A Touch of Old World Glamour

In case you didn’t know, a fanantique is a “devotee of objects renowned for their workmanship and age”, and Fanantique boutique in Brighton falls nothing short of this definition. Stepping inside, you are instantly transported to a world of vintage inspired home wares and fashion.

Elizabeth Lamb and partner Gabor Szekely opened Fanantique in 2009, after returning from a trip around the globe. With a background in business and marketing, opening a shop was always in the works for Lamb, who explains “I needed to do my own thing so I could satisfy my creativity. After working, travelling and taking time out of your normal everyday life helps you sort of think ‘what am I doing?’ and ‘where am I going?’ and it was just the right time to branch out and do my own thing.”

The boutique’s touch of old world glamour comes from Lamb’s love of vintage clothing, which she regards as a more glamorous and flattering way of dressing when compared to contemporary styles of dress.

Fanantique stocks a range of local and imported products with most of the boutique’s clothing and accessories coming from the US. Among some of the local and Lamb’s much loved labels are Chitra’s Closet — a collection of vintage inspired garments — and Fleurage’s 1930s inspired fragrances. The care and attention to detail goes to show that everything in the boutique has been carefully handpicked by Lamb, who tries to find items that are unique. Some of the items to immediately capture your attention are the hot air balloon ornaments hanging from the ceiling and an antique army chair complete with leather straps for arm rests and brown apothecary bottles. The boutique also stocks a range of vintage prints including illustrated covers of Vogue magazine and offers a framing service.

If owning and running a store wasn’t enough, Lamb is also a talented illustrator. After studying Fashion Design and Merchandising at RMIT, Lamb went on to illustrate her own range of gift cards, which are available at the boutique, among other things and is currently illustrating a range of story books.

Not one to shy away from a celebration, Fanantique also holds special events. To date they’ve celebrated the Royal Wedding and Bastille Day and to celebrate Melbourne Spring Fashion Week they will be holding several Hollywood glamour-inspired workshops in September. These will cover vintage hairstyles and makeup and include a sneak peak of the boutique’s millinery and fashion collections for spring. Sessions cost between $60-70. For more information or to register your interest email: mail@fanantique.com.au or phone: 9596 9072.

Fanantique
282 Bay St, Brighton
9596 9072
Thurs – Fri 10am – 5pm
Sat 9.30am – 1.30pm
Mon by appointment
www.fanantique.com.au