How to dress like a Melbourne rock star

When musician and clothing designer Anna Cordell took the lease on a small heritage building in Northcote in March this year, it became a popular haunt for the who’s who of Melbourne rock ‘n’ roll.  

From Courtney Barnett and Tim Rogers to Missy Higgins and Meg Mac, many musos have fallen in love with Cordell’s bespoke pieces –  her High Street shop a place to find something individual among Melbourne’s usual sea of black. 

Her ready-to-wear and custom designs are inspired by the ’60s and ’70s – wide-collared shirts, velvet suits, floaty dresses and suiting with a retro undercurrent.

Fit enough for video clips, packed with enough wow for a stage performance,  her designs have not only attracted the likes of Marlon Williams and Thelma Plum, but they have caught the attention of those hankering for their own hot minute in the spotlight.

“I am meeting some incredible artists, actors and writers, and people of all ages who just have a love and appreciation for beauty and well-made things,” Cordell says.  

“Melbourne is a place you come to explore if you are a creative person, and that filters through to the way we dress.”

Cordell works with her clients to create a look that fits their mood and their music, and has collaborated with Julia Stone, former Jezabels lead-singer-turned solo artist Hayley Mary and American singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten on their outfits for stage and screen. 

If it’s fancy footwear you’re after, Rocco’s is where to get it.

After six decades in Malvern, the family-run shop has moved to Smith Street, Collingwood, and their loyal customers – including Nick Cave, Tim Rogers and the members of Jet – have followed them north for a pair of custom-made boots. 

John Buffalo learned the shoe-making craft from his father Rocco and has been cobbling for 25 years under his tutelage.

Theirs is a world of leopard prints, zebra stripes and decadent Italian leathers. Regulars include Jimmy Barnes and John Farnham, who dial in their custom orders. 

At Edgeley Fashion and Costume Design on Gertrude Street, fashion designer and drummer Alice Edgeley makes wildly playful pieces when she’s not hitting the skins with her band Imperial Leather. 

Known for her catsuits, love of leopard print and declaring “sheer is here to stay”, Edgeley has dressed stars including Ella Hooper, Vika and Linda Bull and Kate Ceberano.

This season she has teamed with stylist Abi Wright (from nearby Rose Chong Costumier) for a winter collection named Mandissa.

The collection is heavily inspired by the 1966 Czech film Daisies, and its notions of surrealism and a sense of odd comedy are reflected in the collection and styling.

“One of my favourite recent creations has been for Melbourne-born and LA-based Marawa,” Edgeley says.

“Marawa is a hula-hoop performer, an amazing athlete, a Guinness world record holder and can spin over 200 hoops at one time. She’s a high-heeled roller skater, author, sportswear designer – she’s a dash of circus and a tsunami of glamour.”

Edgeley has been making Marawa’s costumes for 20 years, most recently a Josephine Baker-inspired blue satin ensemble. 

Musician Georgia Maq wore a two-piece black velvet Edgeley outfit at her band Camp Cope’s Melbourne show in May this year, while members of Edgeley’s band also wear her custom designs.

“Flamboyant outfits to perform in are such a feast for the eyes,” she says. 

“After all that time inside over the past few years people are super excited to go out dressed up in their most fantastical glad rags and parade around like peacocks – and I’m here for it.”