I am a Melbourne local, but have only recently discovered this gorgeous store hiding down Flinders Lane. (there are four other stores in Melbourne)
As I walked in through the doors of Et Al I thought, “This is my kind of style.” The racks of beautiful clothes drew me to them. I walked along touching the gorgeous fluid fabrics, metaphorically salivating at the thought of how easy a collection of such cutting edge design would make it to style a client.
Anthony Capon was the winner of Project Runway Australia 2009 and the winner of the prestigious Emirates Melbourne Cup Design Award in 2010 and Et Al is now his showcase.
Et Al’s style is unique. Beautifully tailored, fluid pieces combined with top quality workmanship. All with a cutting edge approach to design, imparting a feeling of exclusivity. This is reinforced by the fact that pieces are limited in how many of each are produced. Conversely being inclusive by catering for sizes 8 – 18, uncommon in high-end brands. It feels like the brand understands that women can be beautiful, sexy and stylish at different sizes.
The colour palette is classic – black, white, grey with the “dirty” colours. Now and then a flash of red to counterpoint the basic spectrum. Print rarely features. The collection has a slight androgynous touch. There are beautiful imported Japanese fabrics, tactile with incredible flow. Plus the added bonus of a wardrobe of clothes that does not require ironing. Pieces mix and match for perfect layering. This also makes possible cross-seasonal use of many of the same pieces, by altering the layers. Pieces could be worn for many years, adding a few new ones to revitalize a look. Investment dressing. The pieces flow but there are structural pants to wear with them and gorgeous soft leather shoes.
The clothing is set off with an equally beautiful, original and edgy set of accessories. My favourite accessories were some amazing necklaces. Truly wearable works of art. I will be back for at least one of those for my own collection! Best shown off against a white shirt over the black slim leg pant.
The collection has so many style qualities that could describe it. It is edgy and stylish, contemporary and unique. I would take clients there looking for investment pieces that were unique. Clients looking to build a wardrobe of pieces they could wear for years and those clients to whom quality was important.
As for myself? This store is probably where a great proportion of my next pay packet will go……
http://www.showroom-comma.com
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