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Set amongst the atmospheric streetscape of heritage listed Braidwood NSW, Hoola Hoop offers happening retail experience with a vibe that’s rarely found in regional, inland towns. If timeless design from the 50’s and 60’s is your bag, then Hoola Hoop is well worth making the journey for. We have an outstanding range of Rockabilly, Pinup, Tiki, Kustom Kulture style new and vintage clothing to rival any inner city boutique. We also have possibly Australia’s largest range of original vintage sunglasses from the 50’s and sixties including, Tart Arnel, Ray Ban, Romco, American Optical, Rodenstock and a large range of very rare and unique never worn (deadstock), Japanese beatnik sunglasses. We have accessories including hair clips from Kustom Voodoo, personal cases and jewelry from Classic Hardware and hand bags from Tokyo Bay.

HOOLA HOOP IN BRAIDWOOD’S MAIN STREET
Hoola Hoop is owned and operated by the thinking man’s pin-up babe, former Vogue Australia Syndication Manager Michelle Watkins-Sully along with thinking man, author, broadcaster, ABC Radio’s Coodabeen Champions regular and fledgling fashion guru Scott.

Michelle  

The store’s visual design draws upon a subtle parody of a regional 1950’s fashion retail outlet. It’s housed in the same building complex as the Royal Café, which was a key location and production design feature of John Duigan’s Australian classic, “The Year My Voice Broke,” which was set in the Southern Tablelands in 1963; a beautifully designed film, which is heavily influenced by the styles of the 50’s and 60’s. Since the café’s splendid and original 1950’s interior was recently ripped out and thrown in a skip to make way for a tasteless abomination, we thought we’d better keep some of that 50’s style alive in Braidwood. So much for a town that allegedly prides itself on the preservation of heritage.

Mick Jagger’s publicist has refused to deny that the legendary Stone, whilst separated from “Glimmer Twin” keith, penned the song Brown Sugar in a room just 100 metres away during his lengthy stay in the town whilst filming the 1970 movie Ned Kelly in which he infamously played the lead role (The picture successfully proves that as an actor, Mick makes a bloody good singer!). Legend has it that late at night, amongst the pungent, woody haze of chimney smoke, one can hear the faint, reverberated tones of an open tuned Telecaster, belting out a progression of suspended 4th chords as a ghostly reminder that the quaint, historic streets of Braidwood once played a part in the history of “bad arsed” Rock and Roll!
Well, Braidwood has finally got its mojo back in the form of our rockin’ little shop! Don’t just drop in while passing; make a day of it. We’re not hard to find, just listen out for Gene Vincent, The B52’s or the exotic sounds of Martin Denny spilling out on to the pavement, right next to where you’ll find Miss Pinky Minx, Michelle’s ’57 Hot Pink Hillman Minx Jubilee Special, parked in the street. There’s plenty more to see in Braidwood including other vintage clothing retailers, mid-century furniture stores, a couple of decent places to eat, antique specialists, the very atmospheric Braidwood Hotel (where Jagger was once known to have tinkled the ivories) and a unique regional produce centre and cider factory at nearby Reidsdale.
Please feel free to contact Michelle or Scott for info on the area, including dining, accommodation and areas of natural beauty. 

EXCLUSIVE ACCESSORIES FROM CLASSIC HARDWARE & KUSTOM VOODOO

A LOVELY VINTAGE PIECE
(WEARING A BEAUTIFUL 1950’S FROCK)