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

Wiradjuri woman and Ngali designer, Denni Francisco has just opened a new store in Docklands. Here you'll find beautifully tailored and mindfully-manufactured clothing featuring prints by some of Australia's most talented Indigenous artists. Pick up the easy-to-wear and elegant silk kaftan dress with matching belt or opt for a bold look with the sky binbal pants.

Limited edition slow fashion

Sustainable and Melbourne-made, Lumi’s threads are the antidote to fast fashion. You’ll find this label in a lofty space in the Nicholas Building’s ground floor Cathedral Arcade. Only ten pieces of each garment are made by a small in-house team. Thanks to this ethos, you’ll be wearing an ensemble that’s almost unique.

Cult-status Melbourne design

Another Cathedral Arcade gem, Kuwaii creates timeless designs right here in Melbourne. The label was launched more than 10 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.

Pop-up op shop

Get your hands on some chic new threads at the massive three-day Red Cross Pop-Up Shop this August. Head to Melbourne Town Hall to browse thousands of quality fashion items from Australian and international designers. There'll be new and second-hand pieces, all raising funds for the Red Cross' incredible work.

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 sustainable ethos. Think recycled wool wrap jackets, responsibly made organic cotton jeans and mulesing-free merino wool staples.

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, badges and patches. Rifle through feisty zines, or shop with a 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 merino wool knitwear, comfortable yet stylish dresses with pockets and everyone's must-have item in Melbourne – the classic black coat.

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 Nicholas Building you’ll find two such treasures – Ada Hodgson and Corky Saint Clair. Ada’s bespoke jewellery is made to order. Browse tiny charms, baroque styles and delicate studs. 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.

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 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.

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 pop-up to shop the local uniform. That’s bright prints, chunky platforms and ELK's cult-status colourful earrings.

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. 

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 new 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.