Our story

Things of Desire began as a shared vision between two creatives with a deep love for beauty, design, and individuality. When fashion designer Angela Nichol met photographer and visual stylist Alan Arab in 1995, a partnership was born one rooted in creative chemistry and a desire to bring Europe’s most captivating fashion to Canberra.

Angela, now Art Director, studied Fashion Design and Production before launching her own label in Melbourne, where she styled music and film icons including Split Enz, Kate Ceberano, and Jane Campion. With her eye for craftsmanship and silhouette, she carved out a niche in dressing women with confidence and edge.

Alan, now Creative Director, brought his own artistic sensibility and business acumen to the table. With a background in photography and styling, he added a visual narrative to the boutique’s identity, refining the T.O.D aesthetic into what it is today: a curated collection of elegance with an unexpected twist.

Since launching Things of Desire in 1999, the pair have travelled to Europe season after season, sourcing exclusive pieces that blend timeless form with expressive detail. Their collections include premium Italian labels like Anna Pepe, Carla Giannini, Viaggio, and Mariella, alongside Parisian favourites Cherry and Alea, Artpoint from Vienna, and Planet from New York.

But it doesn’t end with clothing.

T.O.D is also known for its curated accessories, including jewellery and bags handmade by artisans near the Prada factory in Tuscany, and rare industrial jewellery from London, TZURI GUETA’s sculptural textile pieces from Paris, and UTZ’s bold statement work from The Netherlands.