Six shops to explore in the inner south’s independent fashion boutique precinct
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Old Kingston and Manuka are where you need to go for an outfit with street cred which you won’t find being worn by someone at the same event!
There is a little triangle of flair around Green Square, and recently, and Things of Desire has recently moved from its Fyshwick warehouse to new digs in Manuka. 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!
Things of Desire
Since 1999, “Things of Desire” has carried an exclusive range of European fashion labels, individually selected from the continent (particularly from Paris) and chosen for their unique quality, design, and classic styling with a twist.
T.O.D is the labor of love of Angela Nichol and Alan Arab, two creatives who came together to import European labels to Canberra. After studying Fashion Design and Production, Angela had her own label and boutique, styling clients like Split Enz, Kate Cebrano and film maker Jane Campion in Melbourne. After meeting Alan and discovering his background in art and photography, they pooled their resources and ideas, and the brand was born.
After a brief sojourn in Fyshwick, Alan and Angela are now back in their original suburb, of Manuka, to provide expert advice and exclusive Italian labels such as Anna Pepe, Carla Giannini, Rosalie, Susie Mix, Viaggio and Mariella. TOD also carries Cherry and Alea from Paris, Artpoint from Vienna, and Planet from New York, to name just a few. They also stock a wide range of accessories, including jewellery, and bags made by artisans from the Prada factory in Tuscany.
Their new digs are in the National Trust Building.
34 Bouganville St Manuka | Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm or by appointment on 0412955911 |
Instagram @thingsofdesireplus | todesire.com.au
Goldfinch
Created by designer Megan Luhrs, Goldfinch the Label has an established studio and shop in Pambula. But a 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.
Signature pieces such as organic cotton denim skirts, wide-leg ’70s-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).
45 Jardine Street, Kingston | Open 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am – 5.30 pm Thursday and Friday, 10 am – 4 pm Saturday and Monday, and 10 am – 3 pm Sunday | Instagram @goldfinch_thelabel | goldfinch.store
Ted & Olive Boutique
Left to right, Alexandra Tierney, Brenda Tritton, Peta Milne by Bel Combridge Photography.
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.
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 10 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am – 3 pm, closed Monday | Instagram @ted_olive_boutique | tedandolive.com.au
Honeysuckle and Lace
Honeysuckle and Lace is a Kingston institution, and is now joined by other fashion stores in the area.
Maria Wolters set up this treasure trove of Australian and overseas designers almost 10 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 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 to Friday 10 am – 5.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5pm | Instagram @honeysuckle_and_lace
Momento Dezigns
For the fashion-forward seeking something a little different, head to Momento Dezigns for an extensive range of dresses that won’t be found anywhere else. Home to formal, party, cocktail, and evening dresses that will make heads turn, at this local boutique (that’s been running under the stylish eye of Roslyn Wright since 2008) you’ll also find on-trend outerwear and some funky accessories.
With brands like Bec + Bridge, Ginger & Smart, Mossman, Camilla, We Are Kindred, and more stocked, all we can say is you’ll want to bring your wallet for a shopping day here. Did we mention they also do in-person and virtual styling?
Shop 4, Manuka Court, 17 Bougainville Street, Manuka | Open Monday to Thursday 9.30 am – 6 pm, Friday 9.30 am – 8 pm, Saturday 9.30 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm | Instagram @momento_dezigns | momentodezigns.com.au
Department of the Exterior
Susan Taylor’s passion for innovative design saw her leave a career in law to open Department of the Exterior in Manuka in 2004.
Expect to find contemporary structured and conceptual fashion pieces and accessories, as well as classic styles with a twist, sourced from Australia and New Zealand. A true hidden gem, you’ll find it tucked away in the Manuka Court arcade.
With a focus on timeless style rather than fleeting trends, the boutique stocks brands like W’menswear, Megan Salmon, and Nancybird, each selected for their commitment to sustainability and distinctive aesthetic.
Shop 1, Manuka Court, 17 Bougainville Street, Manuka | Open 10 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am – 4 pm Saturday | Instagram @deptoftheexterior_manuka
Main Image: Ted and Olive Boutique by Bel Combridge Photography
