The Best of Melbourne Through the Eyes of Local Fashion Designer Lucinda Babi

This International Women’s Day, we’re seeing our favourite cities through the women who shape them — and in Melbourne/Naarm, that’s Lucinda Houghton, the designer behind Lucinda Babi. Founded in 2018 and made-to-order from her studio, the label blends nostalgic British references with a distinctly local ease.

You’ve likely clocked the tartan appreciation and those signature silhouettes: corsetry with puff sleeves and a bow-back finish (hello, the Runaway Corset), plus dreamy occasionwear like the Vow Dress — all tulle overlay, voluminous skirt and hand-tucked detailing, like “motion frozen in time.” The Athletico Babi Shirt, too, has become a firm local fashion-girl staple.

Lucinda’s work has travelled far beyond the inner north, too — the one-and-only Naomi Osaka recently wore a Lucinda Babi shirt and skirt for Hypebeast’s digital cover story.

From Abbotsford bakeries and sauna resets to riverside walks and weeknight steak nights, Lucinda’s guide is full of the places that make a neighbourhood feel personal. We also asked her about the women who have influenced her most, the advice she still carries with her, and what womanhood means to her.

Hi, Lucinda. Let’s start at the beginning. What is your go-to breakfast spot, and your go-to order?

Kaede in Abbotsford is always a winner. The egg sando is amazing; it has its own fan club.

I have also been grabbing pastries and bread from Urbanstead, also in Abbotsford, lately. The food is so good, and I really love the relaxed industrial space.

Where do you go to switch off when you need a reset?

I am a member at my local leisure centre, so I am in the sauna a few times a week. It is the best way to check out and go phone-free after a day of focusing on work.

What is an underrated dinner spot more people should know about?

The Park Hotel in Abbotsford is my go-to for a weeknight dinner when I do not feel like cooking. Their Wednesday steak night is affordable and actually so good.

Describe your perfect date spot in your area.

Pizza Shop in Clifton Hill and Chotto Motto in Collingwood are both perfect for a cute but chill date.

I am also always up for grabbing snacks from Piedimonte’s and hanging out in Edinburgh Gardens on a nice day.

Can you tell us about your favourite local walk?

I love walking along the river around Yarra Bend, house-spotting in Studley Park, and stopping at the lookout on Wills Street in Kew — though I’m slightly hoping that last one stays under the radar.

What is a woman-owned business you love supporting locally, and why?

Solari Studio in Abbotsford, which stocks heaps of cool local brands, is one I love supporting. It is owned by my friend Scarlett, a jeweller who also runs Sable Jewellery.

A woman who inspires you, and why?

Working in fashion, there are so many women who inspire me, but none more so than the late Vivienne Westwood. Her designs and her no-rules attitude to her work have inspired me to keep doing my own thing with my label.

I saw the Westwood | Kawakubo exhibition at NGV recently, and it really reaffirmed my admiration for her work.

What is the best advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?

Before she passed away, my grandma made sure to tell me that if there is anything I want to do in life, I have to make sure I actually do it.

It sounds simple, but it is something I always come back to whenever I feel the urge to sacrifice my own goals for others.

What do you value most about womanhood?

Our resilience, our dynamic natures, and the innate optimism and grit in all the women I know.

Loved exploring Melbourne through Lucinda’s eyes? Keep the local inspiration going with our guides to the best coffee in Melbourne, the city’s most-loved walks and the spots worth booking for your next date night. And if you’re keen to see more of her world, discover the dreamy pieces she’s brought to life through Lucinda Babi.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

5 March 2026

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.