Amelie and Frank's

Even Keel, Polperro’s parent label, means ‘everything in balance’.

And such an earthy approach to life is perfectly suited in Red Hill South, 200 metres above sea level, where lush young shoots grow in abundance. First Polperro, then Hothut yoga studio and Many Little, now Amelie & Frank’s.

A wine label opening a fashion boutique? Why not? Everything in balance, right? Elegance breeds fast this deep in the Peninsula’s hinterland.

Amelie & Frank’s is a first pure retail venture for Polperro winemaker Sam Coverdale and co-owner (and wife) Emma Phillips, who manages the boutique. They have named it after their two daughters Amelie (born in 2011) and Frankie (born in 2018).

But where neighbouring Many Little Bar & Bistro serves a slice of Red Hill with European seasoning; stepping into Amelie & Frank’s is a portal straight to Paris, Milan or Florence.

It starts with a squid ink-rendered facade. Minimalist except for a single spotlight illuminating gold serif lettering, Amelie & Frank’s, united by an eloquent ampersand.

Inside, a simple peach curtain, and an effortlessly ornate central perfume display, set the scene for a quite extraordinary experience.

Opened in December 2018, Amelie & Frank’s stocks feminine, vintage and earthy fayre, from seasonal clothing to candles, fragrances and accessories. Designer fashion for her and for him take centrestage, with French and Italian crafted perfumes, skin and bodycare, handcrafted jewellery and exclusively imported shoes and handbags also on offer.

Flowing bohemian threads line one-and-a-half sides of the boutique, with everything from J Brand Maria High Rise leather pants, retailing at $1,720, to a jac + mooki white tee for $69.

And Emma sets the same high standards as Many Little bar manager Douglas; only Australian if it’s good enough, with a few Aussie designers on the Mornington Peninsula sneaking onto the rails next to exclusive pieces from international labels. This is the highest of haute couture after all. In order to work in the boutique, a two-day training program in Florence is necessary.

Thurley, Acler, Magali Pascal, Free People, Second Female, White Story, Ginger & Smart and Lubin Paris are among the specially-picked women’s garments, with Love Stories Intimates providing the lingerie, and Nicole Fender the jewellery. Lucy Folk sunglasses more than 50 fragrances for him and aps, candles and skincare products, line the shelves.

Amelie & Frank’s doesn't shy away from showing its pride in importing Santa Maria Novella products directly from Florence, including their stunning range of herbal elixirs served at Many Little next door.

Partnerships with Cire Trudon and Santa Maria Novella ring true to the store’s ambitions, with the former (TRVDON 1643), partnering with Amelie & Frank’s and Orne Dark Bee Conservancy for a limited edition candle launch in May.

Highlighting local and international creative designers, the Polperro family has created a space to embrace timeless chic; and with a pre-shop coffee and post-shop bubbles just next door at Many Little, brother and sister present a seamless experience.

Open seven days a week 10am - 5pm