Downtown Sherman and Betty

Downtown in the Town Centre Arcade Katoomba, blossoms a beacon of urban classiness stocked with 100% Australian made apparel. Stylish collaborators Anton and Juliet “ran away from Sydney in a moment of madness” two and a half years ago to open the “Sherman + Betty” store . Here they relish the mountain’s like minded people and enjoy the very supportive local atmosphere.

Juliet established Sherman + Betty, to provide a home for their own Hikenbiker clothing range, whilst creating an opportunity to showcase several other super funky, small volume, Australian designers and makers.This is where you’ll find a perfect shetland picnic rug, merino t-shirt, beanie or sunhat prior to a weekend’s bush walk and picnic. It just the place to descend upon for present buying; especially for the gentlemen in your life, with quirky screen printed t-shirts or fetching man bags sure to please. And as autumn cools, I’m looking forward to choosing a gift for self from Sherman + Betty’s range of scarves by Melbourne’s Otto and Spike. Their gorgeous patterned scarves use surplus NZ lambs wool and are made on salvaged knitting machines that span the 1890s to the 1990s.

Juliet and Anton make quite the team. Juliet sources additional pieces for the shopfront and keeps the merchandise and window looking tip top whilst Anton designs their Hikenbiker range; which is all about stylish, high performance garments for an active lifestyle. A must for getting out there and experiencing the great outdoors. Thanks to the superb virtues of merino wool, which includes drawing moisture (aka sweat) away from the skin, you look and smell good while being active. Not only is this fibre perfect for athletic wear, it also allows you the flexibility to make a smooth transition back into everyday life, whether it be back to the office or out for dinner.

Making Hikenbiker in Australia was a deliberate choice. There are a lot of brands in the marketplace with similar products that are made in China, and the aim was to create something unique, with a point of difference. Producing small amounts locally, allows greater quality control at an affordable price and supports our local industry. Anton has worked designing and producing sportswear all his life and is passionate about the super fine characteristics of merino wool . “Merino wool is the oldest fibre with a luxurious urban feel, there is a natural comfort, it is not engineered from plastic.”

Feedback for both the Sherman + Betty store and the Hikenbiker range has made Juilet and Anton’s impulsive move mountainside most rewarding. They receive postcards from satisfied customers enamoured with their purchases and most recently, travel snaps from a customer wearing Hikenbiker atop a South American volcano.

With a forthcoming family birthday on the way, I found good reason to visit Sherman and Betty, and spoke to Juliet and Anton about their mountain life.

Hikenbiker and Sherman and Betty seem very much a collaboration. Can you please tell us how it all started?

A move to the mountains, a desire to sell our product, and a desperate attempt to avoid working for the man. Sherman + Betty the store, evolved from selling Hikenbiker at markets and deciding to take the next step and open a shop. We then decided to expand on the Australian made idea and source unique pieces from other designers and creative people.

Ok, so how did the names Sherman and Betty, and Hikenbiker come about?

Sherman + Betty – we wanted something that sounded homespun and also indicated that we sold stuff for men & women.

Hikenbiker – we wanted a name that sounded outdoorsy but not too serious.

How did you get into this field?

Anton has a background in sportswear design and manufacture and my background is visual arts & photography.

What drives your creative direction?

A blank page and an empty bank balance.

What are the most satisfying aspects of your work?

When people buy stuff.

Who or what is exciting you right now?

Oh, that’s personal …

No seriously, it’s probably the potential for Katoomba to become a hub of really interesting shops, galleries and cafes … and a drawcard for visitors to the mountains. With the wonderful art deco architecture and the interesting demographic that live here, Katoomba could really thrive. We just need more people willing to take the risk.

What’s next on the Hikenbiker horizon?

Expanding the range.

Are you concerned about the demise of local manufacturing and that fact that so much stuff is mass-produced off-shore?

Yes, very – and we hope that in some small way we are keeping design & manufacture alive in Australia and helping to nurture some of our wonderful local talent.

How do you escape from your work?

We love to get outside … gardening, bushwalking, kayaking, cycling. All sounds very wholesome doesn’t it but it’s a good release from the stresses of everyday life.

Why do you live in the mountains?

For all the reasons mentioned above … and we like the climate and it’s close proximity to Sydney … we feel we have the best of both worlds here.

Do you have a mountains treat?

Hot toddies by the fire at the Carrington Hotel on a cold winter’s night.

What’s making your mouth water?

Dinner at Vulcans in Blackheath … or is it that yummy green tomato pickle from the Elephant Bean cafe???

Can you tell us a local secret?

Hmmm?

And a perfect mountains weekend…

Relaxing with friends and a nice glass of wine.

Where can we find you?

Anton… “Lindeman Pass, up to our armpits in leeches”.