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“Secret Buyers Business: Eva Galambos, Parlour X
Eva Galambos is calm in the midst of chaos. She’s just returned from an overseas buying jaunt and her cult Sydney boutique, Parlour X, is in the midst of a major refit. “I think that if Parlor X was in any other city in the world, it would still be unique,” claims the owner and buyer, who seems just as excited about her boutique now as when she opened it in 2001. The top floor of the building serves as a series of beauty rooms – run by eyebrow king Nathan Williams – and the main floor houses Galambos’ wide range of avant garde and hyper-modern pieces. Galambos sees them as works of art.
“I like to pick showpieces that are timeless, that our clients will pull out of their wardrobes in 10 years and still cherish. I buy knowing what Parlour X’s friends will love, but I also push it a little, and buy things that are more daring,” she explains. Labels like Hussein Chalayan, Comme des Garcons and Vivienne Westwood have helped Parlour X to achieve its sharp reputation, but Galambos also hand picks more casual, Sydney-centric fare, like denim brand Notify.
“I buy for our climate and lifestyle,” says Galambos. “I pick light pieces from the European winter collections, and keep it personal by stocking only very small numbers of each piece.” Galambos knows the dangers of Australia’s fashion elite embarrassingly doubling up outfits at social events. “It’s not like London or Paris where there are 50 billion parties a night and you’ll never run the risk of wearing the same piece someone else is. It’s a much smaller scene here, and we’re careful to make sure our clients have something completely unique.”
“I buy for our climate and lifestyle,” says Galambos. “I pick light pieces from the European winter collections, and keep it personal by stocking only very small numbers of each piece.” Galambos knows the dangers of Australia’s fashion elite embarrassingly doubling up outfits at social events. “It’s not like London or Paris where there are 50 billion parties a night and you’ll never run the risk of wearing the same piece someone else is. It’s a much smaller scene here, and we’re careful to make sure our clients have something completely unique.”
For Galambos, the glamour of the shows is balanced by frantic buying schedules, early morning shows and midnight airport runs. It’s also a chance to hang out with other international buyers, swap tips and meet designers. Galambos was introduced to Westwood at an after-show party recently. “I’m a ‘70s child, so I’ve always loved Vivienne Westwood,” she enthuses. “And I have just picked up another one of my favorite labels, Comme des Garcons for Parlour X – it’s been one of my favorite moments.”
There’s notable support for Antipodean design, too. You’ll find Tina Kalivas, Josh Goot, Willow, Camilla & Marc and Zambesi along side Viktor & Rolf, the new Alexander McQueen diffusion range MQ, and European cult label Corto Moltedo, from Bottega Venetta. It’s an extensive (and highly successful) business for just one person. When asked if she’s genuinely obsessed with fashion, Galambos doesn’t need time to think. She answers, immediately, a resounding “Yes!”
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