The Annex Concept Store - The story

Offering the fashion-forward Australian male some much needed respite from the oft bland landscape of menswear retail, The Annex combines an extensive selection of clothing and accessories from Australia’s most preeminent menswear designers in a unique industrial-looking space in the heart of Bondi Beach, Sydney. The store has a brand new location in Bondi's Beachhouse located on Gould street just behind world famous Campbell parade next to some amazing retailers such as Aesop and Sonoma Bakery.

The store itself has a real Creative feel with strong design aesthetic which engages you on the outside, evokes interest and brings you into the store. Once inside the store you will be on a journey of discovery of our labels and also the des ign surroundings.The design of the store really re!ects our products that we are selling. We wanted to create a shopping experience that will leave a long lasting impression. The Annex’s brands read like a who’s who of Australian menswear designers – established labels like Chronicles of Never, Saint Augustine Academy and Nathan Smith sit alongside up-and-coming designers such as Shay Alexander.

Whilst The Annex has a strong emphasis on Australian fashion, owners Stephanie Reeve and Glen Vilo also keep an international flavour to their store. As a supporter of new, undiscovered talent, Steph has been instrumental in bringing the UK-based rock-inspired label Tuesday Night Band Practice to Australian shores. London-born and raised, Steph draws inspiration from the rich fashion industry of her home shores and will continue to stock international brands exclusively at The Annex.

The Annex is a go-to destination for staple menswear garments such as denim, t-shirts, hoodies and cardigans, but also stocks more formal items in the form of vests, suiting and leather and suede jackets. The Annex really sets itself apart with the exten sive array of men’s accessories on offer. Footwear is a highlight of the store’s range; customers can find leather ankle or motorcycle boots, slip on leather loafers or suede dress shoes by brands such as Chronicles Of Never and Mere Footwear. Accompanying The Annex’s footwear is a selection of jewellery by Chronicles Of Never, Life Imitating Art and Henson.

In addition to the Bondi boutique, The Annex has a cohesive online store at www.TheAnnex.com.au. Offering nationwide and international shipping means that fashionable men the world over can get their Australian fashion fix in one simple and easy transaction.

One of The Annex’s biggest strengths is the considered buying methods of Steph: “I like to make sure there is always something new for customers to see when they drop in, so I tend to buy a variety of styles in smaller quantities, rather than lots of the same item. This gives the customer a sense of individuality and keeps the store interesting for the duration of a season”.

With over 10 years of experience as a fashion buyer and sales agent, Stephanie has an eye for knowing what fashion-forward men of Australia are looking for, and with this knowledge has created a niche fashion destination that is set to become a major player in the local retail market.

The latest venture for Steph is her new in house Collection called Annex. This collection is the key peice and the begginning of everything in her eyes in her fashion puzzle. After 7 years of supplying mens fashion in Bondi Steph now has the background and knowledge to give Aussie men what they need, something different and exciting! Drawing again on her British background, she is designing a cutting edge menswear line, including a full apparel range, leather accessories, jewellery and footwear, and heres the best bit... Its only avaialble to buy through The Annex! .

The Annex can be found at Shop 8, The Beachhouse, 178 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach (Enter via Gould Street) or online at www.TheAnnex.com.au

The Brands

Chronicles Of Never:
Designer Gareth Moody spent six years working in the fashion industry as one of the founding members of Tsubi now Ksubi going solo in 2005 to form his androgynous, unisex signature and now thriving brand Chronicles of Never. Chronicles of Never is now a fully fledged fashion label, offering men’s and women’s boutique clothing ranges, custom hand made leather shoes, and collaborative sunglasses (with Graz Mulcahy).The latest for Gareth and Chronicles of Never, is a sub-label named “Black Noise White Rain”

Tuesday Night Band Practice:
A musically inspired brand from the Uk: A collaboration, Proclamation of sorts. A fusion of fine wine and fine times. A plethora of cotton candy and cloth thats dandy. 27 your numbers up. A time to die is not yet for some, but who knows when your No 1. Screaming crowds, scratched guitars, electric citars and beer stained bars. To feel the pace is to fear the grace, as thrashing adoration makes you dance on the crowd... TNBP. Fearr the power of Music.

Saint Augustine Academy:
Sydney based label Saint Augustine Academy is known for its directional tailoring and edgy aesthetic. Their Menswear Collections have tended to explore the vast spectrum of Rock ‘n Roll; taking its inspiration from such diverse genres as the British invasion bands of the 60’s, the New Wave/New Romantic movements of the 80’s, to some of today’s most seminal alternative artists like Kings of Leon, VHS or Beta and Interpol. As fans of the label like The Bravery, Hot Hot Heat, The Horrors and The Rapture can attest, Saint Augustine Academy caters for every indie kid’s fashion needs; everything from a t-shirt, skinny tie, and right up to a tuxedo.

Nathan Smith:
Nathan Smith Menswear is a sharp range of must-have separates. Nathan's expert eye and talent for design has proven to be an immediate success and has expanded from basics to a full apparel collection. Nathan Smith's tshirts are made from a mix of jersey and heavy cottons, feel super soft n silky and are available in muted colours. Must have basic tee!

Injury:
Injury is a cult mens fashion label about a horror movie soundtrack: its a freak show and a CITY of Enigma. Injury was founded by Eugene Leung in 2004 and was into all things dark, bizarre and nightmarish and hence the name Injury. Injury is a moody and atmospheric yet meticulously crafted ready to wear unisex collection. Their clothes are designed to reflect characters and icons they have chosen to depict every season.

Gram Footwear:
Founded in Stockholm, Sweden in april 2005 by Alexis Holm and Anna Stenvi. The companys primary goal is to design and produce a range of unique shoes, that reflect the present, yet rely on the past. Gram's materials are always at the core of every collection together with a strong Scandinavian design aesthetic, creating a uniquely wearable product. All these mens shoes are created with minute attention to details and hands-on presence in all stages of development.

Lost City:
Sydney based label Lost City is a new kid on the block and is already creating a stir for their Mens Tshirts. They have awesome cuts and use only the finest soft drapey cottons. Each one is specially treated and washed with an industrial laundry process in a way that takes away the squeaky clean edge of each garment, giving them instant old school character and charm. They feel so good to wear and will for certain become an old time favourite.