10 top retailers in Melbourne

1. Aesop

You certainly won’t need directions to get to Aesop. You can smell the botanical beauty range – rich in rose, sage, aloe and citrus – from several doors away. The scent is a tantalizing introduction to this signature skincare range, founded on the ancient principles of apothecary.

Even the simple brown bottles hark back to the ritual of the early potion makers – giving the brand a sense of secrecy and exclusivity which is sure to lure beauty buffs looking beyond the common department store lines. Since beginning in Melbourne 18 years ago, Aesop has become a global bathroom fixture, with stores now in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. Its signature outlet in Melbourne is in Albert Coates Lane at QV, where the store never fails to delight with quirky installations like a floor strewn with leaves in autumn. Fans of Aesop swear by the brand’s remedies including delicate potions to cure spotty skin and tired eyes, just like a visit to the sacred medicine man all those years ago.

2. Crumpler

Louis Vuitton isn’t the only big name in travel accessories. Backpackers and urban groovers will love what Crumpler has done for the market, with its funky range of backpacks, messenger bags, computer bags and digits (bags for digital stuff). Its trademark material Chicken Tex, which is said to protect the bags from inclement weather and assassination attempts, comes in sassy colour schemes like oatmeal and orange, and lime and mint green.

Not only are the bags a refreshing take on the boring old black and navy satchel scene, they’re also immensely practical with thoughtful design features like extra pockets for cords and adjustable padded shoulder straps. Located at 85-87 Smith Street, Fitzroy.

3. T2 (Tea Too)

Tea Too might find its inspiration in the Oriental art of tea making, but its staff members are very Australian, with a friendly disposition and a special knack for gift suggestion. The loose leaf tea specialist puts a creative spin on traditional tea drinking, enticing customers with flavoured blends like Berry Ripe, Chrysanthemum Burst, Licorice Legs, the nutty Japanese green tea – Sencha – and the light and fruity “rooibus” from South Africa. In-store tea sampling and artistic gift packaging also add to the T2 experience. You’ll find four stores in Melbourne: the CBD, Fitzroy, Hawksburn and Chadstone Shopping Centre.

4. Ina Barry Gold and Silversmith

Rock band R.E.M was so impressed with Ina Barry’s jewellery that they not only bought several pieces, they requested a meeting with the artist herself. Regarded as the “wild thing” among the many dainty jewellery makers of Melbourne, Ina Barry’s Latvian heritage shows itself in medieval style amulets, rings and pendants that shock with their spikes, and dazzle with their precious stones. After selling her unique and sensual creations for a decade from her store in the city’s Block Place arcade, Barry now invites clients to come up to her new studio above the old shop, where she can design original pieces for those who like jewellery with an edge.

5. Husk

With a focus on global communities and adorning the body in celebration of one’s spirit and, Husk collects raw and beautiful fashion items to bring to life its earthy stores. The natural products hail from Australia and New Zealand, with an emphasis on creating a “sanctuary” at home. It’s why Husk abounds with water features to soothe, rugs to adorn and sculptures to surprise. For its recent 10th birthday celebrations, Husk invited its most coveted brands to designer an honorary product, which included a silk patchwork sarong by Vixen, ceramic egg vases by Anne Ronjat and Bouvier mandala jewellery. For the total sensory shopping expedition, Husk offers an in-house café with fresh juices, gourmet food and their signature Husk teas – which you’ll enjoy from one of their sun-drenched courtyards.

6. The Vintage Poster Gallery

A vintage poster can make all the difference for a sense of style and history. On High St, Armadale you’ll find one of Australia’s most impressive collections of lithographic design icons at The Vintage Poster Gallery. Great artists such as Henry Toulouse-Lautrec display the art of advertising lithographic masterpieces from the first half of the 20th century. French and Italian liquor brands like Campari carry their colourful and sensual branding across the decades. And there’s no shortage of classic advertising artwork in Chanel, Bally, Dior and The Olympic Games. Posters are all backed in linen or rice paper for longevity and are big enough to demand attention on the most imposing wall space.

7. Mecca Cosmetica

Haven’t succumbed to Botox but still like to splurge on expensive cosmetics? Mecca Cosmetica promises a colourful and indulgent world of big name beauty products, with elite brands such as Philosophy, NARS, Kiehl’s, Stila and Ren Skincare. And if you’re looking for somewhere to get your nails done while you’re in Melbourne, Mecca provides a Master Manicure with shaping, buff, cuticle treatment, sea salt exfoliation, massage, paraffin wax wrap and polish – all from the comfort of their stylish glass emporium.

8. Kay Craddock

At the Paris end of Collins Street, you’ll find rare books in a beautiful and mysterious building that’s like something out of the Harry Potter series. A romantic contrast to the sterile computer, these delicate and ornate hardbacks, date from the 15th to the 20th century, poised to take you back in time to the classics of Charles Dickens and Robert Browning. As one of Australia’s most famous book collectors, Kay Craddock recalls the original book store founded by her parents, with its opening collection of a seven-volume set of Macaulay's History of England, Darwin's Origin of Species, Davidson's The Great Pyramid, Revolt in the Desert by T. E. Lawrence and Why We Behave Like Human Beings by Dorsey. Fans of great literature won’t be disappointed by the current catalogue, which is a delight to leaf through in the quaint surrounds of The Assembly Hall Building, classified by the National Trust for its Gothic Revival architecture.

9. Il Papiro

You could be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere in Florence when you step inside Melbourne’s realm of handmade papers and personalised stationery. Founded in Florence in 1976, the Melbourne arm of Il Papiro is in Degraves St – one of the few outlets outside Italy.

The time-honoured collection of marble writing paper, leather-bound notebooks and writing inks will make you stop before you send the next SMS to relatives. Why mess about with an impersonal text message from your mobile when you can write tales of your adventure Down Under with a Venetian glass pen, enclosing your sentiments with a traditional wax seal. Signed, sealed, delivers, I’m yours

10. Fitzroy Nursery

Artistry inspired by Mother Nature is what Fitzroy Nursery does best. Positioned down the bohemian strip of Brunswick Street, you’ll find clever garden ornaments like birdbaths and fountains made from recycled glass, copper and stainless steel. Upstairs, you’ll find The Artists Garden, which is a fascinating exhibition space, featuring diverse works by new and emerging artists, many of whom call Fitzroy home. The unique works of art for the garden range from metal animal sculptures to colourful mosaic tables and wooden benches you won’t find at your local hardware store.