A Fashion Designer's Guide to Sydney: Exploring Iconic Beaches and Stylish Wine Bars

      Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we're connecting with prominent locals in the style scene to share a curated list of their top picks for sights, eats, and shopping in their hometown. They will provide lesser-known recommendations that you won't locate in typical guidebooks, resulting in concise mini guides that uncover where the city's most fashionable inhabitants truly spend their time. Sydney has always fascinated me. It's the way a morning can commence with a saltwater swim along a sun-kissed coastline and then transition to sipping natural wine in a cozy bar just a few blocks away. While living in New York, I frequently encounter people from this enchanting city, and they exude a wonderfully grounded and welcoming energy. It feels refined yet never snobbish, adventurous yet effortlessly stylish, embodying a kind of authentic flair that seems more lived-in than carefully crafted. Moreover, Sydney is a city that unfolds gradually; beyond the iconic tourist spots, there is a unique rhythm to the city that only the locals truly tap into.

      This is precisely why I wanted to hear from someone who experiences it every day. Meet Lesleigh Jermanus, the founder of the resortwear brand Alémais, whose creations are as vibrant and transformative as the city she resides in. After nearly two decades in Sydney, she has perfected the art of a well-rounded day—equal parts beach, culture, and exceptional food. Below, she shares her selection of the city's most fashionable hotspots, from hidden beaches to the wine bars and boutiques that make Sydney feel like a place you'll want to revisit endlessly.

      **Article continues below**

      **(Image credit: Courtesy of Alemais; Getty Images)**

      **Where are you originally from, and how long have you lived in this city?** I grew up in Brisbane, Queensland, and relocated to Sydney in 2007.

      **What are some of your favorite neighborhoods, and where do you find yourself spending the most time?** Surry Hills is one of my favorite neighborhoods, home to our studio headquarters. It's bursting with energy and creativity, filled with fantastic cafés, small galleries, wine bars, and excellent restaurants. There’s always something happening there. I also spend a great deal of time near the coast, particularly in Bronte, Clovelly, and Coogee, each with its own charm but all possessing that relaxed, community vibe that makes Sydney's beaches unique.

      **What does a typical day off look like for you?** I enjoy spending time with my partner, Chris, and our son, Bowie. We like visiting local markets and strolling through Centennial Park. We're also passionate about planting and growing vegetables in our backyard, which our son finds fascinating. It’s a lovely way for us to bond. Family time holds great significance for me. Amid busy studio schedules and travel, those unhurried moments together are what I cherish most.

      **If you had to create the perfect afternoon for someone visiting the city with limited time, where would you send them, and what would their afternoon entail?** I’d recommend sticking to the inner city, making it walkable and full of character—exploring places that give you a true sense of the city's rhythm.

      **Visit:** Take a trip to the Art Gallery of NSW. It often has interesting exhibitions, and the new Naala Badu building’s architecture alone is worth the visit. You can also enjoy lovely views of Sydney Harbour nearby.

      **Explore:** Discover Sydney's stunning beaches! I adore the hidden harbor beaches scattered through the Eastern Suburbs—tranquil spots that feel a world apart from the city, ideal for enjoying sunsets. Redleaf is particularly picturesque, or Camp Cove for something a bit less frequented but worth the visit!

      **Dine:** Sean's is a quintessential Sydney experience. Right on Bondi's beachfront, it features a farm-to-table menu that changes nearly daily. The room, decorated with shells, feels like stepping into a beachside shack. It’s a meal that encapsulates Sydney's spirit in one sitting.

      **Experience:** Consider catching a show at the Sydney Opera House if time allows. It really is world-class and always provides a memorable experience.

      **Dance:** For a night out, check out The Caterpillar Club in the city or head to the Pleasure Club in Newtown in the inner west.

      **Stay:** Paramount Hotel, Surry Hills is my favorite hotel in Sydney. It’s located right across from our design studio and offers everything you need. It has a fantastic café, plus A.P Bakery on the rooftop. The Golden Age Cinema downstairs is an excellent spot for drinks after a day of exploration; or if you prefer to stay in, they have the best room service in town from Poly just around the corner.

      **As a fashion designer, where would you send a close friend for shopping?** AXL Studio in Potts Point is a true hidden gem. The owner has an impeccable eye, and her vintage selection is always spot-on. I’ve been visiting