Hidden below street level between Hudson Meats and Rapha, the new Surry Hills boutique by A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Création) is styled as minimally and as elegantly as one might expect from the French brand. The Crown Street boutique stocks men’s and women’s fashion, accessories and a few tit-bit items like post-poo drops – or ‘anti-odeur de merde’ – to the frequent Aesop and A.P.C. shoppers out there.
Though it’s the first A.P.C. store for Sydney, shoppers have been able to purchase items from the clothing label in Melbourne for over a year and at stores like Incu in Paddington and Blood Orange in Elizabeth Bay. Still, A.P.C.’s opening in Surry Hills is like catnip to the impeccably dressed. Its overall look is tidy-faced casual; there are luxury knits woven with shiny threads, a practical-looking black utility jumpsuit (that comes with a $500+ price tag) and inoffensive leather belts, satchels and purses that scream “well-made” rather than “I’m expensive”.
On Time Out’s visit, the store is stocked with the latest Fall 2015 collection. It’s a wash of blue-and-white stripes, indigo hues and weekend attire. Soft-as-a-bunny cotton pullovers are 100 per cent cotton and between $250-$300. A heady reminder that this is no Kmart! We know the everyday basics are built to stand the test of time; however, we’re still a little pale after reading the amount for one of our favourite menswear pieces – a modest black hoodie (silky smooth yet heavy duty), at nearly 300 bucks.
Having said that, A.P.C. is not a commonplace high-street store. What you’re playing for is high-end European fashion and quality fabrics – and with so many fans of the brand itching to get in store, we doubt any of A.P.C.’s followers will be shocked at the cost. If you’re keen to up the ante on your weekend wardrobe, this is the place to start – we’d recommend opting for one of the classic Demi Lune leather bags in beige or dark navy ($490).