Georg Jensen’s mission is now one of translating its quest for the most advanced cultural, aesthetic, design and functional quality into mass production. Designer products are the result of the constant reconciliation of art and industry, of the “Immensity of Creative Potential” and the needs of the market. The company is committed to a design approach in which the most advanced expression of international creativity is always balanced against the desires of the general public. Alessi has been described as a “Dream Factory”, which uses its products to make people’s dreams come true, providing them with the Art and Poetry that they seek.

The Alpaca Collection’ is a boutique-clothing store for both women and men, located in the historic Block Arcade in the heart of the city.

Established in 1998, with clothing made exclusively from alpaca yarn from Australia and around the world, the business has continued to diversify.

Today, we offer a wide range of clothing, including dresses, tops, pants, cardigans, jumpers, coats and scarves. And our clothing is still made from alpaca yarn but we also have a wide range of other natural materials, including wool, cotton, silk and luxurious cashmere.

At ‘The Alpaca Collection’ we have always cherished our customers. It’s why we offer clothing made from beautiful materials with stylish design and provide excellent service. If everyone could look and feel good about themselves, just imagine how much better life would be!

We hope you enjoy ‘The Alpaca Collection’.

Discover The French Jewel Box, home of luxury and fine Jewellery nestled in Melbourne’s heart. 

Our boutique is a haven for connoisseurs of exquisite Jewellery, offering a curated collection sourced from the far reaches of the globe alongside meticulously handcrafted treasures born right here in Melbourne. We believe in the allure of the extraordinary, which is why each Jewel in our collection is handpicked for its outstanding beauty, craftsmanship, and rarity. Our international selection boasts an array of breathtaking pieces, each reflecting the rich heritage and distinctive style of its origin. Whether it’s the dazzling brilliance of a diamond from Antwerp, the vibrant hues of Colombian emeralds, or the glowing luster of Australian South Sea pearls, every jewel in our collection is a testament to the artistry and expertise of its creators.  

Whether you’re seeking a statement piece for a special occasion or a timeless treasure to express your everyday style, we are dedicated to providing our personalized assistance on your journey.

Operating Hours:

Monday 10am – 5pm

Tuesday 10am – 5pm

Wednesday 10am – 5pm

Thursday 10am – 5pm

Friday 10am – 5pm

Saturday 10am – 4.30pm

Sunday 11am – 3pm

CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Welcome to the Tea Rooms 1892 ~Home of the Original Hopetoun Tearooms

The site of The Block Arcade is one of Melbourne’s oldest having been purchased in one of Melbourne’s first land sales for 18 pounds by Henry Batman, brother of Melbourne’s founder John Batman.

Originally occupied by Briscoe’s Grain & Bulk the building was sold to The George brothers who transformed the site into the George’s Federal Emporium. The four storey structure burnt to the ground on Friday 13^th September 1889 in what newspapers described as “The Great Fire of Melbourne”.

Having been purchased by the Melbourne’s City Property Company, architectural firm Twentyman and Askew were engaged to build an arcade based on the Galleria Vittorio in Milan. The high quality workmanship of this period is evident throughout the building, from the magnificent etched glass roof with its spectacular dome to the elegant walkways embellished with intricate mosaics imported exclusively from Italy.

The Collins Street section was completed in February 1892 and the Elizabeth Street extension opened 20 months later. The arcade was soon to become Melbourne’s “high style” headquarters.

In the 1880’s Collins Street established itself as the burgeoning city’s premier throughfare. The northern side of the Street, between Elizabeth and Swanston Streets, was known as “The Block”.

A social must for sophisticated Melbournians was “doing the Block”. Elegant Melburnians paraded for hours, pausing regularly to engage in polite conversation or to enter the exclusive boutique, coffee houses and book stores. At one stage, even football took second place to “doing the Block”. Saturday games were timed to being after people had finished promenading.

From 1893 until 1907, The Victorian ladies’ Work Association ran a small tea room, previously located at shop number 6 in the Arcade. Frequented by polite society, it was a fashionable spot for lady shoppers to take lunch or afternoon tea in the 1890’s and as the popularity of the rooms began to grow they relocated to shops 12 and 13 where they have remained for roughly 130 years.   Although the Association disbanded in 1907, they renamed the tearooms after their founder Lady Hopetoun, wife of Victorian Govenor and first Govenor General of Australia, Lord Hopetoun.

Today the The Tearooms are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and The National Trust ensuring that not only are they protected but the tradition of the quaint atmosphere of old world gentility, refinement and quality continues.

From the emerald green printed wallpaper, the magnificent etched mirror, the chandeliers and the white and gold fine bone china, the decor is much the same as it was back then and we look forward to delighting you in the experience of yester-year.

Mr Wares offers well-crafted giftware, homeware and accessories; cleverly curated with a man-in-mind yet sure to appeal to all lovers of the beautiful and unusual.
Mr Wares seeks quality-based products from specialist manufacturers with proud and ongoing commitments to craftsmanship, utility, sustainability and socially responsible practices.
Mr Wares values contemporary heirlooms; classic designs, crafted using traditional techniques, guaranteed to enrich contemporary living with a moment of joy or a lifetime of service.

Mr Wares
22 The Block Arcade
282 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia

t: +61 3 9663 6441
e: info@mrwares.com
w: mrwares.com

Mon – Thurs 10.00 – 5.30
Fri 10.00 – 7.00
Sat 10.00 – 5.00
Sun 11.00 – 5.00

A family owned and operated business since 1989, Card & Caboodle offer cards, both greeted and blank, sourced locally and from around the globe, as well as stunning wrapping products, fabric ribbons and selected gift lines. We pride ourselves on the high level of customer service we offer both in-store and on-line, and look forward to helping you with any personal or work-related needs in the future.
You’ll find us at Shops 1-3, 290 Collins street – Block Court within The Block Arcade
Ph: 03 9650 9011 or info@cardandcaboodle.com.au

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm
(Extended hours at Christmas – Please call 9650 9011 for details)

Adriano Carbone, Master Tailor, keeping the traditions of Master Tailoring alive and well, Adriano is the real deal. From his shopfront and workrooms, he delivers the finest premium-quality, made to measure, tailor made and bespoke garments for ladies and gentlemen. Every unique piece hand made here at The Block Arcade by Adriano, the Master Tailor.
Adriano, with the assistance of his wife Maria, promises you personalised service from design to material selections. International fabrics, like Scabal, Huddersfield Cloth, Zegna, Holland & Sherry, Dormeuil, Lora Piana and the choice of finishing options for your garment.
For over a decade he has tailored costumes for Major Broadway Musicals such as Jersey Boys, Annie, Wicked, Grease , and many more.
Adriano and Maria, both with Italian roots, are steeped in Melbourne’s culture and are determined to keep the Art of Tailoring alive.