With everything from boutique stores, international labels, pop-up fashion shops and grand department stores to designer markets and retro vintage outlets, shopping in Brisbane only causes one issue – where to start?! August is here to help as the dedicated ‘Shopping & Fashion’ month across the city.
So grab your eco-friendly carrier bag / leather satchel / vintage hold-all and our guide to the essential shopping spots in Brisbane for the most fashionable itinerary in town.
Queen Street Mall
Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall has long been considered the centre of fashion and retail therapy. This vibrant shopping and lifestyle precinct lies at the heart of Brisbane City and is arguably Australia’s most successful pedestrian mall, playing host to over 26 million visitors a year.
The Mall offers an unrivalled mix of local, national and international labels and flagship stores. Some 700+ retailers have made their homes here – many enjoy mall and street frontage, others are tucked away inside world-class centres and heritage-listed arcades. But if you want to get the most out of your visit head straight to one of the major department stores to maximise your time (and credit card) hassle free.
Queens Plaza has set the standard for glamorous sophistication. Each floor of designer labels begs you to spend more time here but it is Australia’s leading department store David Jones and more than 200 brand installations – including Australia’s first Chloe in-store boutique - that will leave you swooning.
Closer to the George Street end of the Mall is The Myer Centre. The Centre includes everything you need on a fashion front including Queensland’s largest Myer store, plus an eight screen cinema, restaurants, homewares and electrical goods.
After a day in Queen Street Mall take a leisurely five minute stroll across the Victoria Bridge to explore Brisbane City’s galleries and museums, South Bank parklands or our river.
New Farm & Fortitude Valley
Fashionistas flock to New Farm and Fortitude Valley for the latest designs found on James Street including Sass & Bide, Scanlan &Theodore, Mimco, Gary Castles, Chelsea de Luca and Brisbane new comers Francis Leon.
One street over is Ann Street, home to edgy urban boutiques like Nelson Molloy, Dogstar, Ultra Suite and local favourite spot for leading labels Blonde Venus. Blonde Venus almost single-handedly set the Valley's progressive fashion pace over ten years ago and continues to not only be one of Brisbane's most fashion-forward boutiques, but also Australia's. The store is the exclusive Australian stockist for a number of local and international labels including Richard Nicoll and House of Holland.
Further north on Ann Street is Emporium, an elegant shopping and restaurant precinct demanding respect for its variety of luxurious goods, jewelry stores and fine homewares. Jean Brown leads the charge as a highly compelling shopping experience for discerning shoppers seeking only the best from the world’s leading fashion houses including Yves Saint Laurent, See by Chloe, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Mui Mui, Marni, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne and many more.
Brisbane’s market culture is growing with the launch of the Valley Laneway Markets in August. Artists, musicians and local designers were hand picked to set up their stalls in the hidden laneways between Ann, Winn and McLachlan Street in the Valley. Open each Sunday from 10am to 4pm the Valley Laneway Markets is a great opportunity to grab a bargain and get in on the vibrant Valley action.
Paddington
Paddington is one shopping destination suitable for those looking for more personal, one-off pieces not found in chain stores. For a range of absolutely fabulous garments you didn’t even know you needed stroll down Latrobe Terrace for Chasing Bow, Meow Meow, Boudoir Chic, Petrol, La LaTrobe, Wallflower Suite and Thousand Island Dressing is a small selection available here. Knick-knacks, vintage collectables, pre-loved goods and simple treasures - Paddington is one shopping destination not to miss.
South Bank & Woolloongabba
South of the river lies a young, dynamic shopping strip waiting to be discovered. Grey Street in South Bank is home to Nancy King and Jonak while Little Stanley Street features a range of boutique retail outlets, hair salons, maternity wear stores, florists and cafes that will complete your south side shopping experience.
Another shopping hub gaining a must-see reputation (and not far from South Bank) is the Gabba Village on Logan Road, Woolloongabba. This quirky hidden gem is home to one violin maker, several vintage stores selling quirky pieces from the 60s and 70s, second hand furniture stores and a boutique fashion store all intermingled with leading eateries also pleasing the foodie set.
Visit the Shopping and Fashion page for more information.
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