From this Monday, The Rocks in Sydney will be overrun with fashion photographers, writers, models, designers and hangers on. It’s RAFW, so we asked some of our favourite Sydney-siders to spill the best places to dine, imbibe and escape from the madness and fashion flurry. Then, we added a few of our own top spots.

Drink
"I love the little, dark booths in Wildfire. Of a late afternoon, they're the perfect hideaway and refuel location, especially if you want to sneak your heels off and enjoy a quick glass of pinot, before getting back into the madness on site," says Evie Bear of Management & Publicity.

You can head to Pony for a glass of wine and some olives and sit on the wooden verandah. It’s a really cute spot – and they do a lunch special which means a glass of red and one of their delicious mains is $30.

Of course, there’s always the Absolut Bar that’s been set up just for the duration of Fashion Week – it’s where lots of the afterparties will happen. Located in the swishy Toaster building, it has great views and an even better fitout.

Eat
Hungry? Emma Van Handel of EVH PR recommends the Flinders Inn – a new and fabulous French style bistro. It’s in Paddington and chef proprietor Morgan McGlone used to be the Head Of Scouting and Development and Next Models Paris and needless to say, it’s a model haunt and will be during RAFW.

For something a little more relaxed, Under the Wing PR’s Nicole Glavan recommends Young Alfred at Customs House. It’s right down the road from the RAFW venue. “It has the best pizza in the world! Try the ‘surprise’ pizza,” she says.

Glavan also recommends Sailor’s Thai Canteen – tasty Thai food, mid-priced with incredible views.

Shop
It’s not technically a store, but it is an excellent spot to visit in between shows if you’ve got some downtime. The Museum of Contemporary Art is right next to the RAFW venue. Not only does it have a fairly decent café that’s blessed with a beautiful harbour view, it’s got a great gift store and of course, inspiring exhibitions. Currently, you can see the work of Yasoi Yasuma and a collection of modern Australian drawing.

Glavan recommends heading to Oxford Street in Paddington. Ariel Bookshop has a great selection of books, hard to find stuff too – and plenty of fashion inspiration in the form of lush photography and art books. If you’re looking for the antithesis of fluffy fashion, you’ll find it here.

Looking for a quick, failsafe, one-stop source for an emergency outfit? Try Incu in the Galeries Victoria. They stock both mens and womens designer pieces, from Karen Walker to Acne, as well as beautiful accessories, shoes and jewellery from different European labels. If you’d prefer to spend a little less, grab a cab to Crown Street in Surry Hills, where you will find a glut of great vintage stores all in one block – we like Cream on Crown, Puf’n’Stuf and Grandma Takes a Trip in particular.

By Natalie Smith