While the Gold Coast may have the persistent reputation as a big beach town, the local fashion scene is close on the heels of our Southern neighbours. Whether it is the super talented Australian designers they stock, or the enlightened buyers at the helm of these boutiques, these Gold Coast boutiques will have you strutting your stuff with the sartorial big boys.
Here are some of our favourite places for picking up some slick new threads.
Emte
Burleigh
Nestled in our favourite fashion hub of James Street, lies Emte, a boutique that will ensure you empty your wallet after just one visit to the change room. Sleek and minimalist, this little gem offers a curated selection of Aussie fashion and accessory labels, like Byron’s F + H Jewellery and Quay Sunglasses as well as dreamy pieces from Finders Keepers, Steele and C/MEO Collective.
Sean Scott Boutique
Burleigh
You’ll feel as cool as Parko carving up waves below the headland as you enter a boutique born of salt and ocean devotion. Local legend and photographer, Sean Scott has created a space decked-out with warm timber fit-outs and quality streetwear. Grab hand-made rattan bags, beautiful linen slips and cotton jumpsuits to elevate your inner beach babe. Even better? It’s conveniently located just a few doors down from Emte, so you can shop up a storm in no time.
About A Girl
Nobby Beach
Reflecting Nobby’s contemporary-casual persona and brimming with quality, at About A Girl you’ll find beach-street styles like One Teaspoon denim cut offs, All About Eve playsuits, Sol Sana slides and Kivari floaty dresses. The owner remembers your name here and stocks adorable gifts and goodies for that last-minute present on your way to birthday sundowners at Hellenika down the road.
White Bohemian
Palm Beach
Creative spirits, set your third eye on Palmy’s bohemian bounty. This sweet store is a must-visit for all things festival, weekends away, and wanderlust cravings in general. Think floaty, floral, earthy and vintage. Stocking renowned Byron Bay labels like Arnhem Clothing, Spell Designs, and Amilita, this home-grown store doubles as a leg-up for new local brands and we’re all about that.
Isabelle Quinn Studio
Mermaid Beach
Local designer Isabelle Quinn is all about creating beautiful pieces for the romantic, unconventional and carefree modern girl. Working out of her Mermaid Beach studio and with a focus on creating a sustainable, zero-waste business, Quinn creates truly stunning pieces from velvet wide leg pants and a yellow faux fur coat to beautifully simple silk slips and cheeky tees. The best part? You’ll be supporting an epic local creative whilst upping your style game.
Bird On A Wire
Burleigh
Carefully selected pieces find a home at Burleigh's Bird On A Wire, hidden on the lower Gold Coast Highway, next to Commune. Boho and homey, adorned with crystals and leather, you’re bound to find a statement piece you never knew you needed. The cosy space is perfect for relaxed browsing and one-on-one friendly style advice.
Love St
Miami
Step back in time at Gold Coast designer Tara Fletcher’s passion project Love St. Channelling free love, femininity and florals to a soundtrack of The Doors, this 60s and 70s-inspired shop is frequented by music-loving, world-inspired cuisine-eating locals who frequent Miami Marketta. Think crochet kaftans, bamboo clutches, flowing maxi dresses and rattan bags.
Looking for more shopping inspo? Check out our favourite homewares stores on the Gold Coast.
Image Credit: Mike Von/Unsplash