Where to shop in Sydney

Having long taken a back seat to Australia’s unofficial fashion capital of Melbourne, Sydney’s shopping scene has quietly evolved in a short space of time. Recent years have witnessed a boom in boutiques, showrooms and jewellers that don’t just rival the world’s most stylish, but also reflect that enviable, relaxed Australian way of life. From slouchy suiting to colourful homewares, these are the stores that might inspire you to find that little extra space in your suitcase.

1. P Johnson

For a sartorial riff on the easy-going Antipodean attitude, head to P Johnson . The trending tailor offers made-to-measure pieces in a range of preppy but cool coastal styles – light, linen and slouchy. Both of the plush Sydney ateliers were designed by the sought-after interior designer Tamsin Johnson, who’s also married to the eponymous founder, and are worth a visit for the vibe alone. The property on Elizabeth Street feels like you’ve stumbled into an Italian palazzo.

2. Studio Gardner

Co-founded in 2023 by Vogue Living style editor Joseph Gardner and partner Aaron Wong, Studio Gardner appears as much like an art gallery as a fashion showroom. Based in Rushcutters Bay, this veritable design destination offers collectible, one-off contemporary works from a cast of international artists and creators. Also check out the curated stock of vintage pieces – from elegant Italian sofas to handmade Japanese lamps. 

 3. Strand Arcade

Its substantial retail appeal aside, the Strand Arcade remains a must-visit architectural gem, running between Pitt Street and George Street in central Sydney. Modelled on London’s Burlington Arcade, the Strand dates back to 1891 and retains much of its old-world charm, with cedar staircases, tiled floors, cast-iron balusters and a glass lantern roof. This three-storey Victorian building is also home to an enticing array of international and Australian contemporary fashion, with names like P Johnson, Camilla and Marc, Jac + Jack and Aje all present and accounted for.

4. Dinosaur Designs

This hip homegrown brand is known for colourful, chunky sculptural jewellery and homewares – all handcrafted from resin and metal in a Sydney studio. It was co-founded in 1985 by artists Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy, who met on the first day of art class and began by peddling their wares from a market stall. While the concept has sprouted boutiques around Australia, and now New York and London, the pair’s work still feels fresh and abstract, with no two pieces the same.

5. Sarah & Sebastian 

Specialising in contemporary and minimalist fine jewellery, this Sydney-born brand has been credited for the uptick of “well-dressed ears” across Australia. While it now has addresses across the country, the first physical location to open was in Paddington –a metallic underground space akin to a futuristic bunker. Newbies can book into the on-site Piercing Lab or attend sessions on how to style pieces.  

6. Tuchuzy

One of the first multi-brand boutiques in Bondi, Tuchuzy opened its doors in 1995, and it feels like the wave-lashed suburb has grown up with it. Stocking a range of labels that hit the sweet spot between street and resort fashion, there’s a welcome mishmash of the international and the local – from Bondi Born to Jacquemus, Helmut Lang and Missoni. Plus, there’s a great selection of eyewear, denim and swimwear.

7. Mecca

Those perennial blue skies mean Australia is also, by necessity, home to some of the best sunscreens in the world. Visit Mecca – the country’s version of Sephora – and stock up on local cosmetics, including its own Mecca label, a cult beauty line that fuses skincare with high protection. There are Meccas all over Sydney, and Australia, but head to the central flagship on George Street for the signature Aussie beauty shopping experience.