We caught up with designer Alix Higgins on his top picks of Sydney. Higgins’ practice is shaped by emotion, digital nostalgia, and a unique translation of poetry into wearable fabric armour.
In our conversation, he speaks about fashion as an intuitive form of storytelling, the constant tension between internet culture and physical wearability, and how he relies on his close-knit community of creative muses to keep his distinct, whimsical voice entirely untouched.
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What makes Sydney stand out as a cultural destination?
Sydney is special because it’s so many different things. It’s glamour, nature, near and far. To my friends and I, it’s past its heyday but we live in hope and I suppose there is potential in that too.
If you have friends visiting from outside of town, what are you adding to their itinerary?
The south coast is really beautiful.
Edward Woodley, ECLIPSE, 2026. courtesy China Heights.
What cultural events or exhibitions coincide with Sydney Contemporary that you recommend?
China Heights always have something interesting showing. Right now Edward Woodley’s show ‘ONSITE’ is great. In September there’s a group show curated by Yang Zhi.
Laila, Marrickville
What are some places, people or experiences in Sydney currently inspiring you?
Neil Beedie has a beautiful show currently at Solvent. I also like NASHA, Laila, Numbers. Season has wonderful programming. I recently saw a talk ‘Young Almond’ by Lukas Kalos there that was inspired.
Jenny Holzer, I Stay (Ngaya ngalawa)
Do you have a favourite public art installation or mural in the city? What makes it special?
‘I STAY’ – the Jenny Holzer at Chifley Square. It looks like ticker tape and is in (essentially) our financial district so it’s easy to miss, despite being enormous. I walked past it a lot before noticing. It’s special because it’s surprising and poetic in the every day.
Porcine, Photo: Declan Blackall
After a day of exploring Sydney Contemporary, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
I love dinner at Porcine – the menu is changing all the time but it’s always hardcore French. The Hollywood is my favourite pub in Sydney.
A hidden gem?
647-649 George street (my building of course!) is now home to many friends of mine – some other designers and some vintage as well. Love+Pop on level 2, Phoebe Cutler Jewellery and A Weekend With Denis on level 3 and then my store on level 5.
Sydney Contemporary returns to the Carriageworks from 3 – 6 September. Tickets are on sale now.
