Christine Barro is undoubtedly Melbourne’s leading accessories retailer. Not only is she considered a 'Melbourne fashion legend', but she was the first to bring top labels Prada, Chanel and Fendi to Melbourne. In short, this woman has a fashion and accessories radar like nobody else.
Starting her buying career while working at the original Georges Department store, Christine decided it was time to open her own store after the second incarnation of Georges was unsuccessful. That was some 10 years ago now and with her inside industry knowledge, a large client following and the pizzazz to pull it off, Christine opened up one of Melbourne’s most exclusive and illustrious accessories boutique right in the heart of the Flinders Quarter.
If you don’t already know about Christine, you could be forgiven, but only just. Tucked away in a basement, and with no over the top signage to tell the world of her existence, Christine clearly wants you to find her and not the other way around. In fact I only discovered this accessories paradise when I walked past it one day many years ago and was drawn in by the red tartan carpet at the entrance. Continuing down the tartan covered staircase, I quickly realized that this is no ordinary boutique. With gilded mirrors on the walls, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the most jaw dropping range of accessories you will lay your eyes upon, it was not long before I had to acknowledge that I was Alice who has just found Wonderland.
And it’s no wonder that Christine is in the same laneway as some of Melbourne’s best commercial art galleries, for her range of designer jewellery are truly works of art in themselves. With names like Tom Binns, Vivienne Westwood, Erickson Beamon and Donatella Pellini, Christine has the most exciting range of costume jewellery this side of the Equator.
But let’s not forget her range of handbags, shoes, hats and clothes from designers such as Anya Hindmarch, Sonia Rykiel, Pauric Sweeney and Philip Treacy. But her ‘Pièce de résistance’ would have to be her range of Lanvin accessories. At their insistence, Christine is the exclusive stockist of Lanvin accessories in Melbourne and always has the best selection of their latest collection.
With her Motto “Everything from the affordable to the aspirational”, the accessories that Christine carries not only come from the best designers, (Milan, Paris, the UK, Australia & Ney York) but they are made from the best quality. In addition everything that she stocks is hand chosen by Christine herself, so her clients can be assured that whatever they purchase will not be a one season item, but will be an investment piece that they can build upon.
So if you are looking for a statement piece of jewellery, beautiful designer handbag or hat to wear to the Spring Carnival, sculpted stiletto, or runway style outfit, then the next time you are strolling down Flinders Lane please do yourself a HUGE favour and walk the red carpet down to Christine. You will be so glad that you did and will most definitely come away with a new appreciation for accessories.
Christine is located at Basement 181 Flinders Lane, Melbourne (between Swanston & Russell Streets)
Tel: (03) 9654 2011