Denim CoLab (CLOSED)

Denim CoLab opened its Gould Street store in late 2016, but as owner Omer Farhy tells us the easy-to-wear denim brand was born in Bondi where he originally had a store 20 years ago. “Since then I’ve been producing denim for well known Aussie brands, and I’ve recently come back out from hiding,” he says.

Farhy tells us that establishing a store on Gould Street just “felt right” as the beach lifestyle suits the brand’s ethos – premium denim that’s affordable and made for Aussies. “I love the barefoot, no-worries, positive outlook that so many humans possess here. There’s no better place to align ourselves.”

They’ve got denim for men and women, with some unisex styles available too. You can choose from high and low waisted jeans, flares and their most popular cut – the ‘boyfriend’, which they sell in a number of tones so you can personalise and distress the denim to your own style. Denim CoLab’s signature ‘scar’ is stitched onto the back of each item they make.

Denim skirts start at $99 and jeans range from $159 to $179. It’s all about getting your hands on denim, manufactured ethically, for under $200. Alongside all the jeans they stock vintage tees, Saltwater Sandals and leather belts to help you finish off the look. But the thing that sets Denim CoLab apart is that they actively encourage customising your denim with patches they sell in store for $6-$10. They’ve got a Singer sewing machine, so you can stitch on a skull, heart, eagle or flower patch and decorate your denim after hours.