Slow fashion is about creating clothes with quality and longevity stitched into every seam. So, if you’re over soul-less mass-produced apparel, then we have 4 words for you: Made in Brisbane Arcade!
Book-ended by the Queen Street Mall and Adelaide Street, Brisbane Arcade has been the home of fashion designers and doyennes since the 1930s.
In 2020, it’s still where you’ll find fabulous creators of couture – not simply selling their designs, but conceiving and creating fashion in the arcade itself.
Busy workshops are both on show – and hidden away – within this beautiful gallery.
From milliners to gem-cutters to fashion designers, Brisbane Arcade is a hive of creative activity – resulting in one-of-a-kind, bespoke clothes, accessories and jewellery.
For 20 years, Brad Webb of Darb Bridal Couture has been making the dreams of would-be brides come true.
Darb’s elegant store is downstairs in the arcade – but it’s upstairs, in his Parisian-style garret studio, that Brad makes sartorial magic.
Having built close relationships with international suppliers, Brad sources the finest silks, laces and adornments from Europe and Asia – to create award-winning bridal gowns.
Quality over quantity is the catch-cry of so many Brisbane Arcade fashion stores – including perennial makers of bespoke women’s garments, Irma J Smith House of Fashion.
Julie Tengdahl is a long-time champion of ‘slow fashion’ and her enduring label shows it.
With a philosophy of sustainability and mindful production, Tengdahl curates quality fashion that’s made to last – and offers a custom service for ladies who don’t always fit stock sizes.
Tengdahl has a beautiful boutique downstairs and a busy workshop upstairs in the Brisbane Arcade gallery – so the journey from conception and creation to sale is seamless.
So, you’ve bought your beautiful, bespoke outfit – now it needs a little bling to set it off, right?
Look no further than Robert White Jewellers where you can drape yourself in a virtual galaxy of sparkle!
Hannah and James White are the brother and sister team behind this long-standing jewellers. In fact, the Robert White store – established by their late father – is the arcade’s oldest tenant.
Creators of bespoke, hand-made jewellery, Hannah and James love to collaborate on pieces with their customers – from design to stone selection to the memorable moment with the finished product adorns its new owner.
If personalized bling is your thing, Brisbane Arcade houses no fewer than 20 jewellery designers and retailers.
There’s even an expert gem utter in-house and you can watch him at work, transforming a rough stone into something extraordinary.
Gemmologist Charles Lawson of Lawson’s Gems travels the world buying unique and precious stones while supporting fair trade ventures in developing countries like Madagascar.
If bespoke, one-of-a-kind speaks to you – then Brisbane Arcade is your go-to for fashion and jewellery.
