Dropping the Robe: The story behind Alias Mae founder, Tom Kirkhope’s, St Kilda sanctuary
A picture-perfect Edwardian beauty. A prime-position St Kilda staple. A polished pairing of old-world charm and modern comfort. 17B Robe Street, St Kilda is many things. And for the last 14 years, it’s also been the place that Tom Kirkhope – founder of renowned footwear giant Alias Mae – called home. With the property’s auction coming up, we caught up with the man himself to look back on his time in this classic red-brick residence. Sharing everything from his at-home design process to his fondest memories of the past decade and a half, Tom takes a step back in time – with us.
If the shoe fits, Tom Kirkhope designed it
Hunched over the dining room table. Design sketches covering every square inch. St Kilda sea breeze floating through the windows, with a low fire crackling in the hearth.
On any given day, this is how you’d have found the vendor of 17B Robe Street – Tom Kirkhope. Or, the infancy of your favourite pair of shoes.
Tom established his business, Alias Mae, in 2011. Around that time, he also moved into this period-style sanctuary. And for a while, they were a package deal.
‘My creative process is a bit like dropping a marble into a drainpipe,’ Tom says. ‘And then chasing it through all the twists and turns – until I come out at the bottom with something I’m happy with!
‘The office has too many distractions, so I do most of my designing from home. I can’t do it any other way.’
Alias Mae has since grown into an internationally renowned footwear brand, known for its high-end details and accessible price points.
But as the business evolved, so did Tom and his partner’s demands of their space at home – and they eventually outgrew their Robe Street residence.
They’ll leave a home with happy memories etched into every nook and cranny. And it’s clear that neither house nor human will soon be forgetting the other.
Timber is the new leather
Tom is no stranger to design. So it’s no surprise that his tastes extend far beyond footwear.
A fan of heavy materials, high-end details and humility, Tom was drawn to 17B Robe’s timeless craftsmanship – particularly its original timber flooring, open fireplace and ornate cornices.
‘I feel like a lot of modern places aren’t very tactile – and tactility is something I appreciate both with quality shoes and quality properties,’ Tom says.
‘The smell and the feel of it needs to tell a story, rather than hide behind a two-dimensional facade.’
Since being built in 1910 – and subdivided a century later – 17B Robe has maintained most of its perennial period features of yesteryear. While slowly introducing a set of more contemporary comforts.
‘I lived there for 14 years, and never felt the need to make any major changes,’ Tom remembers. ‘Beyond a few fix-ups to the garden.
‘Really, all I was doing that whole time was just enjoying living in a beautiful home while I grew my business.’
And, complete with French windows, hand-plastered ceilings and an indoor-outdoor entertaining area out the back – what’s not to enjoy?
Giving the old garden the boot
If you were to check out 17B Robe Street’s garden today, you’d find a lushly landscaped space – complete with a cedar hot tub, designer Spanish feature lighting and an expansive timber deck.
But this wasn’t always the case.
‘The garden was a COVID project,’ Tom chuckles. ‘My partner and I put brand new drainage underneath, and concentrated on making it more of a feature.’
Following the renovation, the garden became Tom’s oasis. After spending so much time travelling for business, it was the perfect way to reconnect with nature upon his return.
More specifically? Tom’s awe-inspiring avian friends.
‘The birds in the area are just incredible,’ says Tom. ‘There’s a flock of rainbow lorikeets that flies around the property, which is fantastic.
‘They’re not the types to make any offensive noises, either! They just cheep and chase each other around the neighbourhood. They’re beautiful to watch.’
17B Robe Street. No noisy neighbours here!
Heart and sole of the home
With communal spaces like those at Robe Street – designed to be shared – maintaining a work-life balance is easy. Even for work-from-homers like Tom!
In fact, Tom spent many nights in the open-plan living, kitchen and dining space.
Cooking dinner for his nearest and dearest as they gathered around the island bench. Eating together at the dining table, laughing and catching up. Keeping the windows open to let the last streams of sunshine – and the suburb’s natural soundtrack – in. With that crackling fire keeping them warm as day turned to night.
‘My fondest memories of Robe Street are being in that kitchen and cooking for my friends,’ Tom says with a smile.
‘This space is such a great social meeting point to relax and have fun with loved ones.’
Stepping out in St Kilda
17B Robe Street is located amongst the action in the heart of St Kilda. And with Tom having heard the siren’s call of the sea all his life, it’s only natural he’s spent 14 years living near the shore.
Having grown up in Camberwell, before moving to South Yarra, then to St Kilda (and now onto Cape Schanck!) Tom keeps finding himself closer and closer to the coast.
‘I just love the water,’ he says. ‘I wake up in the morning and go for a swim at the sea baths. And I’ll get down to the bay at least a couple of times a week. I swear by it!’
The best part? It’s St Kilda – so there’s never any shortage of things to do.
‘St Kilda’s a place rich with culture,’ says Tom. ‘And with my community around me having fun, going for drinks, sharing a meal – for the past 14 years, it’s felt like home.’
Tom’s only advice to the next owners? Get to know the people at Cicciolina Restaurant and Bar.
Modern Italian cuisine, with eclectic art and Eames-style seating? You’ve just met your new local!
Put your best foot forward at auction
So – just how often does a property like this come around?
If you asked Leor Samuel – Director at Gary Peer – the answer is ‘not very’.
‘Rarely do we see something as unique as this in St Kilda,’ Leor shares. ‘The property combines period charm with contemporary living and lush gardens – but for a fraction of the price of a house.’
And with the added bonus of a generous parcel of land and off-street parking, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom and two-car property is worth its weight in gold.
Perfect for existing St Kilda residents looking to downsize, first home buyers and investors alike – this turnkey townhouse is set for a blistering, brilliant day at auction.
Leor's advice?
‘This property is sure to be hotly contested. So dig deep!’