Melbourne’s City Circle tram loops past a dense matrix of culture, education and commerce, but few intersections offer as much access in so little walking distance as the northern end of King Street.

Here, Aspire Melbourne rises 64 storeys from the edge of Flagstaff Gardens, with immediate connectivity to tram and train networks, and pedestrian access to Queen Victoria Market, Marvel Stadium and Melbourne’s major university precincts.

Developed by ICD Property with design by Fraser &amp; Partners, Aspire Melbourne brings 570 apartments to one of the CBD’s most spatially balanced positions, directly between civic green space and key employment infrastructure.

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Everything from retail and dining to sporting events, art, theatre, and festivals, or the serenity of the city’s gardens, is within walking distance of Aspire.

Melbourne's thriving coffee culture is showcased in the CBD's cobblestoned laneways, with popular cafes such as Brother Baba Budan, Krimper, Stagger Lee's, Higher Ground, and Manchester Press all nearby.

For culinary enthusiasts, Melbourne offers a variety of dining experiences. Highly recommended establishments include Maha, Farmer's Daughter, Coda, and MoVida Next Door, offering everything from Middle Eastern dinners to a night out.

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Getting around Melbourne is as effortless as finding a great cup of coffee, thanks to the city’s clean, reliable and extensive public transport network. Aspire’s curved tower is a short walk from Melbourne Central Station, Southern Cross Station and the Free Tram Zone, offering seamless connections across the CBD and out to suburban precincts.

This inner-city accessibility is complemented by Aspire’s rare proximity to green space. The tower directly overlooks Flagstaff Gardens, the city’s oldest park, with Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens also nearby, framing the CBD in natural beauty.

Just 11 minutes on foot, Queen Victoria Market adds another layer of amenity. A longstanding hub of culture and commerce, it offers fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal goods and vibrant multicultural fare, all woven into the daily rhythm of city life.

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To the west, the CBD’s entertainment quarter features Marvel Stadium, just 750 metres from Aspire, ideal for sports fans and major events.

To the south, Crown Casino along the Yarra River offers entertainment, dining and family-friendly activities, accessible in under 10 minutes by tram.

The Arts Centre Melbourne, a hub for visual art, theatre, music and performance, is also within easy reach by public transport or car.

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For families looking to set up roots in the CBD, education options abound within a one-kilometre radius of Aspire.

The prestigious Haileybury opened its Melbourne CBD campus in January 2017 offering Melbourne's first Early Learning Centre to Year 12 private school campus in the CBD.&nbsp;

<a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North Melbourne</a> Primary School, South Melbourne Primary School, Ozford College, and Simonds Catholic College are among the other choices, while universities like Victoria University, La Trobe University, and Monash University are less than 600 metres away.

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A limited selection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments remain for sale, with pricing starting from $647,000.

“The Melbourne CBD apartment market has evolved in response to both the strong growth of the overall city as well as the increasing attraction of the CBD which offers unique lifestyle appeal, especially to the fast-growing cohorts of young professionals and university students,” <a href="/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>&nbsp;Managing Director Residential Tim Storey said.

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Joel Robinson

On the fringe of Flagstaff Gardens: Aspire Melbourne's prime location

The onset of the pandemic was a tough time for developers across the country.

In Western Australia, development came to a grinding halt.

“There had been little to no increase in the cost to build for about 12 to 13 years before the pandemic,” Gavin Hawkins, Executive Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth’s premier developers, told Apartments.com.au.

“Everything then went up overnight. Costs escalated, and so did the prices buyers had to pay. Pair the cost increase with the lack of available builders, and any project worth upwards of $100 million had to be paused because it wasn’t feasible to deliver.”

There were also a series of builder insolvencies, while many tier-one firms shifted their focus away from residential towers. “A lot of the large builders had taken on major government contracts for hospitals, schools and transport infrastructure, which offered lower risk and steadier returns. That left very few willing or able to deliver large-scale apartment projects in WA,” Hawkins said.

As a solution-driven business, Edge decided they would bring construction in-house.

“The builder-developer model is a more common model in the eastern states, but it hasn’t really been done in WA before,” Hawkins says. In the middle of 2023, they established Edge Construction, hiring senior staff members from reputable tier-one builders.

“We showed them our pipeline of projects, which de-risked the process somewhat, and now we have a 45-strong construction team working across our six projects currently under construction.”

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Edge’s portfolio is arguably one of the most enviable in the state, with a diverse spread both geographically and in terms of density.

In Crawley, the team is approaching completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/broadway-on-the-bay-crawley-168-broadway-crawley-wa-6009">Broadway on the Bay</a>, just 21 riverfront apartments in an eight-level building. North of Crawley, Edge is also soon to complete <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/claytons-mindarie-beachfront-mindarie-50-alexandria-view-mindarie-wa-6030">Claytons Mindarie Beachfront</a>, an 89-residence community comprising apartments, penthouses, and two-storey townhouses.

One of Edge’s most notable developments is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-dunes-beachfront-residences-scarborough-1-reserve-street-scarborough-wa-6019">The Dunes</a>, a landmark project on the iconic Scarborough beachfront. Its 223 residences are spread across two buildings that will also feature a lagoon pool, wine cellar, and a series of formal and informal dining and lounge areas, reinforcing its positioning as one of the suburb’s most ambitious residential undertakings.

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Edge’s Fremantle project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/muse-at-artisan-place-fremantle-19-burt-street-fremantle-wa-6160">Muse at Artisan Place</a>, is also breaking new ground as the first, and most premium stage, of a new residential precinct in the city’s east end. They have two of the four buildings, Muse West and Muse East, under construction, which will deliver 153 of the broader Artisan Place precinct that will eventually comprise 277 residences.&nbsp;

Not forgetting the CBD fringe, Edge has also commenced the build of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumiere-south-perth-35-mends-street-south-perth-wa-6151">Lumiere</a>, a mix of 115 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in a striking curved building by Hilliam Architects in South Perth. Lumiere also leans heavily on resident amenity, with an infinity heated pool with cabanas, a gym with a sauna and yoga deck, billiards room and cocktail bar, a residents’ lounge with fireplace and dining area, and a street-level café and wine bar.

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Edge is doubling down in South Perth, having recently acquired a site on Harper Terrace, the last privately held riverfront block in South Perth’s Mends Street precinct. Hawkins says the team had been working for years to secure the adjoining block, which had four separate owners in an original apartment building. Then the neighbouring cleared block came up for sale, allowing them to create a prized and unrepeatable 4,000 sqm-plus site.

The plan is to launch Harper on Swan, an 11-level building with around 71 apartments, mostly three-bedroom residences, to the market soon. Hawkins says the downsizer market in particular continues to be resilient in WA. “Now their homes are up to double what they were four years ago, and they are ready to take advantage of that and move into a new apartment,” Hawkins says.

“With strong population growth, full employment, and limited supply in the new apartment space, WA is well positioned heading into 2026.”

Edge’s portfolio is arguably one of the most enviable in the state, with a diverse spread both geographically and in terms of density.

How EDGE Visionary Living navigated the pandemic, and came out stronger: Five minutes with Gavin Hawkins

Construction has officially commenced at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/botanical-turner-2-forbes-street-turner-act-2612">Botanical Turner</a>, one of Canberra’s most anticipated new residential communities, with site works well underway in preparation for the piling rig to arrive in November. &nbsp;

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/amalgamated-property-group">Amalgamated Property Group</a> in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/base-developments">Base Developments</a>, Botanical Turner builds on the team’s proven track record of delivering landmark projects across Canberra and beyond. It is being brought to life by the highly respected team at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/milin-builders">Milin Builders</a>, known for delivering a number of award-winning projects across the ACT.&nbsp;

Almost 50 per cent of the residences have already sold during Stage 1, signalling both the strength of &nbsp;buyer confidence and the rarity of Botanical’s offering.

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Graham Potts, Principal and Founding Director of Amalgamated Property Group, said the market response affirms the vision for Botanical.&nbsp;

“To see construction now underway is a milestone for both our team and our buyers. Nearly half &nbsp;of the residences have been secured in this first stage, which validates our approach of creating &nbsp;homes that are both distinctive in design and generous in scale. Botanical is more than a &nbsp;residential project, it’s a contribution to the future of Canberra’s inner north, designed to hold its &nbsp;value for generations to come.”&nbsp;

Proving popular with owner-occupiers, Botanical Turner offers a broad range of floorplans with one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences designed for flexibility. The project has drawn the attention of downsizers in particular, who value the low upkeep, leafy inner-north location, and forward-thinking considerations for storage and functionality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Designed by award-winning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architects</a> (2023 International Interior of the Year at World &nbsp;Architecture Festival and 2024 Premiers Prize at NSW Architecture Awards), Botanical Turner &nbsp;makes a statement in both presence and liveability. The building’s bold geometric form is layered in a palette of red brick, terracotta and crisp white.

Carefully integrated communal spaces, including a landscaped courtyard, arched walkways &nbsp;and open thoroughfares, give residents a sense of connection and ease, while the abundant &nbsp;amenities reflect the expectations of a discerning market backed by Amalgamated’s lifestyle-led approach. These include a concierge, indoor lap pool set among greenery, spa, sauna, &nbsp;steam room and a fully equipped gym.

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Keenan Veraar, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/lj-hooker-project-marketing-act-0">LJ Hooker</a>, said Botanical Turner has exceeded expectations in terms of demand.&nbsp;

“Botanical Turner has attracted strong early interest and I believe that is because of three key factors; its beautiful build form, the generous apartment sizes, and buyers know they are purchasing into a project backed by one of Canberra’s most respected development partnerships,"&nbsp;Veraar said.

"Amalgamated and Base have delivered time and again, and that consistency gives people confidence. SJB Architects has created outstanding projects interstate using similar &nbsp;tones and materials, all of which have been incredibly well received. That pedigree reassures &nbsp;our buyers that Botanical will set a new benchmark for Canberra.”&nbsp;

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Dennis Milin, Principal of Base Developments and Milin Builders, said construction progress is advancing on schedule.&nbsp;

“Off-site works and site servicing are nearing completion, with excavation and preparation for &nbsp;piling equipment in progress to allow for the commencement of basement earthworks," Milin says.

"With decades of delivery experience and a longstanding partnership with Amalgamated, we’re &nbsp;committed to bringing SJB’s vision for Botanical Turner to life. The project will be defined by the &nbsp;same uncompromising standards and attention to detail that underpin every one of our developments.”&nbsp;

Apartments at Botanical start from $600,000.

&nbsp;

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Construction commences at Botanical Turner as stage one reaches 50 per cent sold

Design-led property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a> has achieved $125 million in sales prior to publicly launching its latest Toorak Village development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-toorak-place-7-19-carters-avenue-toorak-vic-3142">One Toorak Place</a>, to market.

The milestone was reached with the sale of a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom apartment to a Toorak local for $13.75 million, achieving per square metre rates of $37,000.

Another notable recent transaction is the sale of a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom residence to Toorak local Paul Rosen for $12.65 million in July representing a square meter rate of $43,174.&nbsp;

In May, the development made history with the record-breaking penthouse sale of more than $20 million, to Group CEO at Accent Group Limited Daniel Agostinelli and his wife Lynette.&nbsp;

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Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie said the record breaking achievement and sales success reflects the demand for thoughtfully designed, luxury residences and the unique lifestyle proposition of a serviced residential building that offers the scale of a home, but with added lifestyle benefits, high security and amenity.

“The early purchasers of this project are very familiar faces to Orchard Piper. Many of them are Toorak locals who have waited years for the right project to buy into. They understand how rare this offering is, and trust us to deliver them an outstanding property.”&nbsp;

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Developed in collaboration with joint venture partner NPACT (a partnership between James Packer’s family office and Todd Nisbet), One Toorak Place introduces a new model of hotel-style residential living to the suburb.&nbsp;

Located at 7-11A and 17-19 Carters Avenue, the development includes a collection of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences and penthouses, boutique commercial suites, curated retail and an integrated hospitality precinct by acclaimed restaurateur Chris Lucas.

Delivered in his signature style, the precinct will be curated to reflect the spirit of the neighbourhood and the lifestyle of its residents. Lucas will also design a suite of bespoke services for residents of the building, including in-residence private dining, cellar concierge services and priority access to all Chris Lucas restaurants.&nbsp;

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/kerry-hill-architects">KHA (Kerry Hill Architects)</a>, residents will enjoy access to hotel-style five-star services and amenities, including concierge, a 25-metre lap pool, full-service gym, sauna, steam room, and hot and cold therapies. Also included are a dedicated resident lounge, resident meeting room, a golf simulator, and practical facilities such as dog-wash and car-wash bays.&nbsp;

One Toorak Place is Toorak’s largest planning approval to date, occupying the 3,589 sqm former Mercedes-Benz Toorak site. With a total of 5,000 sqm of premium land under development across two projects in Toorak Village, Orchard Piper’s contribution to the precinct is set to surpass $550 million in value, reinforcing its long-term commitment to design-led renewal in the area.&nbsp;

Construction on One Toorak Place is expected to commence towards the end of 2025.&nbsp;

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The development is now over 30 per cent sold by value in under three months, with significant sales including a record-breaking $20 million penthouse, and two four-bedroom apartments for $13.75 million and $12.65 million. 

Orchard Piper achieves $125 million in pre-launch sales at Packer-backed Toorak Village development

The first large-scale residential community built on the Gold Coast’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Isle of Capri</a> in more than 30 years is nearing sell-out, with limited villas now available in the exclusive island enclave.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/greyburn">Greyburn</a>, Capri Villas brings 48 architect-designed homes to one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after addresses. The gated community combines privacy, security and premium design in a central location.

Michael Kollosche, Managing Director of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/kollosche-new-projects">Kollosche</a>, said security and lifestyle are front of mind for today’s buyers.

“Capri Villas offers the comfort of a home, the convenience of a central location, and the confidence that comes with a gated community.”

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With only a handful of villas remaining, the sales momentum reflects both strong buyer demand for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Capri Villas</a> and a broader shortage of new, move-in-ready boutique homes on the Gold Coast.

The villas span two levels, each with three bedrooms, generous living areas and high-end finishes such as marble kitchens with Gaggenau appliances. Solid concrete construction underpins the design, while landscaped courtyards extend living spaces outdoors. Practical inclusions like secure garaging, ducted climate control and ample storage enhance everyday comfort.

Residents also have access to resort-style facilities within the gated grounds, including a swimming pool with cabanas and day beds, landscaped outdoor entertaining areas with barbecues, and a residents’ lounge.

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“Opportunities like this don’t come up often,” Kollosche added.

“Capri Villas combines security, design and location in a way that is rare on the Gold Coast and the level of interest we’re seeing reflects that.”

Isle of Capri is an island community tucked in behind Surfers Paradise, offering residents a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the action. Linked to the beachfront by bridge, the suburb is favoured for its walkability, with Capri on Via Roma (including Harris Farm Markets) providing dining, cafes and essentials just 800 metres away. Beaches, restaurants and entertainment are close at hand, while transport connections add to the suburb’s appeal.

Capri Villas are located at 81 Salerno Street, Isle of Capri. Two-level, three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.4 million.

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Capri Villas approach sell-out following recent completion

Alannah Hill

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The acclaimed fashion designer Alannah Hill secured the sale of her chic white washed St Kilda West terrace which went to weekend auction.
The turn of the century Boom Style Victorian home drew just the one bidder, with the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-st+kilda+west-125546586" target="_blank">Mary Street three bedroom house</a> passed in at $2.325 million.
But Marshall White agents Adrian Wood and Michael Paproth sold it for an undisclosed higher price soon after.
Hill had paid $1,905,000 in 2013 then renovated the house in her signature style, draping it in marble, plenty of pink and chandeliers.
She was reluctantly selling because it was too big for her and her son.
Alannah took to Facebook to express her delight.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/06/19/Alannah.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/49-lisson-gr-hawthorn-vic-3122" target="_blank">A $7.65 million sale of a heritage home in Hawthorn</a> was the nation's top weekend auction result, on a weekend when Melbourne cemented its dominance over Sydney.
The four bedroom singe storey Lisson Grove had last sold 20 years ago at $1,225,250, reflecting close to 10 percent annual price appreciation.
There were extensive renovations in 2010 at the 1700 sq m property which came with tennis court.
After an opening bid of $6 million, there were the five bidders who took the offers to an on-the-market $6.7 million.
There had been seven bidders at its 1997 auction but only two were prepared to pay beyond $1.1 million.
Across Australia auction volumes rise to 2,407 returning an initial clearance rate of 69.6 per cent.
It is the third week in a row now where the combined capital city clearance rate has trended below 70 percent.
At the same time last year, auction volumes were lower than this week, with 2,183 properties taken to auction and a clearance rate of 67.4 percent.
The long weekend final clearance rate sat at 67.8 percent, recording the lowest clearance rate year to date, across the reduced holiday weekend 1,279 capital city auctions volume.
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 72.4 percent this week, an improvement in the rate after last week’s final result saw the clearance rate drop to 67.7 percent.
"However as more results are collected it’s likely Sydney’s final clearance rate will again slip below the 70 percent mark," Kevin Brogan, the CoreLogic auction analyst said.
One year ago results show that 73.4 percent of Sydney homes taken to auction were successful, he noted.
Sydney's volumes were higher, up to 906 from 619 last week and one year ago when 768 Sydney homes were taken to auction.
The Eastern Suburbs sub-region of Sydney has shown the strongest performance so far this week, with 85 per cent of the 60 reported results selling including a $6 million South Coogee home, which sold for $2 million above reserve at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/2-denning-st-south-coogee-nsw-2034" target="_blank">2 Denning Street</a>. 
Melbourne’s auction results have also moderated, however the clearance rates remain well above 70 percent, "indicating some resilience in selling conditions relative to Sydney," CoreLogic's Kevin Brogan said.
Melbourne's preliminary auction clearance rate of 72.2 percent across 1,121 weekend auction included the nation's cheapest when $195,000 was paid for a one bedroom West Footscray flat.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-west+footscray-125522966" target="_blank">The 16/7-9 Hatfield Court unit</a> offered through Biggin &amp; Scott last sold at $38,000 in 1997.
Last week, Melbourne’s final clearance rate was recorded at 75.9 percent across 389 auctions.
This time last year, 1,085 properties were taken to auction across Melbourne and a clearance rate of 68.3 percent was recorded.
Sales included The Seekers’ manager Graham Simpson and his writer wife Jacqui selling their Hampton home of 15 years for $2.1 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-hampton-125529654" target="_blank">The Wave Street, Hampton 1911 Edwardian offering</a> had three bidders who took the sale price<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-hampton-125529654"> </a>$80,000 past reserve.
It last sold at $786,000 in 2002.
There were 150 Brisbane homes taken to auction this week, with a preliminary clearance rate of 49 per cent, down from 52.2 per cent last week but higher than one year ago, when 45.1 per cent of the 120 properties taken to auction were successful.
Brisbane's top sale was when $2.5 million was paid by southerners for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-yeronga-125496342" target="_blank">71 Ormadale Rd, Yeronga</a>.
The architecturally designed contemporary home was set on a riverfront 959 sqm lot.
The buyers, Paul and Dawn Burgoyne had spent the past three weeks looking for a Brisbane base, seeking out Brisbane's forgiving cold season.
“Brisbane winters are just the best, so the plan is to basically run two homes — six month of the year up here and six months back home in Melbourne,” Mr Burgoine told The Courier Mail.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Fashion designer Alannah Hill sells St Kilda West terrace

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Acclaimed fashion designer Alannah Hill has listed her chic white washed St Kilda West terrace.
Alannah had paid $1,905,000 for the home in 2013.
Hockingstuart - Albert Park agents Simon Graf and Paul Torok have set a May 20 auction date having marketed the home as 'The House of Love'. 
The turn of the century balconied Boom Style Victorian home comes with all the fitouts expected from a world renowned designer.
A custom designed chandelier crowns the entrance hall complete with a VIP cherry red carpet.
An ornate powder room, parlour, dining room, contemporary kitchen and Italian inspired garden complete the ground floor.
The second level homes the three bedrooms, while the master suite features an ensuite and a bay-view balcony.
It all began for Alannah Hill in South Yarra back in 1980 when she started at Indigo Boutique in Chapel Street. She remained there for the over 15 years.
With the financial backing of Melbourne-based business Factory X, the Tasmanian born designer established 42 Alannah Hill stores across Australia.
In 2013 Alannah famously walked away from her brand 'Alannah Hill', leaving Factory X to run the brand.
Alannah's launched a new label, Louise Love, in 2015, to worldwide critical acclaim.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian Mansion Australia section.
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Alannah Hill

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