An Adelaide institution and leader in the streetwear game, Zero Boutique, celebrated its 14th birthday last week. Owner and all-round cool guy, Adrian Dorsey invited this writer along to see what his store is all about.
On the store aesthetic, Dorsey says, “We’re the darker side of streetwear. One that is more fashion-oriented. It’s the hip-hop side of things.”
And when you step into the store and browse the range, you can see that this is true. Dorsey and Zero draw inspiration and experience from something that is a lot bigger than the Adelaide fashion scene. Something beyond the usual skate subcultures.
PHOTOS: Zero Boutique Store Launch
Arriving a little earlier than the crowd, I got to see the small and intimate gathering of loyal customers begin to file in. An array of friends, fans and like-minded creatives came to congratulate, appreciate and enjoy the fashion and also celebrate everything Adelaide. Like local talent, Eddy Hamra aka Adelaide Pleb, whose photographs was on display and for sale on the night.
Guests were treated to a pop-up bar by the crew from Botanic Bar, who served up smooth gin and tonics and delicious wine from South Australian favourite, Alpha Box & Dice.
The celebrations continued through the night when all the guests were pedaled to Botanic Bar by Adelaide’s newest – and favourite – mode of transport, Treecycles.
It is great to see that there is someone providing all of this support for our local businesses as well as bring an international flavour to Adelaide fashion. After leaving its iconic storefront on Jetty Road, the store has found its new calling in Regent Arcade – at the site of the old Whistles store. This move has allowed Dorsey to continue stocking the more exclusive brands that he’s championed since he took over 7 years ago.
With Zero, Dorsey is very adamant that when you buy there, you know where your money goes because the gear is not mass-produced. You are most likely supporting a local artist or a quality international label that has been tirelessly sought.
While the store now only carries menswear, forty per cent of the clientele remains female and there are hopes that womenswear will return in the near future. In the mean time, check out labels like: Only, Sly Guild, Durkl, Triple Six and Belief NYC. Better yet, pop down to the Arcade to see what it is all about for yourself.
PHOTOS: Zero Boutique Store Launch
Zero Boutique
Shop 25 Regent Arcade
Adelaide SA 5000
Phone: 08 8223 1244
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