Melbourne's best sustainable fashion brands and designers

These Melbourne boutiques are filled with handmade fashion, one-of-a-kind gifts and locally-designed treasures.

Highlighting Indigenous artists at Ngali

Find beautifully tailored and mindfully-manufactured clothing at Ngali. Wiradjuri woman and designer, Denni Francisco incorporates prints by some of Australia's most talented Indigenous artists. Head to the Docklands store and pick up an easy-to-wear and elegant silk dress. Or add a splash of art to a simple outfit with a printed scarf.

Victoria's best gifts

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 a Melbourne cityscape tote bag, handmade toys or bold 'Art Attack' earrings. Snap a pic with the orange bicycle on your way out to make your visit even more iconic.

Cult-status Melbourne design

Cathedral Arcade gem, Kuwaii creates timeless designs and the majority of pieces are made in Melbourne. The label was launched more than 15 years ago by local designer Kristy Barber, with a focus on sustainability. That means quality craftsmanship, low volume runs, limited edition prints and trans-seasonal staples. Even the beautiful leather flatform sandals and boots are handmade.

Artisans in the Nicholas Building

The heritage-listed Nicholas Building is a treasure trove of Melbourne creatives. On the third floor, Brendan Dwyer handcrafts bespoke footwear. He uses quality leathers and traditional techniques to create standout pieces. On the 6th floor find race-day fascinators and custom headwear by Serena Lindeman. For more marvellous millinery, visit Louise Macdonald. She’s open by appointment on the 8th floor for made-to-measure designs and millinery classes.

Scandi staples

Not one for trends? Swensk believes in only stocking well-made clothes that you'll love forever. Visit the chic store to find a range of minimalist men's and women's styles. Browse pieces from Swedish fashion labels that reflect Swensk's ethos. Think relaxed fit jersey shirts, responsibly made organic cotton jeans and more.

Feminist Melbourne makers 

Queen Victoria Women's Centre SHOP! is a hub for the city's best female and non-binary artists and designers. It opened on International Women's Day in 2020, at the site of Victoria's first women's hospital. Pick up quirky accessories, pins and patches. Or shop with purpose and buy from social enterprises like Sisterworks.

Made-to-last staples

Melbourne label Alpha60 is big on quality, long-lasting pieces that you'll have in your wardrobe for years to come. Visit its stunning store in Chapter House for staple pants with interesting silhouettes. Transition into the warmer Melbourne days with breezy, lightweight shirts.

A perfectly-tailored suit

If we're to give you one piece of fashion advice, invest in custom-made pieces. Look no further than the experts at MR.CUFF for pants that fit like a dream and perfectly-tailored suit jackets. The talented team use age-old techniques and carefully select only the best quality fabric so you know you'll be going home with an item that will go the distance.

Local jeweller gems

Make a visit to these jewellers to adorn yourself in Melbourne-made pieces. In the Century Building you’ll find treasures like Corky Saint Clair. Corky’s look is a little quirky, with an added edge. Shop handcrafted silver shapes (will it be daggers or leaves?) and semi-precious stones. A Melbourne icon for more than 20 years, e.g.etal's space on Little Collins Street showcases new local talent.

Shop with purpose

Next time you're at Queen Vic Market, make a stopover at the Purpose Precinct. This sustainable fashion showcase brings together socially minded brands including streetwear brand HoMie. This Melbourne-based label directs 100 per cent of its profits to supporting young people affected by homelessness.

Sustainable style for all seasons

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 Little Collins Street store or the Carlton location to shop the local uniform. That’s bright prints, chunky platforms and ELK's cult-status colourful earrings.

Locally sourced gifts

Not only can they help you plan an epic day in Melbourne, the team at the Melbourne Visitor Hub can also help you pick out the perfect locally sourced gift. The hub’s retail selection features gorgeous products from Victorian makers, designers and artists. Pick up bold resin jewellery made with preserved native flowers, hand-painted ceramics from Indigenous designers, Melbourne tram socks, and more. Visiting the gardens? You'll also find the goodies tucked away in the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre.