English heritage brand Sunspel launch their first international store in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia this November, 2014. Since its inception in 1860, Sunspel’s ethos has remained the same; to make exceptional, everyday clothing from beautiful fabrics.

The store is located on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy chosen for its eclectic mix of shops, galleries and restaurants. Parallels can be drawn with Sunspel’s first store in London, situated on Redchurch Street, which represents a mix of industrial buildings with a vibrant creative community, similar to Gertrude Street. Housed amongst some of the oldest terraced housing in Melbourne, the shop was once a workers cottage, and retains many original features such as its wooden staircase, delicate façade and period cornicing. The store features new herringbone flooring and fittings of pale timber to reflect the style of the Sunspel stores in London. A rear terrace has been especially re-conditioned in a gesture to the great Australian tradition of the back yard.

Melbourne’s selection as the first location for Sunspel outside London reflects a long-standing history of exporting to Asia and Australia dating back to the early 1900s.The nature of Sunspel clothing also lends itself perfectly to the Australian climate, while the simplicity of the design aligns with the Australian lifestyle. The store opens in late November 2014, with further locations in other capital cities to follow.

Sunspel is an authentic English heritage brand founded in 1860 in the north of England. Sunspel make exceptional quality, everyday clothing from beautiful fabrics. Iconic products include the earliest English T shirt, the original English Boxer short and the Riviera Polo Shirt. Sunspel still has its own factory based in Long Eaton near Nottingham, where clothing is crafted from the worlds finest quality cottons.

Design: Humphrey + Edwards / Christopher Grinham
Photography: Ross Honeysett