Don Draper. James Bond. The Doctor. These men share one thing in common: their ability to rock a sharp suit and a swoon-inducing haircut. You may never become a genius ad man, a secret agent or a Time Lord, but armed with our guide to Melbourne’s best manporiums, you’ll be turning heads in no time.
Once you're done, it's only fitting that you'd hit a class establishment for a libation – maybe a smooth single malt is your bag, in which case try hitting one of Melbourne's best whisky bars. On the other hand, if you'd prefer to order up like Bond (shaken, not stirred of course) try one of our fave cocktail bars.
Frits Trijbetz will only let you leave the store in one of his suits if he's proud of what he's created. He's been here for over a decade and he relishes old school service. The customer is king here, and the clothing is made from European brands that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Co-owners Tony Ranieri and Sebastian Giacobello only deal with the best Italian tailors. Their loyal customers know that while they’ll pay upwards of $3000 for a suit, they’re being fitted by experts with world-class industry knowledge. Yep – this is what luxury feels like.
The décor here is so old-world parlour room that it's easy to forget that gentlemen’s tailor Oscar Hunt opened just a few years ago. That is until you meet the tailors: they're young, they're excited about contemporary men's fashion and they'll ensure your suit reflects your personal style. Depending on the fabrics you choose, the process takes up to about seven weeks.
Patrick Johnson and Tom Riley know their way around a suit. Just listening to them talk horse hair canvasses, contrast stitching, French cuffs and British shoulders is enough to get you hot under the collar. And the results don’t disappoint, either. Expect to pay top dollar for an Italian-fabric suit – and to leave a very satisfied (and stylish) customer.
Shoe sorcery from a surfer who dreamed of a store filled with “male interest products”. No, not floor-to-ceiling back issues of Penthouse – rather, we’re talking Parisian Scooter helmets, cutthroat razors and shaving kits. Best of all are the handmade shoes (via Grenson of England and Loake Shoemakers) and luxury lifestyle footwear from Seavees, Pointer, Clae and Sebago. They do a mean shoeshine, too.
For the label-obsessed gentleman with cash to splash. With wall to wall brands like Balenciaga, Givenchy and Giuseppe Zanotti, it seems that Harrolds could be a glorious black hole you could disappear into and come out broke and wondering what you’ll do till next payday – but most importantly, you’ll be pondering these things absolutely dressed to the nines.
Trading in Melbourne since 1890, modern young gentlemen and suave silver foxes alike have been decking themselves out like lords here for years. The flagship store has just undergone an impressive transformation – the entrance is a bright, clean space and you're greeted by impeccably well-ordered rows of crisp shirts and bright ties as you walk through. The shop spans two levels, showcasing collections sourced from designers all over the world, as well as their won European-manufactured brand.
If you’ve been looking for that elusive man brooch, or the perfect place to peruse objets d’art while also picking up a pair of Melbourne-designed pistol-shaped cufflinks ($260) or a tie pin that looks like a dagger ($65), then Lord Coconut is your jam. As exclusive a store as English aristocrat Lord Coconut himself.
Ever wondered how working-class guys in old photos managed to look so dapper? Wonder no more. Jaunty Briton Chris Pickings' Fitzroy men’s emporium purveys heritage workwear and manly accoutrements. It’s very Ernest Hemingway, with a dash of Steve McQueen. There’s even a baby barbershop – called Faulkner's – tucked in the back. Enjoy a haircut, straight-razor shave or beard and moustache trim, and leave with pomades and unguents for your own bathroom.
Sircuit – Smith Street's much-loved gay bar – took the ram by the horns and opened a late-night barber-in-residence in 2013 above the club. It's open for business when most other barbers and hairdressers have closed for the night – from 4-9pm Wednesdays to Sundays. Barber Gus Lundt offers classic cuts, buzzcuts, cutthroat shaves, beard colouring and even a facial.
The practitioners of Captains of Industry are “Practical Men of Wide Experience” – and as such they offer a one-stop gentleman’s shop complete with barber, shoemaker and bistro. Sadly their tailor has moved interstate, which means their bespoke suits and jeans are not longer on offer. Their front room is now occupied by a jewellery maker, which is a pretty excellent substitute if you ask us.
The refurbished day spa at Crown Towers is a sight to behold. From the undulating pool house that almost stretches out of sight, to the aqua retreat lounge that shimmers like an opal, Crown Spa delivers a delightfully opulent experience. If the exquisite Hommage products (designed for the tougher skin of men) aren’t enough to impress you, there’s black diamond used as an exfoliant. Yes, diamonds are literally smeared across your face.
Comics, figurines, framed photos, Elvis sculptures, vintage boxing gloves and bric-a-brac adorn the walls. Old-school country music plays and the barber-ladies have a whole lot of swagger. Dishing out buzz cuts, haircuts, hot towel shaves and even nose hair trims, this place is fast becoming the trendy Melburnian gentleman’s barber of choice.
Look boys, a real man takes care of both the suit AND what’s under it. But, as you can tell from the not-so-serious name, Manhor isn't big on pretences. They'll sort you out wth a traditional cut throat shave for $50 and a haircut for the same price. Treat yourself to an express facial ($59) before the waxing begins – word has it that the full body rip for $190 isn't the easiest for our hairier readers.
“Finally!” the men of Melbourne are exclaiming. “A day spa for men!” Well, maybe they’re not, but if you’re the kind of guy who has been desperately searching for somewhere you can get a Vichy shower and peppermint pedicure or hot stone massage, then Man, What a Fuss is your new digs. For ultimate man-bliss, try the Deluxe Fuss, which includes a cut, wash, facial and waxing for $140.
Don’t be perturbed by the stuffed peacocks and tutu-clad flamingos as you enter: this salon has plenty of ‘mister fox’ treatments. One standout is the back exfoliation treatment: After an exfoliation with detoxing basil and mint oils and coarse sea salt to treat the skin, a firm massage will relax even the most overworked shoulders.
Sharp cuts and the hot towel shave live on at Royal Crown Barbers, Hawthorn’s coolest hairdresser for men. Vintage barber chairs, fittings and posters take you right back to the days of Perkins, Cash and shark-fin autos. It’s popular, so ring ahead and get your name put on the ‘board’ to avoid a long wait.
While dreadlocks are her speciality, the stylists here are pretty nifty with undercuts and shaved patterns, and have even been known to do beard extensions. If you're ready for a bright fuschia rinse or want a full head of seapunk aqua, this is the place to go.
Treat yourself to a pampering session at the city's rejuvenation stations.
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