Canberra’s newest fashion boutique precinct.
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Old Kingston has received a serious injection of fashion cred in recent months with two new independent boutiques joining the already popular Honeysuckle and Lace and creating a little triangle of flair around Green Square.
So next time you are in the hood, set aside some proper time to pop in and give these stores the attention they deserve. You won’t be disappointed!
Goldfinch
Created by designer Megan Luhrs, Goldfinch the Label has an established studio and shop in Pambula. But a recent family move to the area prompted Megan to set up a sweet little shop.
Goldfinch the Label is all about designs for women who value sustainable and ethical fashion pieces that last.
Megan Lurhs
Signature pieces such as organic cotton denim skirts, wide leg 70’s-style pants and floaty OEKO-TEX approved linen styles that are the real deal when it comes to Australian Made, ethical fashion.
Megan also stocks a line-up of Australian-made jewellery, accessories and body products which are curated with eco values at their core, including Bopo Women, Redpeg Jewellery, Tiggy by Cuddington leather bags and belts and delicious candles by Posie and Schmoody scents.
You’ll also find statement international pieces including Stutterheim rain walker boots, Maison Hotel garments and the amazing SÜK workwear for women (for those days when nothing but a boiler suit is going to cut it in the wardrobe stakes).
Goldfinch has a sustainable fashion ethos.
Megan’s love of mid-century styling has made this quirky little boutique a fun space to absorb—from the breeze block counter, velvet curtained change-room and a sweet sounding playlist vibing from retro speakers (if you love it go ahead and download it here).
Cusack Building, Eyre Street Kingston
Open 7 days at “working mum random hours but most days 10-4.30 and Fridays til 6pm”.
Follow on Instagram @goldfinch_thelabel
Online www.goldfinch.store
Ted & Olive Boutique
Similar to Goldfinch, Canberra’s Ted & Olive Boutique is an offshoot of a successful store which has been running in Wagga Wagga since 2019.
Started by two friends, Brenda Tritton and Alexandra Tierney, who first met in the bearpit of NSW Parliament (before losing their jobs after a by-election), they’ve created an independent boutique showing the best of Australian fashion that was previously only able to be accessed in the big metropolitan areas. They have also forged a reputation for engaging with their customers, offering private styling session, VIP nights and fashion parades where a real community has developed.
Left to right, Alexandra Tierney, Brenda Tritton, Peta Milne by Bel Combridge Photography.
This year, the Canberra store became a reality given that Alex’s mum Peta lives here (Alex went to school here too) and many of their labels are not available in Canberra such as Agolde, Nobody Denim, Amber Sceats, Hansen and Gretel, Iris and Wool, Jets, and Zulu & Zephyr.
With a tag line borrowed from Coco Chanel, Alexandra, Brenda and Peta believe “a woman should be two things. Who and what she wants.”
“From premium denim to fine silk wool and linen fabrics, our brands have focus of beautiful detailing and luxurious national fabrics all designed and some made here in Australia,” said Alex.
2/22 Jardine Street Kingston
Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5.30, Saturday-Sunday 10am-3pm, closed Monday.
Follow on Instagram @ted_olive_boutique
Online tedandolive.com.au
Honeysuckle and Lace
Maria Wolters set up this treasure trove of Australian and overseas designers almost ten years ago and has a dedicated clientele of women who love her eye for exactly the right piece.
A former hairdresser, Maria worked for Maggie T when her kids were little and hated how little real choice there was for curvy women in Canberra. She took matters in her own hands and created her own store.
“My aim with the store was just to look after my customers the best I could to help them feel comfortable, beautiful and confident and offering quality pieces that they would get many years wear out of.”
Honeysuckle and Lace is a Kingston institution, and is now joined by other fashion stores in the area.
Honeysuckle and Lace stocks gorgeous knitwear from Eribe from Scotland, Ivko from Serbia, Mia Fratino cashmere and Australian label Uimi.
Their stretch silk range Dea Kudibal will change your way of looking at silk (it’s durable, low-maintenance and machine-washable!) while blazers from blazers from Mosmosh contrast with the ultimate in femininity By Ti Mo vintage inspired pieces. Keep your eye out for Coster Copenhagen colours (you can’t really miss their prints and stand out details) as well as Joey, Australian designed and embellished luxury.
Maria says “I think women come to us because we are real and down to earth. We offer wonderful customer service, a safe place where you can be yourself and feel like you are with group of girls who want the very best for you. Our shop is a feast for the eyes, there are so many wonderful pieces to fall in love with.”
We can attest to that.
39 Jardine Street Kingston
Open Monday-Friday 10am-5.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm.
Follow on Instagram @honeysuckle_and_lace
Main Image: Ted and Olive Boutique by Bel Combridge Photography
