How to do down under
Reasons to buy Australian labels (and why you probably own a bunch of stuff by them, but haven’t realized)
I’m back after some time off and reporting from a recent trip to Australia. Setting aside a classic capsule I packed for meetings there, it was fascinating to spend time in two very different cities (Sydney and Melbourne) and observe fashion trends versus the US. Ultimately trends are very much global and homogenous thanks to social media, with athleisure brands like Alo, LuluLemon and New Balance being as ubiquitous as Adidas Gazelles, baggy trousers, blazers and a slicked back bun - you could have been on any street in London, LA or NYC. My burgundy/eggplant Zara suit was the most requested outfit (this consistently gets me stopped on the streets, and so sorry, it’s sold out now), but noticeably Australian women definitely dress up a little bit more in terms of day to day office wear. Specifically the women in the offices I visited were all super well put together, and there seems to be a more refined vibe for workwear than I’ve seen in London or LA. I was also surprised by a couple of Australian fashion brands I buy (but didn’t realize are Australian), and managed to snag a bunch of stuff I’ll be sporting in the coming months.
TLDR: visit Australia, the food, wine, people, fashion are amazing.
SIR the Label: Effortless Minimalism
SIR design aesthetic embraces clean lines and understated elegance. Key pieces that caught my eye include:
Chiara Beaded Tank: A chic boucle material with beading detail on a cutaway potion that perfectly amps up a plain white tank
Iris Halterneck Linen Midi Dress: Crafted from breathable linen, this midi dress offers a flattering halterneck design and hits the minimalist 90’s notes for those hot summers in LA and NYC
Leonardo Blazer: A tailored blazer that adds a polished touch to any ensemble, and is currently on sale (I picked one up ahead of the winter season in the US).
Leilana slip dress and trousers: similar patterning to the ever popular Toteme shirt/trousers set that has been copied up and down the high street, these pieces in a lightweight silk crepe de chine bring an effortless elegance to casual minimalism.
Explore more from SIR's latest collection here.
Aje: Sculptural Femininity
Aje's Resort '25 'Sol' collection draws inspiration from coastal nostalgia, featuring pastel florals and exaggerated textures.Highlights include:Vogue+2Aje ROW+2Marie Claire UK+2
Pandorea layered ruffle maxi dress and top: I’m obsessed with both of these looks and they are surprisingly flattering. The new color way (carob/brown) for the maxi dress is a chic take on this year’s hottest color and would be great for a summer wedding, giving a twist to a formal black tie event. The top pairs with everything from jeans to shorts to a seasonal gauzy pant. I got mine in blue.
Soundscape Maxi dress: Another standout perfect for a formal wedding or event, this boned strapless dress is delicate yet structured with refined organza details making this a standout piece.
Finally, don’t sleep on Aje’s accessories: their handbags (check out this oversized hobo bag)and earrings (like this pearl hoop drop) perfectly capture the maximalist aesthetic championed by YSL for A/W 2025 at a fraction of the price. Discover more from Aje's accessories here.
A Perfect 48 Hours in Sydney, Australia
Stay:
Check in to the Four Seasons Sydney, an elegant base in the heart of the city. Request a room with a view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House—there’s no better way to arrive in Sydney than waking up to its iconic skyline. The rooms blend understated luxury with thoughtful touches, and the hotel’s location—right on the edge of The Rocks—puts you within easy reach of Sydney’s finest experiences.
Day 1: Harbour Icons & Sunset Dining
Start your morning with a short walk to The Fine Food Store tucked away in The Rocks. It’s a local favourite for expertly brewed coffee and hearty, elevated breakfasts. Alternatively, if you’re venturing towards Surry Hills later, Single O is a must for serious coffee aficionados—order the batch brew or a flat white, paired with their inventive seasonal menu.
Spend your late morning strolling around Circular Quay, exploring the Museum of Contemporary Art or simply soaking up the atmosphere of ferries and street performers.
Come afternoon, take a slow walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, curving around to the Sydney Opera House. As golden hour approaches, find a seat at Opera Bar, perched directly on the water. Order a crisp Australian wine and seafood platter—the view is unbeatable, with the Harbour Bridge catching the light as the sun dips behind it.
For dinner, head to The White Horse in Surry Hills, a stylish yet relaxed gastropub with a rooftop bar. It’s loved by locals for its modern Australian menu and artful cocktails. Try the wagyu burger or grilled prawns, paired with something fresh and botanical from the drinks list.
Day 2: Designer Finds & Coffee Trails
This morning is all about Paddington, Sydney’s fashion-forward enclave. Grab a coffee and pastry at Saint Peter & Co.or Berkelo, both known for their high-quality beans and simple, beautiful spaces.
Then spend the day shopping local Australian labels—head straight to the Intersection on Oxford Street, where you’ll find flagship stores from SIR the Label, Aje, Bassike, and Matteau. These brands define the effortless, modern Australian style: think sculptural linen pieces, coastal tailoring, and refined neutrals.
Break up your shopping with lunch at 10 William St, a wine bar with Italian leanings and a cult following. Their pretzel and whipped bottarga is legendary, and the wine list is packed with minimal-intervention gems from Australia and beyond.
In the afternoon, stop for a final coffee at Reuben Hills or Paramount Coffee Project in Surry Hills—both pioneers in Sydney’s third-wave coffee scene.
Return to the Four Seasons for a quick refresh, and if you have time before your flight, a twilight swim in the pool overlooking the city skyline is a relaxing way to close out your trip.
Don’t forget to make time to spend an afternoon in Bondi Beach starting with a breezy walk along North Bondi, soaking up the coastal vibe before settling in for lunch at Porch and Parlour, a laid-back café known for its fresh, photogenic plates. Afterward, head to Gould Street to explore Bondi’s best boutique shopping — browse cult Australian labels at Tuchuzy, elevated linen essentials at Venroy, and sleek activewear at Nimble. Take a mid-afternoon break with an iced coffee from Gusto Espresso Bar, followed by a scoop (or two) of inventive gelato from Gelato Messina Bondi just around the corner. Stroll part of the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk for stunning ocean views and a breath of salty air, then wrap up your day with a spritz or glass of sparkling at the Icebergs Terrace, where the sun sets over the sea in perfect golden light.
Tips & Extras:
For a casual but beautiful breakfast near your hotel, try Gumption by Coffee Alchemy in the Strand Arcade.
For views without the Opera Bar crowds, the Hacienda Sydney rooftop (inside the Pullman Quay Grand) offers a Cuban-inspired cocktail bar experience with equally stunning vistas.
Always book at least one meal or drink spot in advance—especially Opera Bar at sunset.
Spend another 48 hours in Melbourne
Base:
Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Centrally located on Collins Street, the Grand Hyatt offers sleek rooms with city skyline views, an impressive concierge, and luxe amenities. Its position gives you instant access to Melbourne’s laneway culture, shopping, and tram routes to Fitzroy and beyond.
Day 1: Fitzroy Wanderings & Wine Culture
Morning
Start with coffee at Patricia Coffee Brewers, a standing-room-only institution hidden in a laneway just minutes from your hotel. It’s compact, buzzing, and serious about its espresso.
Hop on the tram or take a quick car to Fitzroy, Melbourne’s creative heart and home to everything vintage, offbeat, and effortlessly cool.
Late Morning Shopping
Head to Smith Street and Gertrude Street for vintage and consignment finds. Don’t miss:
Hunter Gatherer (cult local vintage)
SWOP Clothing Exchange (recycled fashion treasure trove)
Store 151 and Vintage Sole for curated secondhand gems
Pop into Third Drawer Down for design-y souvenirs, irreverent art pieces, and gifts.
Lunch
Settle into Old Palm Liquor – a Fitzroy North gem known for its soulful wood-fired menu, great vinyl soundtrack, and diverse natural wine list. Sit out the back under the festoon lights and order a few share plates like their charred flatbread and harissa chicken skewers.
Afternoon Wine Stop
Visit Blackhearts & Sparrows (Fitzroy North) or Wine Republic on Brunswick Street—both stock an excellent, curated selection of Australian natural wines, especially from Victoria. Ask the staff for small producers like Latta, Koerner, or Gentle Folk.
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Swing by Piccolina Gelateria (try inventive Aussie flavors like native wattleseed or lemon myrtle) or Gelato Papafor rotating specials like olive oil or fig & mascarpone.
Evening
Dinner at Neighbourhood Wine, a low-key, moodily lit spot tucked into a former gambling den. Expect a European-Australian menu built around seasonality, house-made pastas, and hard-to-find wines. It’s intimate and full of character—perfect for unwinding.
Day 2: CBD Chic, Laneways & Hidden Gems
Morning
Grab a quick bite and another caffeine hit at Market Lane Coffee at Queen Vic Market or their Collins Street outpost. Try a pour-over with beans from an Australian roaster and a flaky pastry.
Spend a relaxed morning exploring Melbourne’s laneways and arcades—Degraves Street, Block Arcade, and Royal Arcade—for boutiques, books, and artisan goods.
Late Morning – More Vintage + Boutiques
Drop into RetroStar Vintage inside the Nicholas Building for one of the city’s biggest vintage selections.
Wander down Flinders Lane and check out Alpha60, Obus, and Incu for Melbourne-based fashion labels.
Lunch
Keep it light with a beautiful deli-style lunch at Heartattack and Vine in Carlton (Italian snacks + spritz), or for something more substantial, Tipo 00 for handmade pasta in a sleek yet relaxed setting.
Afternoon
If you’re up for a little more shopping or culture, consider a visit to NGV International or ACMI, or simply enjoy people-watching in Carlton Gardens with another excellent gelato—Pidapipó is nearby and well worth a second scoop.
Evening
Return to the Grand Hyatt to refresh, and if you’re still hungry for more, cap off your visit with cocktails at Siglo, a rooftop terrace bar overlooking Parliament House, with old-world European charm and a killer drinks list.
Tips & Highlights
Trams are free in the CBD—use them to hop around easily. Fitzroy is just outside the free zone, so bring a Myki card or use the app.
Make a reservation for Neighbourhood Wine and Old Palm Liquor—they fill up fast.
For a final souvenir, pick up a bottle of natural wine or a handmade ceramic from one of Fitzroy’s indie stores.