SUITCASE SERIES: ANNIE ABBOTT

This week we caught up with Annie Abbott the Founder of habbot. an independent footwear brand, to find out what she never travels without, their packing tips, and what their most memorable trip has been so far…

Annie Abbott is the founder and creative force behind Habbot, a contemporary Australian footwear brand renowned for its sophisticated designs and commitment to craftsmanship. Launched in 2009, Habbot has quickly garnered a loyal following for its unique blend of timeless style, quality materials, and modern sensibility. Annie’s passion for fashion and dedication to sustainable, artisan-led production have been key drivers of the brand’s success. Drawing inspiration from her own design background, as well as a love for bold yet wearable styles, Annie’s vision for Habbot was to create shoes that combined both form and function, offering customers elegant, handcrafted footwear that would stand the test of time.

With a deep respect for traditional shoemaking techniques, Annie has cultivated a brand that not only celebrates Australian craftsmanship but also reflects her personal ethos of thoughtful, intentional design. Under her leadership, Habbot has become a celebrated name in the global footwear industry, known for its refined, yet approachable aesthetic, and its commitment to producing pieces that are as enduring as they are stylish.

In this week’s Suitcase Series, we take a sneak peek into Annie’s travel psyche…

What’s been your most memorable trip and why?

My overseas trips in the early days of growing habbot really took me out of my comfort zone, and whilst visiting a supplier in Naples in 2011 I made a snap decision to catch the train to Positano for the weekend as a ‘reward’ to myself for holding my nerve, and to motivate me to keep going. 

Swimming in the ocean for the first time, looking back on that stunning village built into the coastline was incredible – and that impromptu opportunity to relax and enjoy myself certainly served its purpose. 

That lovely trip is closely followed by memories of another trip in 2012 which was much less fun. My hire car got broken into and the thief made off with a suitcase of only left feet size 37 shoes!

What’s your favourite ever hotel?

I’ve experimented a lot over the years and haven’t stayed many places twice, but my most memorable accommodation was actually an Airbnb apartment situated right next to the Colosseum. I was working on new season shoes on the balcony of a building situated just metres from the mighty structure. I was so close it felt like I could almost touch it. 

Where or what is your escape?

My evening meal is the main escape on my work trips. I always choose the restaurant carefully as I want to tuck myself into a cosy corner and blend in with a bowl of fresh pasta, a glass of wine and my book. 

If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…

Paris, it’s been a while. Or Tokyo, I’ve never been. 

What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?

A chartered yacht trip in the Mediterranean, where every day starts and ends with a dip in the ocean, and lots of fresh nutritious food and rest in-between. 

My top bucket-list destination is…

A Tuscan villa full of my nearest and dearest friends. 

If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?

My Gran Winifred. She had far-fetched shoe ideals, and I’d love to tell her all about habbot and what she started. 

What is your jet-lag recovery tip?

Orange juice, fresh air and don’t cave at 4pm. 

What is your suitcase stalwart?

My 4-plug powerboard – it saves having to mess around with a lot of adaptors.

What is your number one packing tip?

It’s shoe-related, naturally. Always make sure you pack shoes that can multi-task.

I never travel without…

Two books. 

In my beauty / toiletry bag I always bring…

Fisiocream! I collect way too many samples and swatches when I travel, and I generally get around Italy by train so it helps me manage any aches and pains. 

For more information visit https://www.habbotstudios.com/