With countless retail developments both in the city and suburbs it is hard to fathom just how clothing boutiques can survive in a climate that is becoming increasingly commercial. The few who do are challenged with online stores, eBay merchandise and those ugly monstrosities that are usually designed, developed and built just to contain and confuse customers into a spiral of credit card debt.

Years ago it was on a tipoff from a friend and after a little on-phone assistance I was able to navigate the playground of the cities grid and find that inconspicuous stairway that led me to international designer heaven, namely the Marais boutique, a unique and inspired retail space holding all the goodies to comfort the needy fashionista.

Inspired by the oldest and most ancient core of Paris, the boutique’s location in the Royal Arcade just off Lt. Collins reflects the “bewitching blend of modern style and old world mystery – home to tiny, tangential streets that meander intriguingly past gilded gates and graceful gardens… a bustling profusion of bistros, new designers, and curiosity shops” that is the Marais.

The boutique is a point of difference for those who worship fashion. Filled with comfortable light, the atmosphere is quintessentially French with paneled white and dark wood walls, chevron parquetry floors, refined furniture and of course, there are racks of beautiful clothing.

It is this delightful ambiance that prepares you for the exquisite collection of men’s and womenswear available. Balenciaga, Viktor & Rolf, WooYoungMi, Givenchy, McQ by Alexander McQueen and John Galliano Homme just to name a few.

Need I say more? Leaving you with the words of Director, Ivan – “Marais was always envisaged as a special destination, a secret location for people to discover.” With a little help from a previous mention here, you just might be able to find your own slice of boutique heaven.

www.marais.com.au