What's Selling In - Mosman, NSW

It has a residential strip that's been dubbed The Millionaire Mile and is listed as one of the most expensive suburb in Sydney. Situated on a plush headland 7km north of Sydney's city centre, Mosman is clearly better known for its pedigree posse than for its fashion offering.

That's not to say, however, that fashion doesn't play a part in this north shore suburb.

Along Military Road, a smattering of high-street and high-end shops cater to locals including Country Road, Marcs, Carla Zampatti, Studibaker, Andiamo and Ignazia. The area's main shopping centre is also located on the strip along with the Mosman Village Plaza, which is on the corner of Mandolong and Military Road.

Designs by Kanchi, a boutique owned and operated by Australian womenswear designer Kanchi Williams, is one of many businesses catering to the higher-end designer market. Each year, Williams produces an exclusive transeasonal collection which includes eveningwear, daywear and luxury separates. She also stocks exclusive, limited-edition collections from Australian jewellery designers such as Lisa Marinucci.

Williams says what sets her apart from her competitors - and being Mosman, there are more than a few - is that her store also doubles as a head office.

"I create my own path and do not worry about competition," she explains. "The Kanchi boutique is the brand's home and therefore is showcased in keeping with its philosophy."

Marine lifestyle brand Henri Lloyd, which recently underwent a feng shui friendly revamp, also boasts a strong point of difference. Its easy-to-wear range of clothing, footwear and accessories is stocked in an "eye-catching" manner with a ladder of polo shirts, baskets and nautical-themed fittings. 

"Anything that creates an area that is more inviting, more pleasurable to be in has got to be a good thing," owner Fran Burke says.

The brand's latest collection includes nautical basics for men and women in hues of mint, blossom and vanilla as well as more traditional tones of red, blue and white.

Both Henri Lloyd and Designs by Kanchi are located along Military Road, Mosman.

Lowdown
Location: 7km north of the Sydney Central Business District
Population:  25,355
Stores: Designs by Kanchi, Henri Lloyd
Brands: Designs by Kanchi, Henri Lloyd, Lisa Marinucci.

By Assia Benmedjdoub