Melbourne Magic
Melbourne, renowned for its art and coffee, is the second biggest city in Australia.
This cultured centre offers a unique perspective on the good life.
Part 1 Slow and Mellow in the Yarra Valley
Small town, small team, big passion
About an hour’s drive from Melbourne, in the wine growing region of Yarra Valley, is a little town called Healesville. At a favourite local restaurant called No.7 Healesville, opened in 2019, you’ll find modern Mexican paired with homemade natural wine, made from grapes grown with love. The manager, Spike, and the head chef, Joel, run the place with a small and passionate team. But as busy as it gets, the crew maintains a high morale. Sometimes after closing, they’ll crack open a bottle of their latest wine. This place feels like you’re visiting a friend’s house, thanks to the camaraderie of the staff. Around the corner there’s an old church turned into a neighborhood cafe and a cute little flower shop, full of smiles, the whole town open and warm.
(L→ R)
- Hickory Work Long Sleeve Shirt $39.90
- Oversized Half Sleeve T-Shirt $19.90
- Utility Work Pants $59.90
- UV Protection Twill Cap $29.90
- Linen Blend Band Collar 3/4 Sleeve Shirt $39.90
- Boyfriend Tapered Jeans $59.90
- UV Protection Long Sleeve Shirt Dress $59.90
- Slub Half Socks (*Not available in Sg. )
- Middle Gauge Long Sleeve Mock Neck Sweater $49.90
- Smart Ankle Pants 2WAY Stretch (Cotton) $59.90
Thinking up new menus is a group effort. No.7’s modern Mexican fare uses fresh herbs and incorporates ideas from other cuisines.
(L→ R)
- Hickory Work Long Sleeve Shirt $39.90
- Utility Work Pants $59.90
- UV Protection Twill Cap $29.90
- UV Protection Long Sleeve Shirt Dress $59.90
- UNIQLO U Oversized Striped Long Sleeve Shirt $59.90
The restaurant serves their home-grown natural wine as well as selected bottles from over the world. “Each bottle has a story behind it, waiting to be told. We’re passionate about spreading the word,” says Kiri.
The Yarra Valley is a popular spot for day trips from Melbourne. Aisya, who works at a department store in the city, came here on the weekend seeking fresh air. Her sheer cardigan and turquoise pleated dress and pants are the picture of freshness.
- Light V Neck Long Sleeve Cardigan $39.90
- Pleated Short Sleeve Dress $39.90 (Coming Soon)
- Pleated Straight Pants $39.90 (Coming Soon)
Ben, founder of boutique soft drink company Yumbo Soda Co. and younger brother of Spike, splits his time between the lively inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy, North and the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley--bringing his dog Ernie with him everywhere he goes. His olive green linen shirt looks great against the sprawling lemon orchard.
- Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt $49.90
- Chino Shorts $39.90
- Soft Pile Half Socks $5.90
Yumbo Soda Co.
Part 2 Coffee Breaks, Melbourne Style
Melburnian insights on the art of daily life
People think of Australia as a place of bright sun and blue sky, but Melbourne weather can be shifty. Hot and sunny one minute, chilly rain the next. It’s said the unreliable weather played a role in the development of all the galleries, theatres and other indoor culture in the city. This is also ground zero for cafe culture in Australia. The British first arrived in the 18th century, bringing their tea culture with them. But after World War II huge numbers of Italians arrived, and with them came cafes. Ever since, Melbourne has emphasised the coffee break. What we might call an espresso is referred to as a “short black,” while something dubbed “the magic” is like a stronger double shot caffè latte. Countless creatives have been so charmed by this unique sensibility they up and moved here. Perhaps coffee time is Melbourne’s way of carving out a bit of paradise in what could turn into a rainy day at a second’s notice.
Abby, twenty-five, is a Melburnian knit artist. She makes custom knit vests tailored to each person’s style, and even hand-delivers them when possible. On the day of our visit, she wore a versatile washable knit great for lounging or working.
- Washable Soft Knit Crew Neck Sweater (*Not available in Sg. )
- Sweat Shorts $29.90
Best friends Sylvie (left) and Abby, stepping out for dinner. Great companions, they each wear linen blend items suited to their styles. “I went for a clean look today,” says Abby, “with the green cardigan across my shoulders for an accent.”
(L)
- Linen Blend Jacket $79.90
- Ribbed Tank Top $14.90
- Stretch Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans $59.90
- Pile Lined Half Socks $5.90
(R)
- Light V Neck Long Sleeve Cardigan $39.90
- Linen Blend Open Collar Short Sleeve Shirt $39.90
- Linen Blend Tucked Wide Pants $59.90
- Vintage Belt $39.90
Best friends Sylvie (left) and Abby, stepping out for dinner. Great companions, they each wear linen blend items suited to their styles. “I went for a clean look today,” says Abby, “with the green cardigan across my shoulders for an accent.”
“I learnt knitting from my mother. I have lots of different jumpers, but I love when they’re expressive, like this one.” Alongside her work as a knit artist, Abby is studying psychology and planning to become a clinical psychologist for children.
- Knitted Short Jacket $59.90
- American Sleeve Cropped Bra Sleeveless Top $29.90
- Baggy Jeans $59.90
Sylvie, twenty-six, is an avid reader. She works as an interior architect and furniture designer for cafes and shops. Her favorite architect is John Pawson, the British designer known for his minimalist works. “The weather’s nice, so I’ve been reading in the park. This sweatshirt has a washed denim look that goes great with blue jeans.”
- Crew Neck Sweatshirt $39.90
- Oxford Slim Fit Long Sleeve Shirt $39.90
- Wide Fit Jeans (*Not available in Sg. )
- Slub Half Socks (*Not available in Sg. )
Haftom, in an eye-catching mustard yellow coach jacket, works at a UNIQLO store in suburban Melbourne. Today, he’s passing the illustrious Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar on his way to meeting up with a friend.
- Coach Jacket $69.90
- Oversized Striped Half Sleeve T-Shirt $29.90
- Regular Fit Chino Pants $59.90
- Pile Socks $5.90
Here’s Sylvie on a Sunday morning, walking in a tie-dye nylon parka and sweatpants. When Melburnians run into a friend, they’re likely to stop for a chat, holding a latte. They put great stock in these quiet little moments in the day.
(L)
- Sweat Pullover Hoodie $49.90
- Dry Stretch Easy Shorts $24.90
- Pile Lined Socks $5.90
(R)
- Pocketable UV Protection Parka (Pattern) $59.90
- Mini Short Sleeve T-Shirt $19.90
- Sweat Pants $39.90
- Cotton Ribbed Beanie (*Not available in Sg. )
- Round Mini Shoulder Bag $19.90
- Slub Half Socks (*Not available in Sg. )
Photography by Gen Kay
Styling by Tomoko Iijima
Hair & Makeup by Karen Burton
Production assistance by Kristine Walker
Text by UNIQLO
Special thanks to Visit Victoria
