Art Therapi boutique opens
You can understand why “The Peninsular” keeps so insular. For starters, Patissier Adriano Zumbo has not one, but two establishments in Balmain, and there’s a steady stream of mesmeric additions – case in point; three-day old Art Therapi.

The avant-garde fashion boutique is the brainchild of Jason Akcin (an ex banker and record shop owner) and his fashion designer fiancée Stephanie Lemma. They’ve filled its sleek interiors with mostly European labels skewed with a younger edge, and ready-to-wear that meets their ‘must stand out’ mandate.
 
On a quest to help people take a step up the design notch you’ll find covetable threads from MM6 and 0044 Paris. Better known labels such as Alexander McQueen’s diffusion line McQ and Coming Soon by Yohji Yamamoto; to the lesser-known such as Rad Hourani’s Rad cult Canadian collection, and Scandinavian The Local Firm, Ulrika Sandstrom and Diana Orving.

In the centre stands a futuristic pod unit displaying original jewellery pieces from architect-turned-jeweller Marion Vidal.  Make sure you take a closer look at quirky hosiery by Les Queues Des Sardines.

A smile on your face … just the thread therapy you need.

Art Therapi
215 Darling Street, Balmain 2041
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10.30am – 6pm