2010-03-09 10:20:46 -
If you have seen the reality shows like “Australia’s next top Model” series, the concept of Sydney as the fashion capital will not be new to you. Australia's unique style and creativity that is the gift of the diversity of this land from the driest Outback to the luscious tropics of Tasmania, has enabled Australia to develop versatility and make its own identity on the international fashion circuit. Top notch designs from Australians such as Wayne Cooper, Collette Dunnigan, Akira Isogawa, Lisa Ho, and Easton Pearson are seen and sold through out the fashion market of
the world. To the surprise of those who still believe Paris to be the hub of fashion, there is no doubt that over the years Australia has snatched the lime light as well as the business from round the globe fashion industry and around 60 Australian labels are currently exporting their designs to boutiques and department stores in Asia, Europe and the United States.
So if you want to buy some of the Australia’s best designs, without paying the import duties and taxes…don’t miss out on shopping in the fashion capital of Australia, Sydney. Here, let me also tell you that fashion is no more the syllable for the moneyed and skinny. Any one or every one can enjoy them self in wearing what suits and buying what you can afford. The interesting thing about Australia is that, as the “Tailoring” has been waned over the years due to the large majority of working class who do not get time to order, or stitch their dresses, making boutiques affordable for all classes has become one vital element. In Australia, you can buy the cheapest dresses, shirts and coats and even if you are buying one form one of the dull looking no to famous shops; still it will be the most chic and fashionable outfit when you wear it in UK!
In Sydney, the greatest collection of clothing and accessories stores are to be found in the northern half of the CBD, starting from the Town Hall precinct, near the Queen Victoria Building. This Queen Victoria Building in the City Centre is a renowned, beautifully maintained, 19th century sandstone building and is home to over 400 stores. The stores in the building are laid out in a hierarchical style making it one of Sydney's more photogenic pieces of architecture. Like many other big malls you have been to, the basement level in the Queen Victoria has cheap, casual-fashion stores with a food court, the street level mid-range brand-name chains and level 3 is where various Australian designers, some European labels and Italian shoe stores are located. The best idea is to first roam around a little, see who has got what, at what price and than finally make your choice of the best out of the best.
Another shopping hub in Sydney is the Castlereagh Street, located in the City Centre. The street is easily identifiable as an “elite” shopping spot and is lined by many of Sydney's most expensive European-label boutiques and jewelary stores. If you are on a budget, than just roam around, shop around and get amazed by looking at the beauties walking in their 6 inch high heels.
If you are on a look for the Department stores, well there are only two of these in the City Centre, the first one named Myer and other is David Jones. Located adjacent to each other near the Pitt Street Mall, both stores offer standard department-store range of goods.
Other shopping spots include Pitt Street Mall (a pedestrian mall in the City Centre), Oxford Street, Warringah Mall, Paddington Market, Queen Street, Westfield Shopping Centers, The Bondi Westfield, DFO and Birkenhead Point (A multi-story factory outlet). Apart from shopping these malls are also a great recreation spot with water falls, fountains, pubs, bars, clubs and multiple activities.
Like shopping, flights to Sydney are also available in all price ranges. Cheap flights to Sydney from UK are available with British Airways (promotional offers), Qantas, Etihad and Singapore Airways. For more on cheap flights to Sydney visit
www.travelhouseuk.co.uk/flights/australia_newzealand/Sydney.htm 
