You’ve got 24 hours on Queensland’s glitter strip – the Gold Coast. Not enough time to really bask in all that makes the Gold Coast glimmer and shine. But you can give it your very best and shop till you drop.
Queensland’s Gold Coast is famous for lots of things. Yes, there’s head-spinning amusement parks, endless world-class beaches and a relaxed lifestyle that others can only dream about. What many don’t know it is now turning into one of the hottest shopping destinations in Australia.
The Village Markets: a little bit Boho, a little bit Rock ‘n Roll on the Gold Coast
At the southern (and more relaxed) end of the GC is the Village Markets held at Burleigh Heads State School on the first and third Sunday every month from 8.30 till 1pm.
Sarah Schoeller and Marissa Bowden always intended the Village Markets would be a platform for local designers, collectors and creatives to showcase their wares. Once a local secret, the word is out with successful stallholders expanding online and many with stockists around the world.
Predominantly new fashion with some vintage, jewellery, art and food the prices are good and the family friendly atmosphere just the right amount of retail for a Sunday morning. An eclectic mix of designers/artists include The Gypsy Thief for Henna style designs on board and canvas; Kiss Create for must-have vintage furniture and tchotchkes and Everything the Dog has everything chic for your pooch. www.thevillagemarketsgc.com.au
Sammi Martin and Amber-Jade Scherrenberg are the savvy women behind Frankly My Dear – the stall for inexpensive but sophisticated jewellery. In a few short years they have expanded from the markets with both an on-line presence and over 120 international stockists.
Their pretty and delicate jewellery might be grabbing the world’s attention but these ladies still trade at the Designer market because it’s not only where it all began – they just love being there. http://frankly-my-dear-store.myshopify.com/
Miya Valmadre-McCrae is a former schoolteacher but today as a ceramics artisan she creates exquisite porcelain and stoneware pieces as Two Warm Hands. Each handcrafted piece is unique and would never end up at the back of my cupboard. These are joyous pieces to be displayed and used everyday. www.twowarmhands.com
Pacific Fair – the Gold Coast shopping centre that became a fashion mecca
‘Shopping centre’ you say? Not often a topic here on TML but Pacific Fair at Broadbeach is transforming into a leading shopping destination in the Sunshine State.
Echoing the coast’s resorts, the design is tropical chic with many lounging areas to rest your feet and catch your breath. Meanwhile you can window shop or buy at a mix of high-street stores, global luxury brands and leading Australian fashion designers. And for tourists from far and wide a spot to refresh before catching flights with baggage storage.
With one of the largest concentrations of luxury retailers including Gucci, Hermes, Givenchy, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade, Pacific Fair also offers Alice McCall, Zimmerman, Camilla & Marc and Manning Cartell. All the favourites are there too from H&M to UNIQLO. www.pacificfair.com.au
David Jones has upped their more traditional image with a wide range of services in a brand new ‘boutique’ design. (Think Barneys NY). Offering not only lingerie fitting but also personal shopping with their own stylist, in a glamorous purpose built space with a bonus glass of bubbles. www.davidjones.com.au
Looks and sounds like such a fun place to visit. I’ll have to add it to my bucket list.