Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fitzroy & Around
Gertrude St has become one of Melbourne's most unique shopping strips. Smith St is de-
cidedly vintage, with small boutique stores - though its northern end, beyond Johnston St,
is jam-packed with clearance stores. Brunswick St is a mixed bag but does have some good
boutique designers from Johnston St to Gertrude St. Northcote's High St has an interesting
collection of homewares, vintage and young designer shops, too.
Third Drawer Down
(
www.thirddrawerdown.com
;
93 George St, Fitzroy; 11am-5pm Mon-Sat; 86)
It all started with their
signature tea-towel designs (now found in MOMA in New York) at this 'museum of art
souvenirs'. Third Drawer Down makes life beautifully unusual by stocking absurdist pieces
with a sense of humour, as well as high-end art by well-known designers.
Giant corn-cob stools and Rubik's cube salt grinders sit next to Rob Ryan's ceramic
plates and scarves by T Wei Wei. There's a fake novelty convenience store in the back
where you can pick up vegan foie gras and pizza cushions. It also has a small shop at CCP
(
Click here
)
.
DESIGN
CERAMICS
Mud Australia
(
www.mudaustralia.com
; 181 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm Sat, noon-5pm Sun; 86)
You'll find some of the most aesthetically beautiful - as well as functional - porcelainware
from Australian-designed Mud. Coffee mugs, milk pourers, salad bowls and serving plates
come in muted pastel colours with a raw matte finish. Prices start from $20 per piece.
Crumpler
ACCESSORIES
( 03-9417 5338;
www.crumpler.com
; 87 Smith St, cnr Gertrude St, Fitzroy; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 5pm Sun;
86)
Crumpler's bike-courier bags started it all, designed by two former couriers looking
for a bag they could hold their beer in while cycling home. Its durable, practical designs
now extend to bags for cameras, laptops and iPods, and can be found around the world.
If you're after something more specific, hop next door to the custom store where you can
have a bespoke bag whipped up in your choice of colours.
