In partnership with the Strand Arcade
For more than 130 years, the Strand Arcade has stood proud in the heart of Sydney. A masterpiece of Victorian design brought to life by the vision of architect John Spencer in the late 1880s, the arcade – stretching 104 metres between Pitt and George Streets – rises four storeys high, adorned with cedar staircases that spiral up to the second and third floor galleries, and linked by a central bridge.
Every corner whispers of craftsmanship, details echoing the era's beauty and utility. Sydney's only surviving Victorian shopping arcade, the Strand Arcade has woven its story into the fabric of the city, offering a rare fusion of grandeur and intimacy, where each visit feels like a journey into the past.
By the early 1900s, Sydney had grown loud and crowded, but within the arcade, time seemed to slow. It became a retreat; a place where people stopped to escape the city’s rush, lured by the glow of electric lights – a modern marvel at the time. Visitors could wander beneath the Strand Arcade's high ceilings, drawn to shops overflowing with treasures from milliners, jewellers, and book dealers, who lined the floor, their hands busy at work behind counters, crafting their wares in full view. Alive with quiet magic – the hum of voices, the tinkling of shop bells – it has remained a warm, bustling haven, cradled in the heart of a rapidly changing city.
But the arcade is more than just a premium retail destination – it’s a richly woven tapestry of stories, each a cherished piece of Sydney’s creative heritage, helmed by experts in their field with impeccable customer service at the fore of their offering. Iconic Australian designers and beloved long-time retailers continue to breathe life into its historic walls. From The Nut Shop’s roasted treats – a family-owned business whose warm aroma has permeated the air of the Strand Arcade since the late 1930s – to culinary destinations like The Restaurant Pendolino – a haven for Italian fine dining enthusiasts, where artisanal pasta and carefully curated wines offer a taste of luxury – the Strand Arcade remains a cherished shopping and dining destination for those in the know.
Through the decades, the Strand Arcade weathered storms both literal and figurative. And today, it remains a sanctuary of style, where heritage and modernity entwine. Here, the RUSSH editors share some of their most beloved retailers at the Strand Arcade.
Aesop
Location: Shop 20, Ground Floor
As you enter on the ground floor of the Strand Arcade, you'll find yourself drawn to the intoxicating aroma of Aesop. Established in 1987, Aesop is an Australian skincare brand lauded for its meticulously crafted products that blend plant-based ingredients with scientific formulations. Known for its minimalist, apothecary-style packaging, Aesop's offerings range from skincare to haircare, each designed with a commitment to quality, efficacy, and sensory pleasure. The unique fit-out of their Strand Arcade home was designed in partnership with Melbourne's March Studio, blending alabaster, cooling green hues and amber glass to create a distinctly contemporary addition to the heritage-listed location.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Mist
Ouranon Eau de Parfum
Rind Concentrate Body Balm
P. Johnson Femme
Location: Shop 54, Level 1
As you arrive at the first floor of the Strand Arcade, you'll bump into PJ Femme, the feminine alter ego of men's tailor and clothier P. Johnson. The brand encompasses ideals about beauty, sophistication and inherent cool through tasteful, expressly feminine and expertly tailored wardrobe essentials. Offering both seasonal collection-based and permanent ready-to-wear ranges in its boutiques, each piece is crafted from top-shelf fabrics sourced from weaving partners in Italy, the UK and Japan.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Ava Blazer in Chocolate
Rose Wrap Skirt in Black
Black Moire Chelsea Dress
Rebecca Vallance
Location: Shop 50, Level 1
Next door, you'll find the home of Australian fashion label Rebecca Vallance, founded in 2011 by its eponymous designer. The brand has quickly become synonymous with modern Australian sophistication and luxury, known for its exceptional tailoring and ability to blend European-inspired fabrics with contemporary Australian aesthetics, offering everything from elegant cocktail dresses to versatile workwear.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Aubree Flower Mini Dress
Margo Pant
Odetta Mini Dress
Dinosaur Designs
Location: Shop 77, Level 1
On the other end of the arcade's first floor sits Dinosaur Designs' boutique, a must-visit iconic Australian brand founded by Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy in 1985. Renowned for its vibrant, hand-crafted resin pieces that blend art and nature, the brand’s signature designs, which include jewellery and homewares, draw inspiration from organic forms and colours, reflecting the founders' love for the natural world. Each piece, from their distinctive bangles to their sculptural vases, is made in their Sydney studio, emphasising their commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Medium Branch Bowl
Large Rock Jug
Medium Horn Vase
Camilla and Marc
Location: Shop 53, Level 1
Camilla and Marc also finds its home of the first floor, the brainchild of siblings Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman. Launched in 2003, the label has cemented itself as a cornerstone of Australian luxury fashion. Known for their polished yet effortless style, the brand excels in creating timeless, tailored pieces that feature clean lines, innovative fabrications, and striking silhouettes, making them a favourite among fashion enthusiasts.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Macie Sleeveless Cardigan
Palma Denim Jean
Port Tanger Mektoub Sunglasses
Viktoria Woods
Location: Shop 68, Level 1
Viktoria & Woods is another of the Strand Arcade's must-visit sartorial destinations on the first floor. Established in 2004 by Margie Woods, it's an iconic Australian fashion brand that has gained acclaim for its clean lines, modern silhouettes, and commitment to sustainability. The brand emphasises Australian-made production, using ethically sourced materials such as merino wool, organic cotton, and recycled fibres, aligning with its dedication to environmentally responsible fashion. With collections that feature versatile pieces, ranging from tailored outerwear to elevated basics, Viktoria & Woods has become a staple in the wardrobes of style-conscious women.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Ego Cardi
Hepburn Shirt
Austin Mule
Scanlan Theodore
Location: Shop 80, Level 1
Scanlan Theodore takes up residence at the far end of the first floor, in one of their biggest boutiques in the country. Founded in 1987, it's a renowned Australian fashion brand celebrated for its contemporary elegance and refined, minimalist aesthetic. The label is known for its luxurious fabrics, sophisticated silhouettes, and timeless designs, catering to the modern woman who values both style and substance.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Lace Long Skirt
Gingham Gather Dress
Ballet Flat
Sarah & Sebastian
Location: Shop 70, Level 1
Sarah & Sebastian's first-floor boutique is a sleek and minimal jewellery destination, founded by Sarah Gittoes and Robert Sebastian Grynkofki in 2012. The contemporary Australian jewellery brand is known for its minimalist aesthetic and artisanal craftsmanship. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted in their Sydney studio, often inspired by the ocean and natural landscapes, resulting in delicate, sculptural creations that blend art with wearable luxury. Committed to sustainability, the brand emphasises ethical sourcing and local production, making Sarah & Sebastian a favourite among those who value both style and responsible design.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Scale Hoop
Bar Chain
Neptune's Bracelet
Strand Hatters
Location: Shop 8, Ground Floor
Back on ground level, Strand Hatters has been a premier destination for hat enthusiasts since 1983. Renowned for its extensive selection, their boutique offers everything from classic fedoras and trilbies to modern caps, showcasing a curated range of both local and international brands. With expert staff providing personalised fitting and styling advice, Strand Hatters continues to be a go-to destination for those seeking quality headwear and a timeless touch of elegance.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Akubra Byron in Natural Straw
Akubra Angler in Loden
Tilley Abbott Bucket Hat in Olive
Dustins Jewellers
Location: Shop 23, Ground Floor
Dustins Jewellers, a cherished fixture in Sydney's historic Strand Arcade, has been crafting exquisite, bespoke jewellery pieces on the arcade's ground floor since the brand's establishment in 1977. Known for its masterful craftsmanship and personalised service, Dustins offers a range of fine jewellery, from elegant engagement rings to intricate custom designs, all meticulously crafted to the highest standards.
RUSSH editors are loving: The Jennifer Ring, 18carat yellow and white gold bangles, and Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Stacking Bands.
Robert Clerc Jewellery
Location: Shop 5, Ground Floor
Another distinguished name in the Australian fine jewellery scene on the ground floor of the arcade is Robert Clerc Jewellery, who has been crafting exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces for over four decades. Known for its unique blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, the brand offers a range of jewellery that includes elegant rings, statement necklaces, and bespoke creations, each reflecting Clerc's artistic vision. With a commitment to quality and timeless beauty, Robert Clerc Jewellery has become a trusted destination for those seeking sophisticated and expertly crafted adornments.
RUSSH editors are loving:
Horse Ring
Classical Scarab Earrings
Barrier Reef Element Pearl Earrings
