Eclectic. It’s an overused word, but one that’s so synonymous with Paul Smith it’s hard to find any other that suits so well. The new Paul Smith Melbourne store is no exception. Its walls are lined with everything from Ken Russell photographs to antiquated objects – think rusted horseshoes and old bone china – that have been mounted and framed. Glass cabinets offer up hardcover copies of Le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy as readily as they do exotic jewellery pieces.
But the focus is still on the fashion. Spanning two floors of light, bright space in the Gothic-windowed Professional Chambers building on Collins Street (some windows now painted in colourful Paul Smith stripe), you’ll find both menswear and womenswear well represented. For the Paul Smith fan there’s plenty to choose from: items range from all manner of accessories to full suits or outfits, plucked from Smith’s secondary lines as well as his runway collections.
A definite highlight: the shoe room, dedicated to men’s and women’s footwear (shared only with some equally impressive bags and leather goods). Women especially, head here for the androgynous flat brogues and boots.
To visit the new Paul Smith store head to 120 Collins Street, Melbourne.
