Like a little corner of Paris in Melbourne, fashion boutique Marais has us captivated by both its refined selection of local and international labels and quietly haute interior design.

Inspired by the eclectic Parisian quarter from which it takes its name, Marais Melbourne on Little Collins Street is accessed via an intriguing staircase that opens up into an expansive white space flooded with light.

“Marais was always envisaged as a special destination, a secret location for people to discover,” says boutique director, Ivon.

It’s an oasis of French panelled white and dark wood walls, chevron parquetry floors and makes a perfect backdrop for the racks of exquisite garments artfully placed around the store.

They’re not the usual designer garments either - the exclusive range of distinctive local and international clothing, hand-picked on the basis of sophistication, individuality and flair is unique in Melbourne, and includes pieces from cult labels such as Preen, Jens Laugesen, Hussein Chalayan and Viktor and Rolf.