When it comes to high-profile Australian labels, the surf-inspired mainstays such as Billabong, Rip Curl, Quiksilver and Roxy spring readily to mind. Now, brands from the Land Down Under have taken on a much more sophisticated edge in everything from beachwear to street chic and evening glam styles. It’s a design revolution inspired by the country’s dramatic natural landscapes and sustainable roots that perfectly suits the Southern California lifestyle. These brands can help you capture the on-trend “Aussie Chic” look this summer.
FLANNEL, Melbourne
Best clothing for men and women
This Australian lifestyle brand, based in Melbourne, is currently making its mark in the U.K. and U.S. with openings that include a boutique on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, along with outposts on Abbot Kinney in Venice and a dedicated men’s store on Larchmont Boulevard, with more to come in the next year.
Women’s wear has an upscale bohemian vibe with vintage design details such as lace camisoles, silk dip-dye skirts and raffia leather slides. The men’s line takes more of a utilitarian approach with solid basics of lightweight cashmere sweaters, graphic design T-shirts, shorts and island-printed button-down shirts. Fans of the brand include Kate Hudson, Andrew Garfield, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Lawrence, Jake Gyllenhaal, Don Cheadle, Kelly Rutherford and Dustin Hoffman.
Founded by Australian-based husband and wife design duo Kristy and John Lawrence, the couple captures their sense of wanderlust as they regularly explore international cultures from Portugal to Copenhagen, and Marrakech, while implementing impressions from local artisans.
“L.A. feels like a natural extension for us, especially the laid-back, coastal lifestyle vibe,” Kristy Lawrence, co-founder and creative director, told the Courier. “FLANNEL is all about clothing that transitions with ease: a silk slip worn barefoot by the ocean, then styled with a tie sandal, a velvet jacket and finished with a red lip as the day moves into night. For us, no city on earth breathes that kind of effortless fluidity as magically as Los Angeles.” Flannelamerica.com
WeWearAustralian, New York
Best for a wide range of fashions
Recently launched in New York City with a flagship retail store, Tourism Australia partnered with WeWearAustralian for a U.S. e-commerce platform celebratory launch. Operating on a curated concession model, the space will host up to 35 Australian brands at any one time across fashion, accessories, beauty, art and interiors—including popular labels from Bondi Born to Silk Laundry, Akubra, Viktoria & Woods, and Helen Kaminski. wewearaustralian.com
photo courtesy of Bondi born
Bondi Born, Sydney
Best for bathing suits
Named after the iconic surfing beach, Bondi Born swimwear is globally beloved for its sculptured silhouettes and premium European fabrics. This synergy of design and environment mirrors why Australia’s beaches are synonymous with adventure travel and coastal luxury, from the glistening water to sculpted sandstone cliffs. The pieces are designed to transition easily from water to daywear, making them a must-have travel-ready item. bondiborn.com. Also available locally at The Beverly Hills Bikini Shop thebeverlyhillsbikinishop.com.
photo courtesy of Helen Kaminski
Helen Kaminski, Sydney
Best for beach bags and hats
Grab an oversized, stylish raffia beach bag from this accessories and fashion label with over 40 years of heritage. Launched in 1983 in Sydney with a single handcrafted raffia hat, the brand has grown into a globally recognized name synonymous with artisanal craft and long-lasting style. It has become an American department store staple over the past several years, available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, among other establishments. Fans of the unisex hats include Hillary Clinton, Dakota Johnson, Naomi Watts, Jean Smart, Samuel L. Jackson, Billy Crudup and Brian Cox. Every piece is designed with longevity in mind and guided by a commitment to ethical production, sustainable practices, and the belief that true luxury should be good for both people and planet. helenkaminski.com
photo courtesy of Silk Laundry
Silk Laundry, Brisbane
Best for capsule summer wardrobe
The collection focuses on elevated essentials like bias-cut silk slip dresses, relaxed shirting, and versatile layering pieces designed to move easily from day to evening. The brand’s fluid silhouettes and soft palette are perfect for a summer capsule wardrobe, with lightweight pieces that are easy to pack and style. There is also a broader alignment with the Australian and L.A. lifestyle, (including a standalone boutique on Melrose Ave.), with an emphasis on ease and a balance of polish and practicality. silklaundry.com
Photo courtesy of akubra
Akubra, Australian Outback
Best hats for men and women
This heritage hatmaker is celebrated for its durable felt hats, originally designed for sun protection and everyday wear. While that might not sound appealing in the heat, the brand’s versatile styles include lighter options that work well for summer wear while still offering coverage. Akubra.com
Viktoria & Woods, Melbourne
Best for sunglasses
Known for their women’s fashions in neutral palettes and relaxed fabrics influenced by art, architecture, and nature, the brand is also a standout in the sunglasses category. Offerings include an array of sculpted glasses with frames in glossy or tonal finishes from black to tortoise or gold, with UV-protective lenses to look stylish at the beach or in the city. viktoriaandwoods.com.au
Photo courtesy of frankie4
FRANKIE4, Brisbane
Best for eco sandals
This award-winning, fashion-forward, B Corp-certified footwear label was designed by women, for women. The product is rooted in podiatrist-founded history and cutting-edge engineering. Launched over a decade ago, the brand now has a huge following for its range of styles, from sandals to slides and sneakers. Its e-commerce platform has expanded to nine brick-and-mortar stores, including a flagship U.S. store in Seattle, along with outposts at Nordstrom and on Amazon. Frankie4.com
photo courtesy of sheila
SHEILA, Melbourne
Best for activewear
Founded in 2023 by Clare Barrins, SHEILA is an Australian swimwear-meets-activewear label made for land, life and sea—from swimming to hiking and brunching. Designs feature UPF 50+ for sun safety and environmental sustainability and eco-friendly GRS-certified recycled nylon, sourced from discarded materials like fishing nets and plastics. Based in Melbourne and Menlo Park, California, the brand is dedicated to inclusivity, honoring every shape, size, and style. sheilathelabel.com
Zimmermann, Sydney
Best ready-to-wear for women and kids
Beloved by celebrities on and off the red carpet, since the 1990s, the brand’s floaty dresses and sunwashed palettes mirror L.A. coastal lifestyle and effortlessly chic glamour. Don’t overlook ready-to-wear, swimwear, resort wear, accessories, and the best espadrilles in the game, along with an adorable kids’ collection, all at the Melrose Place location. zimmermann.com
Goldfield & Banks, Sydney
Best for botanical scent
Australia’s first luxury perfume house was founded by French perfumer Dimitri Weber. The brand showcases rare native botanicals such as desert woods, coastal florals, and aromatic resins in refined, high-end fragrances. Each scent is designed to evoke a specific Australian environment, blending French perfumery craftsmanship with uniquely Australian ingredients. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and goldfieldandbanks.com.
RATIONALE, Victoria
Best for tinted sunscreen
The brand’s proprietary Zinc Fusion Technology makes its #3 The Tinted Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ a top choice for the Southern California sunshine. The serum also evens out the skin tone while leaving a glowing, transparent finish. Made in Victoria, it is available at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s in Century City. us.rationale.com
Lava Art, Global
Best for beauty at the beach
Born in Australia, this global brand is known for its innovative compact cushion foundation, combining lightweight, full coverage and long-lasting wear. Every product is paraben-free, vegan, and skin-friendly, crafted with ingredients and packaging that prioritize the planet. Lava Art’s product line is designed for all skin types, with buildable coverage designed to enhance skin’s natural glow. lavaart.com
