Periscope

As a fashion designer, Periscope owner Shantha Cokis can quickly discern what makes a piece unique, whether it’s an unusual fabric, clever detailing, or a perfectly deconstructed silhouette. The proof is in the labels she stocks, such as Gary Bigeni’s unexpected silhouettes, the raw, beautiful jewellery by Estelle Devé, or Carly Hunter’s fabrics laced with metal.

When Cokis first opened the womenswear shop in 1998, it was to sell her own designs, but that fell by the wayside as she began buying in other labels. In 2015 she re-launched the in-house label, which consists of simple, pared-back pieces for every day.

From its original location on King Street – now a ritzy designer mecca that’s turned many small businesses off – Periscope has migrated to a cooler, community-minded spot on Northbridge’s William Street. One of the plus-sides of the new location is its proximity to Central Tafe, where the staff is forging connections with a crop of promising young designers. Watch this space.