Hanging for a retail fix this weekend? We have you covered.
Sales round-up
Unless you have been hiding in your walk-in wardrobe, you'd know Friday night kicks off Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the annual weeklong event where we shiver while dreaming of summer.
There are plenty of pop-ups and activities to coincide with the festival. Mauritian-born newcomer Erik Yvon is providing one of them by teaming his unisex luxe streetwear with Twofold's 3D-printed jewellery.
Other great finds will be available all week long at the Makers and Shakers Emerging Design Market, which will feature everything from lingerie to jewellery and spring racing headwear from Bonnie Evelyn Millinery.
Erik-Yvon x Twofold is at Level 2, Building 80, RMIT, 445 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Open daily until September 12, 10am-6pm.
Makers and Shakers Emerging Design Market, Melbourne Town Hall, Corner Swanston and Collins streets. Friday 5pm-10pm; Saturday, Sunday 10am-5pm; Monday-Friday 11am-6.30pm.
For more MSFW events, visit msfw.melbourne.vic.gov.au.
The Makers and Shakers Emerging Design Market, part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, will feature a different line-up of talent each day. Photo: MSFW
In case that doesn't fill your market quota this weekend, head to Prahran for The Creators Market, which will feature a host of goodies made by local artisans and designers. Handmade candles by Mialla Candles and refashioned storybooks-turned-notebooks from Found n Bound are among the items on sale.
Prahran Town Hall, Corner Chapel and Greville streets, Saturday 10.30am-4pm.
Mialla Candles is one of many artisan companies taking part in the Creators Market at Prahran this weekend.
Hands up if you don't like shoes! Hmm, just as I thought. Good news for you then with Armadale's Bared Footwear holding a massive three-day sale. I have seen photos of the queues, so get in early. All current stock is discounted by up to 70 per cent.
1098 High Street, Armadale. Friday 9.30am-7pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm.
Bared Footwear has up to 70 per cent off current stock at its Armadale store this weekend only.
Just opened
Here's one for the guys (and I promise to bring you more menswear in the future). English-born Christian Kimber started his eponymous luxury shoe label three years ago and has stocked the likes of Barney's, Bloomingdales and Harrolds.
Now, thanks to his girlfriend's expired visa, he's moved to Melbourne and opened a flagship store in Fitzroy. His collection of small-batch luxury sneakers and shoes are all handcrafted in Italy but inspired by the architecture of the world, including Federation Square. Prices range from $300-$500.
The store has an urban loungeroom vibe, which encourages customers to feel the shoes and ask questions of Kimber himself, who will be based at the store for six months.
264 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Friday 11am-7pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday Noon-5pm; Monday closed; Tuesday-Thursday 11am-6pm.
The flagship Christian Kimber store in Fitzroy offers a hands-on luxury experience in men's footwear. Photo: Jason Paparoulas
Like some of Australia's most successful fashion labels, Francesca jewellery began as a market store. The Tasmanian sisters behind the mid-priced costume brand have just opened – as in today – their first mainland store, at Melbourne Central. Being rose-gold junkies at TSW, we love the triangular opera studs. Or for something a little more opulent, the Madden earrings get our vote.
Shop 231, Melbourne Central, La Trobe Street. Saturday-Wednesday 10am-7pm; Thursday-Friday 10am-9pm.
Tasmanian jewellery company Francesca has just opened its first mainland store, at Melbourne Central. Photo: Jason Paparoulas
#inthecart: bangin' backpacks
Everyone needs a good backpack. For yoga, travelling or just general schlepping around, it's a style that is not only on trend but also good for your posture.
Mimco has just released its Splendiosa collection, which is a perfect size for a quick workout change, a trip to the shops or an alternative to lugging a handbag around on holidays.
Sling one of these babies over your shoulder and you're away.
Do you know about a good sale? Email The Sale Whisperer.