Sydney vs Melbourne: What is the Fashion Capital of Australia?

There is an ongoing debate over which city is the fashion capital of Australia. Whether this conflict can be settled remains to be seen. However, it is clear that both cities have earned their place as fashion centres within Australia and around the world. While Sydney shines in the arena of sports clothes and street wear, Melbourne is considered the Aussie ‘retail king.’ So, let’s compare fashions in these cities and see what they have to offer.

Shopping in Sydney

Any shopper, who walks down Smith or Chapel Streets, is aware that Sydney excels in the area of beachwear and trending street fashions. They have successfully combined sports jackets with lightweight trousers, jeans, t-shirts and an exciting assortment of trendy accessories for years. Shirts, pants and jeans, like the relaxed styles found at Johnny Bigg, provide some of the most popular trends in the city. Warm weather fabrics and casual lifestyle clothing provide shoppers with incredible options. It’s easy to find the latest trends in a city that naturally lends itself to a comfortable fit, rousing wardrobe selections, and unlimited accessories. From the designer to discount brands, Sydney is built on fashion.

Melbourne – The ‘Retail King’

While Melbourne also offers the latest street styles and accessories, Melbourne incorporates high style with designer brands.  Formalwear takes fashion to the next level, with sophisticated suits and tailored menswear and womenswear. Australian designers are earning international acclaim and many boutique shops provide some of the most cutting-edge designs in the world. An extensive selection of clothing and accessories provides shoppers with limitless options. From sleek monochrome sophistication to colourful knits, the city provides almost anything shoppers might want. With fabrics and materials that are appropriate for board meetings… to relaxed styles designed for daily errands, Melbourne seems to place an uptown twist on everything it does.

Sydney vs. Melbourne

Clearly, both cities keep raising the bar. With the ‘beach culture’ and street trends at the forefront in the world of design, Australia has it mastered. Australians have known for years that the secret of dressing well lies in the ability to match any style with ease. Textures and patterns are colourful and exciting, and tailoring includes the details necessary for a truly polished look. Australian style is clearly a cut above. Formal, casual, and in-between business attire can be found in the shops and malls within both cities.  Lightweight twill, cotton, denims, V-neck tees jackets, and sweatshirts are what Aussies understand. Designs are based on wear-ability and the Australians know how (and where) to shop.

While the argument isn’t likely to end soon, it can be said that both cities have an advantage. Moreover, Australia may well be on its way to becoming the fashion capital of the world with its inherent understanding of what makes fashion great! With top styles heralding from Australian, the designers ‘down under’ are earning global recognition for their groundbreaking contributors to the fashion industry. From Milan to Paris and New York, the world has taken notice and may very well need to make way for great Australian designs.

So, where do you think is the fashion capital of Australia? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below: