In the Fold

It has been operating since 1925, but Melbourne’s last artisan pleating company, Specialty Pleaters, is under threat. Now run by one man, Simon Zdraveski, who realises designs for Toni Maticevski and the Victorian Opera, among others, the company desperately needs funds to upgrade equipment and the website, so that it’s easier for a whole range of designers to place orders, as well as train new apprentices. To assist in a crowdfunding campaign, designers Penelope Gibbs and William Bon of Hokum have created an exclusive collection of finely pleated silk scarves as rewards for donations.

From Italy, With Love

Well-shod feet right across the country are no doubt already acquainted with Melbourne-based company Aquila. For more than 60 years, it has been designing stylish men’s footwear, but now it’s branching out. The Altair Collection is its first full range of apparel, designed right here in the city and manufactured from fine wool and linen in Italy, where much of it is handmade. Altair is available exclusively and in limited quantities at Aquila menswear stores.

Image: Derek Henderson

Summer Love

Founded in Melbourne in 2004, Elk is one of the city’s ‘runway’ successes. Creative director Marnie Goding creates simple, high quality designs, from timeless women’s fashion to men’s accessories that are stocked at more than 1,200 retailers in 20 different countries. This summer’s range includes relaxed blue jumpsuits, crisp tailored shirts and this Vekki pleated dress, shown here in white, but also available in black.

Image: Marnie Hawson

The Eyes Have It

Give your face a fashionable update with these sunglasses (from left to right: Fly Away in Golden Nautilus with 18kt lens; Grande & Sweet in Nautilus; Slice Of Heaven in Nautilus; Wingspan in Golden Nautilus with 18kt lens) from the new Ettore Blues collection by Lucy Folk. Inspired by the Memphis design movement – itself inspired by a Bob Dylan record – the collection also includes cocktail clutches and jewellery incorporating the shapes and style motifs made popular by Ettore Sottsass and materials including lapis, freshwater pearls, turquoise and gold.

Image: Victoria Zschommler

Dressing For Good

Say hello to Justice Denim. Melbourne stylist Debora Schultz has produced a range of ethical jeans that not only looks great, but does good, too. All products will be produced in Australia by traditional denim makers, plus a child liberated from sex slavery by Destiny Rescue will be provided with a week of schooling for every pair of jeans sold. Debora has released two styles so far – a mid-waist skinny jean and a maternity version – but expect more styles to be rolled out over summer.

Follow Your Nose

Signature scents are often equated with the rich and famous, especially now that half of the world’s celebrities seem to have released their own perfume. There’s no reason why you should be left out when it comes to personalised aromas, though. Book for one of the Metascent masterclasses – held every Saturday and Sunday afternoon at the Collins Street lab – and you’ll design a scent concept, develop it and finally create your own fragrance. Whether you’re into leather and musk or lavender and magnolias, you’ll finally have a scent to suit your personality.