Bars and cafes in Melbourne’s laneways come and go. Blink and you’ll miss the pop up stores and temporary food trucks.

So when you find a store that’s been in the same place for more than a decade, on one of our trendiest laneways, you’ve found something special.

Fokus has sat at 18 Centre Place, right between Blu Fish and Jungle Juice, for 13 years. Owner Lynette Clucas has seen Centre Place go gangbusters and she’s managed to hold on tight to her little spot.

Fokus makes a huge commitment to independent Melbourne designers, it’s a treasure trove of everything from soft leather belts and hand crocheted beanies to tiny bird skull necklaces and woven felt pashminas.

Lynette’s own brand, Agenda, is adorable. The chocolate-coloured leather bags, pouches and purses are as soft as your favourite puppy. They’re designed for “the man or woman who has an agenda” and are hand cut and hand stitched here in the city.

Fokus doesn’t take itself too seriously. We love the old school manikins with their floppy hats and bright red lips.

Don’t leave without trying on a pair of the almost too-trendy Fritz Frames. The handmade timber retro reading glasses made us drool and the bright red sunglasses are just as much fun. The store isn’t going anywhere, but those frames will.

Fokus
18 Centre Place, Melbourne CBD
T: 03 9650 8454
Mon – Fri: 10:30am – 6pm
Sat: 10:30am – 5.30pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm