Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to. We also want to sniff out the best spots people find overseas.
May marks one of the most exciting months in the fashion calendar: Australian Fashion Week. Before long, hordes of the country’s most well-dressed will be flocking to Sydney in search of trendy boutiques and hidden spots to eat and discuss the day’s events. One person who knows the city inside and out is local fashion designer, Alix Higgins.
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Alix first moved to the city after growing up in Sydney’s South in a small town called Otford. Although he left for a few years to study and work in Paris, Alix returned to Elizabeth Bay and opened his own retail space in Sydney’s Chinatown (Haymarket?), where he sells pieces from his collections and one-off styles.
“Sydney is so sexy,” Alix says. “It’s also such a small place. Consequently, work and play often blend into one, and you always run into ten thousand people.”
Not only is Sydney armed with all the perks of living in a metropolitan area, but the ocean is at your disposal. Whether you’re heading over for AFW or thinking about a weekend trip, these are Alix has plenty of recommendations for places to eat, drink and shop.
Eat
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“Bar Vincent in Darlinghurst is lovely – it has incredible pasta, wine and waiters. However, my other notable favourites include Fratelli Paradiso and Chaco Bar in Potts Point, Parami in the CBD, Fontana in Redfern and Abdul’s in Surry Hills.”
Shop
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“I only really buy vintage and I get most of it online at sites like The RealReal. But in Sydney I like RTTS, Love and Pop and Qurated. It’s inspiring to see a new generation of fashion spaces.”
To visit
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“China Heights gallery in Surry Hills, run by dear friends of mine Edward Woodley and Nina Treffkorn, is a Sydney institution and such a warm, bright and welcoming space. The openings happen every few Fridays and it’s ever changing, dynamic, strong, chic and cool.”
Date spot
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“Dear Sainte Eloise in Potts Point is great. I love the anchovy toast and the gin and tonic and the interior is so warm. Also the Orpheum in Cremorne is really beautiful.”
For a celebration
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“Bar Fredas is my favourite place to party! The team is so sweet, I had my birthday party and show afterparty at their Darlinghurt spot last year. Formerly Café Freda’s, they’ve recently relocated to Chippendale and I’m really excited to let my hair down there. It’s always chic and crazy… and it’s the only place that lets me DJ even though I have no idea what I am doing.”
The ideal day
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“Start with a class at One Hot Yoga, then head over to Primary Coffee in Potts Point. Take a long walk and read in McKell Park, before having lunch at Fratelli Paradiso.
Visit Potts Point Bookshop for some browsing and have a little swim at Lady Bay. Maybe pop into Capybara to experience the bathhouse.
Then head to Fontana for dinner, go to Fredas for drinks and Palms for dancing.”
Keep up with Alix here.
This article City Guide: A week in Sydney with fashion designer, Alix Higgins appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-05-08 09:24:00
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