The insider’s guide to Melbourne’s coolest brands

Any firsttime visitor to Australia should absolutely not miss a trip to Melbourne, a city renowned as much for its unparalleled quality of life as for its excellent coffee, dizzying array of fabulous restaurants, and energetic cultural and artistic scene. Plus, the coastal city is full of homegrown brands producing everything from artisanal candles to the perfect street shoes.

Melbourne’s nine coolest brands

Seek out these nine brands and feel like a Melbourne insider.

Alchemy Produx

Founded by artisans Sara and Tristan, Alchemy Produx produces handmade candles from natural soy wax. With backgrounds in fashion design and chemistry, the duo’s collaboration was born out of their experimentation with soy wax a few years back. The minimalist and industrial inspired candles are hand poured in small batches and made to order in their Melbourne studio.

Bëuy

Jewelry designer Taë Schmeisser creates striking seasonal collections made from various materials and techniques under her label Bëuy. Currently, her pieces are available in stores across Australia and New Zealand, and through her online store.

búl

Virginia Martin launched fashion label búl in 2010, and the brand has since grown into one of Australia’s recognized contemporary labels. The búl aesthetic is at once classic and unique, favouring unusual shapes and impeccable tailoring.

Capra Designs

A collaboration between Bianca Lambert and Thomas Wilson, Melbournebased Capra Designs produces original accessories for displaying plants in the home, including handmade resin vessels and steel plant hangers and stands.

Fujinella

Melbournebased fashion label Fujinella creates clothing that could fit easily into any woman’s wardrobe. The timeless and versatile designs are produced in monochrome colours and made from long lasting, machine washable fabrics, and best of all, can be worn in all seasons.

Kester Black

Founded by Anna Ross in 2012, Kester Black is now one of Australia’s leading skincare and manicure brands. Not only are all of Kester Black’s products made in Australia, they are also ethically and sustainably produced using recyclable materials, and contain over 97 percent natural ingredients.

Radical Yes!

Radical Yes! was launched in 2013 by Kerryn Moscicki, who was seeking the perfect street shoe that blended fashion with comfort. She decided to take on the challenge herself, and the result is a brand that has developed a cult following for its creative approach to comfortable shoes.

Togetherness Design

Esther Sandler was studying textile design in Melbourne when she launched Togetherness Design in 2011. The brand offers playful fashion and homeware pieces — including bags, cushions, and jewelry — characterized by vibrant colours and interesting patterns.

WENDY VOON

WENDY VOON is a Melbourne based knitwear label founded in 2005. Owner and designer Wendy Voon creates sensual, luxurious pieces, working on domestic knitting machines and collaborating with a local knitting mill.