History

Storefront of the first Scanlan Theodore fashion boutique in 1987Storefront of the first Scanlan Theodore fashion boutique in 1987
Storefront of the first Scanlan Theodore fashion boutique in 1987Storefront of the first Scanlan Theodore fashion boutique in 1987
Model smiling wearing a red bralette and skirt. Text at the bottom says "Scanlan and Theodore" with the boutique address.Model smiling wearing a red bralette and skirt. Text at the bottom says "Scanlan and Theodore" with the boutique address.
Co-founders Fiona Scanlan and Gary Theodore in their first boutique surrounded by clothing and display of flowers and hatsCo-founders Fiona Scanlan and Gary Theodore in their first boutique surrounded by clothing and display of flowers and hats
1987

In September 1987, Scanlan Theodore celebrated the grand opening of the original flagship boutique on Chapel Street, South Yarra. The boutique was designed by close friend of the brand, Australian interior designer Don McQualter of Studio McQualter.

The design direction was to create an atmosphere of established sensibility. Design details included trumpet like lances protruding from the façade, ornate wrought iron throughout the boutique by metalworker Karl Millard, glass panels above the window by Gerhardt Emmerichs, a mosaic of hand painted tiles by Bern Emmerichs, metal tables by Tony Pentano and Alice in Wonderland high back chair upholstered by George Weiss.


Campaign image photographed by Peter Rosetzky.

Gary Theodore and Fiona Scanlan photographed in the brand’s first boutique.

Illustration of light blue ribbon wrapped around a green wreath with "Scanlan and Theodore" in a ribbon in the middleIllustration of light blue ribbon wrapped around a green wreath with "Scanlan and Theodore" in a ribbon in the middle
1987

The original Scanlan Theodore logo was designed in 1987 by Robert Pearce. Robert was one of Melbourne’s legendary graphic designers. Also, a founding member of the Fashion Design Council (FDC), a leading advocate body for emerging and innovative fashion designers from 1983-1993.

Illustration of light blue ribbon wrapped around a green wreath with "Scanlan and Theodore" in a ribbon in the middleIllustration of light blue ribbon wrapped around a green wreath with "Scanlan and Theodore" in a ribbon in the middle
1987

The original Scanlan Theodore logo was designed in 1987 by Robert Pearce. Robert was one of Melbourne’s legendary graphic designers. Also, a founding member of the Fashion Design Council (FDC), a leading advocate body for emerging and innovative fashion designers from 1983-1993.

Three models walking side by side down the runway wearing straw sunhats and white clothingThree models walking side by side down the runway wearing straw sunhats and white clothing
Three models walking side by side down the runway wearing straw sunhats and white clothingThree models walking side by side down the runway wearing straw sunhats and white clothing
Eight models posing on the runway posing in a line with photographers at the sidesEight models posing on the runway posing in a line with photographers at the sides
Seven models walking down the runway in a group smiling wearing summer clothingSeven models walking down the runway in a group smiling wearing summer clothing
1989

Scanlan Theodore’s debut runway at the International Wool Secretariat Cour Carre du Louvre show in Paris, France.

Vogue Australia magazine cover with Elle Macpherson on the beach wearing a white long-sleeve cropped top and white maxi skirtVogue Australia magazine cover with Elle Macpherson on the beach wearing a white long-sleeve cropped top and white maxi skirt
1989

Elle MacPherson photographed by Graham Shearer for Vogue Australia’s 30th anniversary.


Vogue Australia magazine cover with Elle Macpherson on the beach wearing a white long-sleeve cropped top and white maxi skirtVogue Australia magazine cover with Elle Macpherson on the beach wearing a white long-sleeve cropped top and white maxi skirt
1989

Elle MacPherson photographed by Graham Shearer for Vogue Australia’s 30th anniversary.


Model with a red pixie haircut wearing a black jacket and black dress with large silver star on the chest.Model with a red pixie haircut wearing a black jacket and black dress with large silver star on the chest.
Model with a red pixie haircut wearing a black jacket and black dress with large silver star on the chest.Model with a red pixie haircut wearing a black jacket and black dress with large silver star on the chest.
1994

Summer ‘94 campaign photographed by Ross Bird.

Vogue Australia magazine cover with Sarah Murdoch smiling with a sleek bun wearing a black and red slip dressVogue Australia magazine cover with Sarah Murdoch smiling with a sleek bun wearing a black and red slip dress
1998

Sarah Murdoch photographed by James Houston for Vogue Australia.

Vogue Australia magazine cover with Sarah Murdoch smiling with a sleek bun wearing a black and red slip dressVogue Australia magazine cover with Sarah Murdoch smiling with a sleek bun wearing a black and red slip dress
1998

Sarah Murdoch photographed by James Houston for Vogue Australia.

Devon Aoki with half her face showing, wearing a light beige dressDevon Aoki with half her face showing, wearing a light beige dress
Devon Aoki with half her face showing, wearing a light beige dressDevon Aoki with half her face showing, wearing a light beige dress
Devon Aoki with long curly blonde hair sitting facing the side wearing a purple slip dressDevon Aoki with long curly blonde hair sitting facing the side wearing a purple slip dress
Devon Aoki posing with arms loosely crossed wearing a pink floral collared shirtDevon Aoki posing with arms loosely crossed wearing a pink floral collared shirt
Close up of Devon Aoki's face partially obscured by mesh material with floral detailingClose up of Devon Aoki's face partially obscured by mesh material with floral detailing
1998

Devon Aoki shot by Eric Traore for Summer ‘98.

Model walking down the runway in a beige silk draped dress with floral embroideryModel walking down the runway in a beige silk draped dress with floral embroidery
Model walking down the runway in a beige silk draped dress with floral embroideryModel walking down the runway in a beige silk draped dress with floral embroidery
Gary Theodore and Fiona Scanlan walking down the runway hand in handGary Theodore and Fiona Scanlan walking down the runway hand in hand
Five models posing together wearing summer clothingFive models posing together wearing summer clothing
2000

Australian Fashion Week.

Model standing in front of the ocean wearing a black strapless Crepe Knit dressModel standing in front of the ocean wearing a black strapless Crepe Knit dress
2001

Scanlan Theodore introduces Crepe Knit to the Ready To Wear collection. Crafted with an Italian-sourced, sustainable yarn, the now signature fabrication was first developed in Australia exclusively for the brand.

Photographed by Andrew Cohen for Summer '15.

Ballerina wearing a dark tutu made of pointe ballet shoes leaning forward with arms together pointed forwardBallerina wearing a dark tutu made of pointe ballet shoes leaning forward with arms together pointed forward
2003

Scanlan Theodore was proud to be selected as a designer, and contributor for Tutu: Designing For Dance. In collaboration with Myer, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Australian Ballet, the exhibition feature eight tutus created by some of Australia’s leading designers, showcasing sculptural and contemporary interpretation of the dance costume.

Ballerina wearing a dark tutu made of pointe ballet shoes leaning forward with arms together pointed forwardBallerina wearing a dark tutu made of pointe ballet shoes leaning forward with arms together pointed forward
2003

Scanlan Theodore was proud to be selected as a designer, and contributor for Tutu: Designing For Dance. In collaboration with Myer, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Australian Ballet, the exhibition feature eight tutus created by some of Australia’s leading designers, showcasing sculptural and contemporary interpretation of the dance costume.

Seven Barbie dolls lined up down a mini runway wearing an assortment of black formal and cocktail dressesSeven Barbie dolls lined up down a mini runway wearing an assortment of black formal and cocktail dresses
2009

Scanlan Theodore partnered with Barbie to host a miniature runway exhibition showcasing the AW’09 Collection. Joining Chanel, Dior and Maison Martin Margiela, Scanlan Theodore’s runway celebrated Barbie’s 50th birthday at The National Gallery of Victoria exhibition, Barbie Forever.

Seven Barbie dolls lined up down a mini runway wearing an assortment of black formal and cocktail dressesSeven Barbie dolls lined up down a mini runway wearing an assortment of black formal and cocktail dresses
2009

Scanlan Theodore partnered with Barbie to host a miniature runway exhibition showcasing the AW’09 Collection. Joining Chanel, Dior and Maison Martin Margiela, Scanlan Theodore’s runway celebrated Barbie’s 50th birthday at The National Gallery of Victoria exhibition, Barbie Forever.

Erin Wasson in a room sitting on a chair in a pink blazer and bronze dress, facing a howling wolfErin Wasson in a room sitting on a chair in a pink blazer and bronze dress, facing a howling wolf
Erin Wasson in a room sitting on a chair in a pink blazer and bronze dress, facing a howling wolfErin Wasson in a room sitting on a chair in a pink blazer and bronze dress, facing a howling wolf
Erin Wasson looking into a mirror with her hands placed on it, wearing a raspberry pink long-sleeved topErin Wasson looking into a mirror with her hands placed on it, wearing a raspberry pink long-sleeved top
Erin Wasson sitting on the staircase in dusty pink dressErin Wasson sitting on the staircase in dusty pink dress
2010

Erin Wasson photographed by Nan Goldin for Summer ‘10.

Storefront display of Scanlan Theodore Flatiron boutiqueStorefront display of Scanlan Theodore Flatiron boutique
Storefront display of Scanlan Theodore Flatiron boutiqueStorefront display of Scanlan Theodore Flatiron boutique
Boutique interior with four large paintings of birds, fitting rooms, a blue velvet chair and display counter with accessoriesBoutique interior with four large paintings of birds, fitting rooms, a blue velvet chair and display counter with accessories
2018

Scanlan Theodore unveiled its first international boutique in the Flatiron district, New York City.

Madeleine Madden lying down on the ground with hand on head wearing a white button-up shirt and sparkly black mini skirtMadeleine Madden lying down on the ground with hand on head wearing a white button-up shirt and sparkly black mini skirt
Madeleine Madden lying down on the ground with hand on head wearing a white button-up shirt and sparkly black mini skirtMadeleine Madden lying down on the ground with hand on head wearing a white button-up shirt and sparkly black mini skirt
2022

Scanlan Theodore introduced ‘In Scanlan’, an established content series showcasing hand picked talent. Using storytelling and human interest to share the aspirational stories of those who inspire Scanlan Theodore.

2023

Designed and developed by Founder, Gary Theodore, the signature poppy floral is personified in the brand's specialty hardware, as a lucky charm for dreams and good fortune.

In collaboration with Justin Ridler, a pioneering multidisciplinary artist, the signature Scanlan Theodore poppy comes alive.

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© Scanlan Theodore 1987 - 2024