Melburnians take fashion seriously, and nowhere in Australia offers a greater range of shops dedicated to looking good - whether you’re after something funky, a traditional classic or a big-name label.

Major outlets are found throughout the CBD, concentrated in the top end of Collins Street (known as the Paris end by locals). For label worshippers Chapel Street South Yarra is a must, and Bridge Road Richmond is the place for middle-range bargains.

Finally, Melbourne’s factory outlets are the best in the country. The centre for these is Smith Street Collingwood, with brand names like Nike and Katmandu available at up to half price. Other seconds shops in Collingwood, Brunswick and Coburg are favourite destinations for bus tours from the country. Be prepared to do battle with 40 over-sized women in terry-towelling tracksuits!

Shopping Spree Tours , Brighton , Victoria:  www.shoppingspree.com.au

Exclusive designers:  Design talent in Australia is so diverse and exciting that it's difficult to single out just a few. However, Collette Dinnigan is one name that has made its mark not only in Australia but around the world and is a favourite of movie stars including Nicole Kidman. Famous for sensual fabrics, ultra-feminine embroidered designs and attention to detail, Collette Dinnigan clothing is much sought after. Designs by Akira Isogawa are equally in demand. Using gossamer-fine fabrics, Isogawa's style of wrapping, draping and styling long silhouettes is highly individual.

Leading designers (women):  Australian designer fashion has a well-deserved reputation for being relaxed, stylish and modern. Leading female fashion designers including Lisa Ho offer clothing from softly tailored suits to feminine flowery dresses, while Alannah Hill has a range for women who prefer more ornamental designs. Other well-known designers include Tea Rose, offering versatile clothing that may be beaded or hand painted, and Jodie Boffa, whose designs are characterised by clean, simple lines and quality fabrics.

Leading designers (men):  Leading male designers in Australia follow the belief that style, elegance and simplicity are the hallmark of quality clothing. Morrissey offers clothing that is both sleek and chic. From boardroom to nightclub, the clothing is very contemporary. Robert Burton has classic suits as well as fine knitwear and shirts, all made from natural fabrics. Male designers are on the rise in Australia and these two labels are ones to watch out for.

Contemporary classic:  Marcs, Country Road and Trent Nathan are three classic yet contemporary Australian designers that offer quality, well-cut clothing. Typically elegant, sophisticated, yet informal when required, their clothing ranges are for both men and women. Ideal for almost any gathering. Suits, shirts and ties, skirts, dresses and co-ordinates can all be easily found at their own retail outlets, in major department stores and online.

Other Australian designers:  Because of the sheer diversity of Australian designers and fashion outlets, it's worth listing some names that have made their mark on the Australian and international fashion scene. Designers including Carla Zampatti, Adele Palmer, George Gross, Perri Cutten, Anthea Crawford and Coogi offer clothing that, while uniquely Australian, is very much in touch with world fashion trends. High Street fashion outlets are also an excellent source of quality Australian clothing. Sportsgirl, Cue, Portmans, Events and Jag all offer contemporary clothing at competitive prices.

Australian outdoor fashion:  Australia's heritage has its roots in the great outdoors. Much of our clothing has been designed with the Australian climate and terrain - from the bush to the beach - in mind. RM Williams is a name that characterises the Australian bush. His hardwearing boots and shirts are designed for our conditions and are famous worldwide for their combination of toughness and style. Driza-Bone has also become part of Australian history. A raincoat named because its waterproof features keep you 'dry as a bone,' it also has its roots in the Australian bush. Other names including Bonds, King Gee, Stubbies and Blundstone are worth looking for when buying 'Aussie' outdoor clothing.

Street and surf:  Contemporary and sometimes irreverent, Australian street and surf wear is very much part of the relaxed Australian lifestyle. Mambo has a huge and flamboyant collection of clothing and lifestyle essentials from 'loud' shirts to swimwear. Billabong, Rip Curl and Ocean & Earth are well-established names and produce quality surf wear that can handle the rough and tumble of beach life. These uniquely Australian companies also produce contemporary 'extreme' wear for a younger, more daring generation.

Australian wool and sheepskin products:  As you might expect from a land that has more sheep than people, Australia makes some of the finest wool garments available worldwide. Merino in particular yields long wool fibres so it's no wonder that Australian designers produce spectacular woollen clothing that is the envy of the world. Quality labels include Merino Gold, Bella Knitwear, Coogi, Sportscraft and Holeproof. Sheepskin products are also world class. From sheepskin coats, warm footwear and rugs, Australian fashion rides on the sheep's back!

Art to wear:  A name known to all Australians is Ken Done. He uses the vibrant and youthful colours of Australia's sky and outback, combined with Aussie icons and scenes — from the Harbour Bridge to the local beach — to create bright, contemporary clothing, fabrics and accessories. His canvas, whether it's a T-shirt or swimwear, is uniquely Australian. Another clothing 'artist' using the Australian colours as her palette is Jenny Kee. Her bold and beautiful sweaters have been a part of Australian life for decades. Both Jenny Kee and Ken Done clothing can be found at duty-free shops and selected department stores.

Indigenous fashion:  The ancient art of the Aboriginal people has made a distinctive impact on contemporary Australian fashion, using unusual, bold colours and designs. Today there are a wide variety of traditional Aboriginal designs adorning a range of clothing. Balarinji Designs blend indigenous art, contemporary graphics and vibrant colours in a range of styles for both men and women. Desert Designs use traditional earth tones to depict their folklore through fashion. This clothing is unique and available online through reputable indigenous sites, as well as selected outlets and Aboriginal community centres.