Sweeping gracefully upwards from the city, the Eastern rise of Collins Street has long been romanticised as Melbourne’s “Paris End”. With grand 19th Century buildings, theatres and high-end boutiques, it exudes boulevard chic – a fitting home for Melbourne’s most dynamic new precinct 80 Collins and home to Next Hotel Melbourne.

Take a moment to walk with us as we introduce you to the new discoveries and always in style discoveries on our doorstep…

Always a la mode…

As legend has it, the term “Paris End” was first coined by Lillian Wightman, the original owner of revered Parisian fashion salon Le Louvre that served Melbourne’s best dressed for nearly a century from the elegant Collins Street boutique. Along with iconic international fashion houses, the area was also home to artists, actors, musicians and writers, the first city cafés with outside seating and several theatres were established close by. The ‘Grande Dame’ – the Princess Theatre – is a stunning example of French Second Empire architecture. The “Paris End” truly became where high-end fashion, culture and the arts meet.

This brings us back to the development of 80 Collins – the new retail and dining precinct taking over a full block at the intersection of Collins and Exhibition Streets. With the original Le Louvre boutique building an integral part of the architecture, the new address is a heady mix of heritage and striking new architecture, luxury shopping and laneways, offices, cafes, bars, restaurants alongside a new style of a boutique hotel for the city.

So, What’s Next in this part of the city?

Meander with us, to discover this enticing precinct. But first, coffee…

To see the city through a Melburnian’s eyes, coffee must come first. From your room, head to the ground floor of the hotel for a quick refuel from Ingresso, the street-side outpost of La Madonna Restaurant & Bar that caters exquisitely to those on the go.

Whether it’s an espresso or macchiato, enjoy seated in a booth or as a quick shot outside, European style and choose from the selection of house-made sweet and savoury pastries to keep hunger at bay for the 80 Collins browsing adventures ahead.

Fashion fabulous at 80 Collins

Make a beeline for Anna Thomas, an Australian fashion label putting a contemporary twist on luxury staples, winner of the prestigious IWS Young Designer of the Year Award and now in their 18th year. Think beautifully tailored pieces for the office, day and evening, capsule-based, with the customer at heart.

Slowly browse the flagship stores of renowned international labels including Saint Laurent, Mulberry and Golden Goose, each offering multi-story immersive experiences within their new 80 Collins homes.

Here you can explore ready to wear lines, hauntingly beautiful fragrances, and luxe accessories from the world’s most lauded fashion houses.

Saint Laurent’s VIP customers can plan ahead and arrange an intimate head to toe styling experience on the third floor. Step into a sleek marble-clad salon fitted with bespoke furniture, African art, and Louis Roederer on pour. Invitation only viewings of forthcoming runway collections are held in the same space, in one of the most sought-after seats on the Melbourne fashion calendar

Artisan Footwear by Feit

Take time to take in the beautiful creations at Feit – and take-home handcrafted, leather and fabric footwear and accessories crafted for you personally in shapes and styles that will stand the test of time. From meticulously made light slippers to footwear for day and evening, for both men and women, and a variety of accessories, Feit offers lasting luxury to take home.

Handcrafted, leather and fabric footwear by Feit.

Beguiled and bejewelled

Australian born, internationally renowned designer Sener Besim has made his home at 80 Collins, where he showcases his designs that blend jewellery and eyewear with allure. Handcrafted to a meticulous finish, each piece is unique and designed to evoke a balance between opulence and mindfulness. From eyewear to fine jewellery, each piece is inspired by Ottoman architecture and Modernist sculpture.

Elegant, understated design is at the heart of globally recognised Danish Design house Georg Jensen which also has its home at 80 Collins, where you can gaze at their timeless gold, silver and diamond jewellery, watches and hollowware that are both beautiful and functional, the essence of Scandinavian style.

Tailoring of the vintner kind

To round out your exploration of 80 Collins, perhaps take a moment to explore Melbourne’s first urban cellar door at Handpicked Wines – an award-winning local wine producer on our doorstep offering personalised, guided tastings from various producers in Victoria and beyond.

Explore tailored wine flights, while sitting in the 8o Collins Laneway or indoors, and explore the wide variety of wine this State has to offer without leaving the city.

Melbourne’s first urban cellar door at Handpicked Wines.

And next…

Saunter further along Collins Street to find flagship stores by Dior, Burberry, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Fendi and Bvlgari, plus Miss Louise for any kind of designer shoe and a little further West is Tiffany & Co.

No Melbourne shopping experience is complete without seeking out some of the many local design houses. Step from 80 Collins to nearby Little Collins Street and Howey Place (or for gents into Swanston & Russell Streets), where some of Melbourne’s most interesting designers, tailors, milliners and artisans are based.

Bespoke creations and ready to wear are both in vogue here, offering you the chance to add a stylish and uniquely Melbourne flavour to your wardrobe. Just ask our Concierge for hot tips, a hit list and secret addresses as many local designers have ateliers on second floors or down alleyways.

While so many shopping delights in Melbourne CBD are comfortable walking distance, there’s nothing quite like hopping on and off a Melbourne Tram for your trip down Collins Street, and then back up again when ready to call it a day.