Fitzroy Local

The Galerie Fitzroy is a bright upstairs studio built on decades of collecting, curating and chasing down bold, beautiful pieces from around the world. Founded by Shelley Collins after a serendipitous encounter with vintage posters in San Francisco, the upstairs Brunswick Street studio has become a destination for original works with heart, history and humour. In this Q&A, Shelley shares the story behind the gallery, what keeps her inspired and how she helps others find the poster that truly clicks.

A love of denim, a sharp eye for tailoring and a desire to do things differently inspired Jodie Hayes to open Scout for Vintage, a denim reworking and alteration store that first took shape in Torquay before making the move to Fitzroy. Since 2020, she’s been quietly transforming wardrobes one jean at a time, specialising in quality labels and one-off pieces that combine craftsmanship with personal style. Drawn to denim for its rebellious roots and long-standing place in fashion culture, Jodie brings a creative, hands-on approach to everything she makes.

Melbourne Design Week is back from 15 to 25 May this year, with a dynamic program of talks, tours, exhibitions, installations and workshops taking place across the city. Presented by the NGV and Creative Victoria, the festival brings together designers, educators, thinkers and creatives to explore how design can shape a better future. This year’s theme, Design the World You Want, encourages designers to imagine how creativity can foster sustainability, repair and transformation.

Fitzroy pub façades, old Victorian windows and stories embedded in architecture, these are just some of the fragments that Melbourne artist Zory McGrath brings to life in her layered, expressive work. Her latest exhibition, Fragments of Urban Essence, runs from 8 to 25 May at Brunswick Street Gallery, with opening night celebrations on Friday, 9 May from 6 to 8 PM. Using recycled cardboard and textured surfaces, the series explores urban renewal, memory and the beauty found in overlooked corners of the built environment. Zory’s separate series on Fitzroy’s pubs, a tribute to the character and charm of these beloved spaces, is also available through the BSG store. She’ll be exhibiting alongside a diverse group of artists across the gallery’s May program.

There’s no better way to spend the ANZAC Day public holiday than with a local footy match in one of Melbourne’s most iconic parks. Luckily, Fitzroy boasts a standout local ground: the Brunswick Street Oval. Set in Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy North, this beloved oval is steeped in footy history and local pride. If you haven't yet soaked up some local footy here—cheering the team on from Hipster Hill, grabbing a snag from the BBQ, or joining the team huddle—then the ANZAC Day public holiday is the perfect time to check it out.