Melburnians are blessed with access to some of the most diverse and unique local designs. Focus your next spree on all things made-to-last with these talented makers, designers and small business owners.

Books and vases on a table

Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop

After opening on International Women's Day in 2020, QVWC! Shop has been a hub for the city's best female and non-binary artists and designers. Love a quirky accessory? Peruse Candy Ng's cute badges and patches, adorable pottery by Hakea Victoria, and diorama earrings from Funky Fun You. Or shop with a purpose and buy from social enterprises like Sisterworks. It's even located at the site of Victoria's first women's hospital.

The interior of a shop with red walls and red carpet

Christine on Collins

Christine Barro is one of Melbourne's most iconic retail figures, with a long history of high-end shopping. Once a buyer for Georges department store, she sourced Prada and Fendi for the Australian market in the 1970s. Now, Christine’s self-titled shop is an unmissable Paris end icon. Where else would you find brands started in the 12th century by Dominican monks next to glimmering designer jewellery?

A woman browsing a jewellery display in a geometric window of a boutique.

e.g.etal

You'll find this treasure trove in a beautiful new space on Little Collins Street. Jewellers Emma Goodsir and Ali Limb opened the first e.g.etal store more than 20 years ago to create a space to showcase exciting local talent. Today you can browse modern styles from independent Aussie and international designers, from statement cuffs to sculptural work of art rings.

An orange scooter outside a shop

Clementine's

Home to handmade Victorian produce and products, everything in Clementine’s is charmingly local. Owner Melanie Ashe is so Melbourne she lives a mere minute's walk away from her Degraves Street store. Pay her a visit to pick up rooftop honey, street art inspired gifting, fierce fashion and more. Snap a pic with the orange Vespa on your way out to make your visit even more iconic.

A woman walking into a shop

Kuwaii

Started more than 10 years ago by local designer Kristy Barber, Kuwaii creates timeless designs with a focus on sustainability. That means quality craftsmanship, low volume runs, limited edition prints and trans-seasonal staples. The end of season sale is always a treasure trove of gorgeous pieces, too.

A woman browsing bags and accessories at an Elk shop.

ELK

Co-founded by Marnie Goding in Melbourne in 2004, this playful fashion brand is now loved around the world. ELK's styles are Scandi-inspired but Melbourne in spirit. Every piece is designed in Melbourne with sustainability in mind. Visit the Carlton store to shop the local uniform of bright prints, chunky platforms and ELK's cult-status colourful earrings.

Red jacket, bag and dress on hangers.

Jacqui Fernandes

Jacqui Fernandes is an Australian fashion house offering a range of women's clothing and accessories showcasing contemporary and understated beauty. Specialising in coats, leather, and evening wear, the dresses are striking in their simplicity. The collection of designer French handbags, cashmere wraps and precious jewellery emphasises the house-style.

The exterior of the Nicholas building.

Underground Sundae in the Nicholas Building

You’ll always find something new at Underground Sundae. Founded by Kiwi designer Annemieke Ytsma, this local jewellery label works out of studio three on level six of the Nicholas Building. Delicate yet self-aware, their quirky style blends chains and charms, stones and pearls. Check out the Us by Us earring sculptures of customisable hoops and studs.

Two large love heart shaped earrings with the Australian Aboriginal Flag depicted on them

Haus of Dizzy at the Melbourne Museum store

Founded by Indigenous Australian designer Kristy Dickinson, Haus of Dizzy is one of the coolest jewellery brands in town. Think bold, glittery earrings rooted in Indigenous activism and female empowerment. Find her bedazzled wares at the Melbourne Museum store. Photo via Melbourne Museum website.

More female-led businesses in Melbourne

Eureka 89 Dining & Events

Eureka 89 Dining & Events

Enjoy the view from the southern hemisphere's highest dining space.

Nimbo

Nimbo

Nimbo is a hidden specialty dessert cafe in Hardware Street focusing on seasonal bingsu and toast.

Mabu Mabu - Big Esso

Mabu Mabu - Big Esso

An all-day bar and kitchen showcasing Indigenous food by Torres Strait chef Nornie Bero.

Hidden Secrets Tours

Hidden Secrets Tours

Indulge and discover the city's hidden charm with Melbourne's original laneway walking tours.

Willows & Wine

Willows & Wine

A West Melbourne bar offering books, wine and cheese.

Lune

Lune

The place to go for a pain au chocolat, almond croissant, ham and gruyere, or lemon-curd cruffin

Agathé Pâtisserie

Agathé Pâtisserie

An authentic French pâtisserie serving cakes, pastries and baked treats.

Nomad

Nomad

Upbeat restaurant on Flinders Lane, serving contemporary cuisine with Middle Eastern accents.

Last updated on Mon 5 Feb 2024

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ELK

ELK

Original and contemporary fashion, jewellery, bags and footwear.

Camilla and Marc

Camilla and Marc

Australian luxury fashion brand creating high-end clothing and accessories for women.

Melko

Melko

Bringing unique South American designs to the streets of Melbourne.

Aje

Aje

Aje is an Australian fashion house dedicated to raw beauty, tough femininity and effortless cool.