A few of my favourite brands and creatives making glorious fashion, apparel, and accessories in Brisbane! If you love being able to wear the art you invest in (especially small batch, unique, and one-off pieces), this list might be a good place to start.
I’ve amassed quite a collection of beautiful Shibuya Moon creations! Designed and made in Brisbane by designer and illustrator Tiffany Atkin, Shibuya Moon pieces are “inspired by vintage costume jewellery and a little bit of magic”. They’re also super fun to wear, and even the big statement pieces are surprisingly comfortable and light. Keep an eye on her Instagram for the next restock date to be announced.
I fell in love with Alice Nightingale’s work when I discovered it on Etsy, and she now has a lovely brick-and-mortar store in California Lane, Fortitude Valley, as well. Australiana prints, cute embroidery, fun clutches featuring ibises, hand knitted jumpers with Aussie phrases…what more could you want? She also makes super cute swimwear and lingerie.
I bought my first piece from Silver and Cold last year and I adore it! Kachiri is the founder and one-woman operation, based on the Gold Coast, a self-taught jeweller who makes every single piece by hand, from scratch, in her home studio from recycled sterling silver and solid gold. There is a ‘ready to ship’ section on her website if you’re on a tight timeframe, and she also offers jewellery certificates.
Phoebe Paradise
Phoebe Paradise is the alter-ego of Brisbane-based creative all-rounder Phoebe Sheehy, independently owned and operated since 2014. The designs from Phoebe Paradise have an often grungy, distinctly Queensland feel – from the cigarette butts on the Ashtray Blouse to the outlines of wraparound verandas on the Home skirt. I bought my first Phoebe Paradise pieces last year and can personally vouch for the comfort and the flattering fit of the dresses.
Phoebe Paradise pieces are currently stocked through Practice Studio in Brisbane.
Handmade in Brisbane from original, hand drawn illustrations by Therese, Busy Head designs have a uniquely Australian feel. Ever wanted to wear a democracy sausage on your ears, or an ibis in a Santa hats to Christmas lunch? Busy Head has you covered. I personally adore her range of Australian native flower dangles, and she also does custom pet portrait earrings!
The Yippy Whippy jewellery (and apparel) range is all about fun, colour and unleashing your inner child! Everything is designed by Nicole in her studio in Brisbane, since 2016. You can order directly through the online store, or find Yippy Whippy through a number of Brisbane stockists.
Amy Crow // Future = Female + Friends // Forge Forward
Beginning in November 2017, Future = Female is a cool unisex streetwear brand designed by Amy Crow. F=F has hosted multiple pop-up events in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, and as a platform for local and interstate designers, makers, and artisans has supported ~50 independent creative designers and artists. Although there are no current pop-up stores you can still purchase some tees, prints, and pins via Amy’s website – F=F work features a lot of clean lines, good messages, and mythic imagery, which I love. In 2020, Amy opened Forge Forward, a multidisciplinary space and a platform for upcoming, emerging and established makers, designers and artists, in Fortitude Valley. Read more about Forge Forward on the website or keep an eye on the Instagram.
Shannan is the designer and creator behind Birdee and Star, and her designs are bold and fun. I also like that she has a focus on sustainability, using eco-resin when she can and packaging in recycled and eco-friendly materials. Purchase from her online store or one of her Brisbane stockists.
Kathy makes beautiful women and children’s clothing in bold prints and simple designs, predominantly cotton with the intention of avoiding synthetic fabrics. Check out the website for more details, or shop online via the Etsy store.
Kate and Lee-Anne make Elka Pretties, and you can shop online via their website.
I came across Sierra Rose’s retro designs at the International Cake Show Australia, and they took me back to baking with my mum as a little kid. I loved the idea of being able to have matching things with my mum. They ship internationally, and express to almost all of Australia, if you’d like to be matchy-matchy with a loved one who lives far away.
Serinda Jade creates jewellery from native flowers, encased in resin. Her earrings and pendants make the beauty of the bush wearable, and she does custom orders as well. Keep an eye on her Instagram for restock dates and to admire her pretty creations!
More lovely bold prints and basic cuts – Jericho Road was started by two sisters and the pieces are designed in Brisbane but manufactured overseas (details here). I’ve been admiring their recent ‘Purra’ and ‘Dino’ collections!
Want to be added to the list? Email me at backstreetbrisbane@gmail.com!
Stay safe, stay kind, look after yourselves and each other xx
Backstreet Brisbane 
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