De Luca’s delicious accessories and do the Charleston.

76 James Street, New Farm.
07 3358 6880

 

FrockShop

Originally located on the wide world web, Frockshop recently launched a stand alone store in the boutique hub of the Fortitude Valley for its savvy customers. Keeping in tune with the online store, Frockshop’s physical space has a playful air to it with antique furniture, fashion illustrations and magazine editorials covering the walls. Amongst the eclectic knick knacks you can find fashion forward and directional pieces by camilla & marc, Zimmerman, Lisa Ho and Josh Goot as well as lux accessories such as Mathew Williamson sunglasses, Beau Coops shoes and CC Skye jewellery.

8/65 James Street, Fortitude Valley

1300 723 884