There's A Story Here
130 Years of Unlikely Like-Minds
To celebrate 130 years of The Strand Arcade, we turn our attention to the talented and unlikely like-minds it attracts. Uncovering the similarities of our diverse artisans and fashionable retailers, we discover their commonalities and shared values in creating things of craft that last.
Change Is Progress
Robert Atallah, Coombs Shoe Service
Katy Farage, Farage
“We're passionately trying to hold onto tradition, so we're trying to merge our traditional values with new modern innovative fabrics
You can't be stagnant, change is progress and it's exciting.”
Test of Time
Meredith Davies, Victoria & Albert Antiques
Sophie Hunt, Hunt Leather
“Always buy once, buy well, buy beautiful quality that will last
It comes down to not following fads or fashions of the day, just having a beautiful piece that’s going to look wonderful in 20 years time.”
Dare to be Different
Paulina Arambulo, Rox Gems & Jewellery
Johnel Farrell, Strand Hatters
“You always know you're going to walk out with a one-of-a-kind piece when you shop at the arcade.
It’s for people that dare to be different”
It's An Experience
Akira Isogawa, Akira
Peter Cooke, The Prince Consort's Shoe Shine
“When you're at The Strand Arcade, you feel as if you are in another era or another place. You forget the fact that you're in Sydney.
It's perfect for a day-dreamer.”
One of a Kind
Andrew McDonald, Andrew Mcdonald Shoemaker
Daniel Narvaez, Mister Mister
“You’re getting something made for you. It’s custom. It’s you, one-of-one, your personality, your character.
We blend a mix of traditional and modern production techniques, however a lot of what we do is still done by hand.”
Extra-Ordinary Things
Nina Cueva, Courtesy of the artist
paul mendels, the nut shop
“What makes us unique is our offering. What we curate, display, create and sell can’t be found anywhere else.
It’s incredibly unique and individual.”
Mark of Quality
LISA 'JACK' DEMPSEY, JAC+JACK
REMCO BRIGOU, KOKO BLACK
“Quality for us is number one. It’s at the heart of our brands. It’s our trademark.
Our customers expect that from us and we expect it from ourselves.”
Devil in the Detail
Joseph Akelian, Raphael Jewellers
Nino Zoccali, The Restaurant Pendolino
“Attention to detail is critical. It’s the detail that makes a real difference with the quality.
Everything we make is hand-made from scratch in The Strand Arcade. From jewellery to breads to pastas.”
- 412-414A George St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
- Call (02) 9265 6800
- Get directions via Google
