The Changing Face of Bell Street Torquay...

Have you taken  stroll down Bell Street, Torquay, Australia lately?

If not, you'll be in for a little surprise!

No longer will you find just fish 'n chips shops and cafes that cater for the influx of holiday makers... there has been a steady arrival of homewares and fashion labels to this Torquay main street.

It started with the much talked about arrival of Kiitos Living by Design.

Kiitos Living by Design, was established by Maria Malakellis, in December 2009, and  is located in the former, retro style garage on Bridge Rd, Barwon Heads,Victoria. Malakellis and her family have a long history in Barwon Heads, having owned a  business in the town in the mid 1970's until the early 80's.

The opportunity to return to Barwon Heads, and convert, what was a neglected, but prominent site in the town was a challenge she could not resist.

The result is a bright designer homware, gift, fashion, and textile gallery store. High ceilings, stark white walls and floor provide a perfect backdrop to showcase products from some of the world's best known and loved design houses.

Selection of stock is based on the following criteria - aesthetic beauty, design merit, recognition and functunality. At kiitos living by design they simply adore designer homeware products that not only bring joy to everyday living but will, in time, become much loved and treasured family keepsakes.

Those not familiar with the well-known designer homewares store from Barwon Heads, its arrival in Torquay has saved many Surf Coast locals in both time and petrol not having to commute to Barwon Heads for their regular fix! Filled with bright designer homewares, gifts, fashion, and a brilliant textile gallery (Marimekko). It's definitely worth a visit to their new Surf Coast location. But be warned, you won't walk out empty handed!

If you cross the road and walk towards the beach you will come across a small little store (a few doors down from the new Squires Loft Steak House - but more about that in a future post), housing the kids label Sudo Kids.

The Sudo Kids label was founded in 2003 in Melbourne by fashion designer Terry Lay. Terry had a couple of boys at that stage (he has since added a girl) and couldn't find the type of clothes he wanted for his children.

Having finished a design course at Deakin uni, he decided to take matters into his own hands - and started SudoKids.

The theme is simple - superior clothing with a main focus on soft and vibrant fabrics - fashion for future fashion lovers NOT children's clothing. This is probably why lots and lots of mums come through the shop and ask whether we make adult sized clothes. (No, they don't!)

The label soon found a cult like following and Terry established relationships with lots of independent and not so independent (read David Jones) fashion retailers who are now stocking his products, not only in Australia, but in selected outlets worldwide.

Sarah Olsson and her husband have been friends with Terry for a long time and late last year they discussed how Sudo is ready for it's own shop...and they were looking for someone to run the retail arm. Sarah decided to take the plunge and leave the finance industry and instead surround herself with pretty clothes - not a bad trade!

More importantly, how lucky are we to be spoilt by the first Sudo kids store choosing Torquay as it's location.

They opened shop after a mad rush of lots of painting and building cupboards and hanging and ironing clothes in late January. It has been such a success! They didn't anticipate to be welcomed with so much excitement and haven't been closed for a day since. They have had a lot of interest through their facebook page and been posting out clothes all over Australia and are currently working on an online presence, which should go live in March 2014.

According to Sarah "Now with the bakery up the road re-opened and Squires Loft finally opened as well, Bell Street is feeling very alive and lots of locals seem to venture down from Gilbert Street - and are loving it. We are looking forward to meeting lots more locals and are hoping to develop strong relationships within the community. Hubby and myself have moved down here from Geelong and so far every day feels like holidays. What a beautiful little spot Torquay is".

When you're down in Bell Street make sure you pop into Sudo kids and say Hi to Sarah!

Only a couple of doors down is the re-vamped Tigerfish, Torquay's alternative Surf Store and Art Gallery. They describe themselves as an art, boutique surf and lifestyle store.

Some of the artists and brands they stock include:

ATISTS

Geoffrey Carran

Rowena Martinich

Nick Morris

Gary Birdsall

Natalie Martin

Jenny Laidlaw

Morgan Conolley

Lindy Lynch

BRANDS

Maison Scotch

Scotch and Soda

Tallow

The Critical Slide Society

Hippy Tree

Brixton

Valley eyewear

Kissmax

 

Now, there is a little rumour floating about town that a boutique brewery might be moving into the old Surfrider site - if you have any information for us about this whisper please leave a comment below... that would be a welcome addition to Torquay, our very own brewhouse!

Until next time...

Your Neighbour!