Antipodean – Australia’s finest!
PUBLISHED January 25th, 2013 03:30 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:18 pm
Any Nomads living in the Holland Village area will no doubt be thinking that I’m a little behind the curve on this one, but as a city centre dweller with no car, Holland Village feels a long long way away! So it was only recently that I had the chance to properly discover Antipodean, tucked away up a flight of stairs, on the second floor above Harry’s Bar. Yup yup, strange location but if it’s too obvious, it’s not on City Nomads right?! If you’re not paying attention, or keeping your eyes to the ground in-case some over-amorous drunk man hollers “ello darrrrrlin!” from inside Harry’s you could easily miss it, but keep your eyes peeled because once you ascend the stairs, it’s worth it…it’s a totally different world up there.
Focusing mainly on independent Australian and some local designers, Antipodean is light, roomy, nicely merchandised, and has a great mix of ranges that are either exclusive or stocked in only a few other outlets. Because of the great variety it stocks, from womenswear to accessories, homeware and gifts, even something for the trendiest babies in town, it’s the kind of shop that is hard to leave without purchasing at least something! You can treat yourself to a little luxury or pick up something cheap and cheerful just because you’re in the mood to spend a little something, which makes Antipodean very tempting, and quite dangerous!
Here’s just a few of our favourites from the store, but even since I popped in they’ve brought in new lines. Seems like I’ll have to make the trek up to the village again to check out the new arrivals!
Le Specs
There are many reasons why we LOVE Le Specs but mainly because the designs are very very funky and, if like us you are in the habit of losing, sitting on, or finding the dog eating.. your sunglasses, you’ll appreciate the prices. Ranging from $49.95 these exceptionally cool sunglasses, worn by Kwon Bo-a, Rihanna and Miranda Kerr (to name but a few) are the easiest way to make you instantly chic and put you in good fashion company.
WoonHung
There is something very organic and ‘soul sister’ about WoonHung’s wooden bead necklaces. The soft colours and tactile quality of the beads are perfectly countered by a modern aesthetic that stop them straying into hippy territory and firmly in fashion. These statement necklaces are elegant and simple and as the beads are all hand dyed, each piece has a unique shade and quality which comes from real, honest craftsmanship. Prices start at $39.
Staple the label
I’ve talked about Staple the label before, what can I say, I’m a fan! It is adventurously individual, with strong, intriguing silhouettes, unique detailing and clever sophistication. Staple the label launched early 2009 in Sydney, with designers Victoria Bolton and Karla Rose at the helm, their contrasting backgrounds of London street cool and laid back Australian chic blending well to create cutting edge styles for the more experimentally fashionable girl. Prices start at $80.
Samantha Wills
Bold, bright and affordable with an ethnic flavour, Samantha Wills jewellery is all about statement pieces for the every day. Featuring natural stones and crystals, a piece from her collection is bound to lift your outfit and your mood! Prices start at $90.
Minnetonka
Pound the streets in these delightful little moccasins, the most adorable foot packaging I’ve seen recently (prices start at $79.99). Since I was there, new stock has come in and Minnetonka have introduced a little leopard print to their designs, making the impossibly cute, even cuter but with a bit of grrrrr!
You’ll find it very easy to while away a few hours shopping in Antipodean and a bit of a joy to do so. With everything in limited quantity and constant new arrivals, there’s a sense of exclusivity and discovery in this girlish treasure trove.
Written by Heh Zee
