Got a spare $900 to spend ? With this "global economic crisis", "great recession"* or whatever else name has been dubbed for 2009's woeful economic state it would seem that now more than ever supporting your local independant stores will not only help boost our economy but also stick it to the big man.
Indie stores are dope, they are an extension of the aesthetics of the owners and will for the most part stock labels that generally won't register on the mass scale market. There's nothing worse than attending some event wearing the same tee as every fourth person.
Yes, you can buy online, and yes sometimes it may be a little cheaper, but it really doesn't give you the same satisfaction of proper retail therapy. There's not much better than being able to physcially try something on, having a yarn with the store keep.
Remember the more you buy online, the more likely you will be in the future to complain that the "good shit" doesn't make our shores.
So here's a list of the best indie streetwear stores that Sydney has to offer, good shops that specialise in bringing you the best of whats good worldwide and locally - none of that herbal crunchy rave shit.
Supply : With years in the game supply is THE spot for the the most sought after labels WORLDWIDE.
Halfsleeve : The new kids on the block, what these rookies lack in years they make up for in promise, already stocking some DOPE labels ( self plug : including yours truly ) the future burns bright for the halfsleeve store.
Espionage : The one stop shop for your sneaker fix, they also have a pretty decent array of labels as well.
Incu : Fashionista's wet dream, abit more fashion'e abit more mature but still super dope.
Ourspot : The kids at our spot have always been 2 steps ahead of the game, as they and their clientelle are getting older, their labels have also matured.
Freshin : Business at the front party at the back, this crew have warez that will satisfy both needs satisfying both smart casual labels and labels for playtime.
Captain Billy's Crab Shack : Can you say vintage and nostalgia in the one hit ? From '80s skate decks to NKOTB curtains, these kids do it ol skool - properGod - my homies Kristo and Dan hold this down little boutique Bondi way. Got floral? Got pastel tailored pieces? Come get some.
Dobry Den : THE indie stores of indie stores, stocking a plethora of independent labels and young designers the girls at dobry know what's up.
* ed's note: I like to call it "the great US lenders' global economic fuck-up". GUSLGEFU for short.