Australia

     Australia is a vacation fantasy for people all over the world. It is incredibly far away from the United States and it seems so exciting to visit. The truth is, Australia is amazing and everybody that dreams about it should visit whenever possible. Australia is like California in the sense that each section of the country depicts a different environment based on the location and trends that are found in each city. Melbourne and Sydney are very different as far as the area but one thing never changes, the people in Australia are kind and always willing to help out those that are new to the area. Fashion in Australia changes depending on location, but for the most part it is very relaxed. Fashion can be exciting at night when Australians know how to fancy it up with heels, suits, and tight fitting dresses. In Melbourne tourists have the chance to feel the rush of the city. The tram is the easiest way to get around and an interesting way to travel throughout the city. In Sydney it is time to kick back and go to the beach, but the ferry is always an option for some shopping and excitement. Australia can be the biggest culture shock in a country that speaks the same language as the United States, but their accents can charm any new comer.

            Quiksilver is the most famous boarding company known around the world. The company is based in Huntington, California, but the owner was originally from Australia. Quiksilver was founded in Australia in 1969. The owner is Alan Green and he designed the Logo along with John Law in Torquay, Victoria, Australia. The company is known for their surf gear around Australia and their snowboarding gear in colder climates. In the summer their swim wear as well as casual wear are popular among men, women and children. The company itself employs about 8,000 people in their successful and forever growing industry. The company continues to be popular without the help of typical fashion shows for their line releases. The company does range releases a couple times a year, and they have several celebrity sponsors. The marketing team has people that specialize in both global and local athletic management. Kelly Slater is a renowned surfer and his line for Quiksilver is based on his lifestyle. He moves around a lot, which is why it only makes sense that the style for his line be nomadic. Quiksilver is becoming more successful around the world than ever before. Europe is close to the number one account and Asia has several markets that are emerging. Consumers that enjoy the comfort of Quiksilver board shorts are also comforted by the fact that Quiksilver gives them a lifetime warranty on their shorts. Surfing can be rough and it is good to know that the shorts can be repaired for no charge. The term mass customization may be an oxymoron, but Quiksilver allows all their clients to custom design their own apparel online. The freedom and ability to have an opinion about the clothing makes consumers more excited about purchases. The company started by making shorts in a garage and they are now one of the most successful surf wear companies in the world. Sydney has adopted Quiksilver as more than just beach wear; it is a lifestyle. Board shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops are part of everyday apparel.

            Surfing is a major leisure activity across the country of Australia and with the help of Quiksilver the surfers are unstoppable. Bells beach in Victoria is one of the most famous beaches to surf at in Australia; surf competitions are held there ever year. It is located on the Great Ocean Road and named after John Cavert Bell. The longest running surf competition is held at Bells beach every year, The Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival. The view from above the beach is absolutely breath taking. The water is freezing to the touch, but the beach is still relaxing to sit and watch the waves. Manly beach in Sydney is another great beach to catch some waves on a nice day. There are three main sections of the beach; Queenscliff, North Steyne, and South Steyne. Surrounding the beach are hotels and apartments that offer a clear ocean side view. The corso is a plaza similar to a boardwalk environment that connects to the ferry and the beach. Along the strip are souvenir shops, clothing, restaurants and ice cream parlors. The strip is enjoyable for some quick shopping or a bite to eat before jumping on the ferry and heading into town. On the way into the heart of Sydney the ferry passes the Sydney Harbour Bridge also known as the “coat hanger” because of the arch and the stunning opera house. Since Australia is known for surfing it is only natural that some of the most beautiful beaches would be available to visit.

            Shopping in Australia is unlike any country. Clothing, among several other essentials found in Australia can be very expensive. The fashions in Melbourne can be directly compared to the fashion in Paris; they both wear a lot of black clothing. The seasons are opposite from the United States, which means in December local Australians are looking for summer items. Bright colors and loud patterns are set out all over the shops. Shopping centers are found on every block throughout Melbourne. The PTO is an interesting shopping center in Melbourne because it was a post office at one time, but it was made into a small shopping center lined with high priced boutiques. The department stores in Melbourne were the same as any other department store, but David Jones provided a better shopping experience. David Jones was very organized, clean, and high end; it is similar to Saks Fifth Avenue or Galeries Lafayette. Myer’s is Australia’s largest department store chain and are similar to a Macy’s. During the holidays customers line up outside the store not only to see Santa Claus but also to see their festive window displays. Within the store an entire floor is dedicated to holiday activities for children. This is a great idea for entertainment and popularity, but it can easily create chaos throughout the store. One the major trends for fashion among Australia was a vintage look. Brunswick Street is a famous street in Melbourne that enables young designers to showcase their work and consumers to get bargains on vintage items. The area is completely artistic and appealing to the eye. Street benches and buildings were decorated, and there were bright colors. Interior design stores were available along with fashion stores. Styles are always recycled eventually and vintage shops give people the chance to be creative. Young designers deserve the opportunity to succeed in a harsh industry and economy.

     In Melbourne, as in any other city there is always more to do than shopping. The Melbourne Aquarium is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. The aquarium allows for student discounts and it only takes about one hour to walk all the way through. Every type of marine life can be seen. Sharks, penguins, sting rays, and sea horses are among the exotic marine life seen. The Jelly fish are always interesting to watch because they float around with such each. Jelly fish are fascinating because they look gentle, as if they might pop with one single touch. The irony of this is that the Jelly fish are dangerous and can be deadly. The Jelly fish is a perfect portrayal of the fashion industry because it is an extremely rough industry that requires some attitude but it is important to be calm and understanding with clients. The aquarium is relaxing and the perfect way to find an inner kid. To pass the time grabbing a slushee from the nearest seven eleven is always an option. Every corner houses one the convenience stores and their slushees are delicious. When the weather is warm a cold slushee is the perfect treat while walking through federation square and looking at the intricately designed buildings. During the holidays several Christmas trees are placed around the square for family portraits and games of Hide and go seek for the children. Every once in a while a festival occurs with live music and exotic food. Restaurants and bars surround the area for a good time during the day or at night. Federation square is interesting for tourists because it is an area that holds a lot of history, but the buildings are modernized.

            Overall, Australia has a higher level of technology in their work force and in their schools. . The design schools located in Melbourne have created a design school with top of the line machines to help their students make the most accurate pieces. Their whiteboards are smartboards that can easily be described as an enormous iPad. With the touch of a finger the screen can do anything. Even in shopping malls, booths had smart screens set up for their clients. In Sydney their design school also has top of the line merchandise to accommodate the skills of their students. The United States is not too far behind them in merchandise or technology for their students, but they are definitely following their example.

            Australia is the most exotic English speaking country that one could possibly choose to visit. Melbourne and Australia are two great cities that offer separate experiences because of different environments. Both cities have so much to offer and it is the perfect opportunity for tourists to learn two different lifestyles.