Out with the old and in the with new

The Valley has stepped back from its reformed image and regained its former status as one of the more ‘seedy’ suburbs in Brisbane.

In its place, New Farm, the Valley’s neighboring suburb, has emerged as Brisbane’s latest fashion hot spot.

The Valley reflects the young urban market with stores such as Blonde Venus and Lucid Laundry, while New Farm embraces all things luxurious with designer boutiques such as Belinda, Sass and Bide and Kisses.

With New Farm’s recent transformation, some are considering moving their stores to the more progressive area.

From its home in the Valley, Lucid Laundry has opened a second store in New Farm, which is located on the corner of Arthur and James Street.

Manager of Lucid Laundry Bianca Dynes, says the new store is designed to approach a different customer and a different market.

“It will be more high end and in keeping with the James Street customer. Labels will include Life with Bird, Alice Macall, Ksubi, Nudie, Bassike, and Shakuhachi,” she says.

Lucid Laundry’s edgy urban style has catered well to its Valley market, which is why their second location has raised a few eyebrows among the fashion community.

“There are two completely different customers, but there is also a crossover, so it is important for us to be represented in both areas.

“One definite advantage for shoppers in James Street is parking,” she says.

Taking into consideration the New Farm customer, it is evident they share a different sense of personal style.

When shopping in Brisbane’s most stylish strip James Street, you can expect to find an array of fashionable personalities.

From the career woman maintaining her edge in Bettina Liano, to the fashion forward student indulging in Sass and Bide, all New Farm shoppers are both immaculately dressed and stylish.

New Farm is attracting not only the older generation, but also a new breed of 20-year-olds, who thrive on the eccentric mix of cafes, entertainment, and fashion on offer in New Farm.

Natalie Parrington of Ascot says she prefers to shop at New Farm because it caters more to her style.

“Personally I think there is a lot more variety in New Farm, especially when it comes to designer items.

“Brisbane is finally embracing international fashion and its great there’s a place to go which caters to that market,” she says.

While the Valley has changed drastically since it renewal in the early 1990s, New Farm’s makeover has been gradual.

Culture and popularity have been the largest contributing factors to the transformation of New Farm.

Franchise research manager for PRD nationwide Research, Daniel Boman, says the success of New Farm in recent years has paved the way for urban renewal and gentrification on an even larger scale of other surrounding areas.

New Farm is one of Brisbane’s oldest, yet youthful, cosmopolitan suburbs and one which is now the fourth most expensive in Brisbane.

Home to some of Brisbane’s most popular designer boutiques, it is no surprise New Farm is becoming a prominent spot for fashion in Brisbane.

Filled with galleries, designer stores, and some of Brisbane’s most interesting bistros and cafes, it is considered to be a cultural and creative hub within Brisbane.

Whether you prefer the upbeat tempo of the Valley or the quiet lifestyle of New Farm, both have made significant waves in Brisbane fashion over the years.

However, with an increasing amount of designer boutiques making their way into New Farm, there is no doubt it is steadily becoming Brisbane’s latest fashion hot spot.

New Farm not only provides a great shopping experience, but also offers a lifestyle and a vibrant atmosphere ensuring people will continue to go back for more.

The future of this once ‘quiet’ suburb looks bright and if it can sustain its recent popularity, as the saying goes, ‘out with the old and in with the new’.