Confident, independent and original. That’s the habbot woman, the primary target of this iconic Made in Italy shoe brand.
She’s someone who loves to express her uniqueness through what she wears, who embraces individuality and actively seeks it, rejecting conformity and current trends.
The habbot shoes, with their lively, colourful designs, reflect a timeless yet distinctive aesthetic, always capturing attention while maintaining elegance and comfort.
At the heart of every collection - and the brand itself - is Annie Abbot, an eclectic fashion designer with a bold, unconventional vision.
Abbot poured all her experience and knowledge into habbot, gained from years of working across Europe and Australia in various roles within the fashion industry.
“The idea to launch habbot came partly from my time in London, where I worked for a major online fashion company,” she explained.
“That’s when I developed an appreciation for well-crafted shoes, especially those from Italy.
“I loved their colourful, tailored and flamboyant aesthetic.”
Returning to Australia, Annie continued working with brands that gave her a deep understanding of the production process, from design to the final product.
This, combined with her family background in retail, fuelled her passion for starting her own footwear label.
In 2009, habbot was born. “The name was inspired by the blend of my maiden name, Hawthorne, and my married name, Abbot,” she revealed.
Every habbot shoe is designed by Annie and handcrafted in Sant’Elpidio a Mare in the Marche region of Italy, an area famous for top-quality shoe production.
Abbot discovered these artisans at MICAM in Milan, the world’s leading footwear trade show.
“It’s where major and emerging producers showcase their products to buyers,” Abbot recounted.
“I had been there before while working for another company. When I decided to start this venture, I literally went around searching for small producers willing to take a chance on me.
“I knew it would be difficult since it required them to invest precious time in someone with no track record.
“I spoke to three different producers, but only one had the courage to believe in me.
“Gradually, we built habbot together.”
Initially, Abbot travelled to Italy three times a year to work closely with the shoemakers, reviewing her designs in person and sourcing materials together.
“I don’t have formal training in design; I’m largely self-taught,” shared Abbot.
“My technical drawing skills probably aren’t what they should be and need a bit of explaining to be fully understood.
“So, I’d sketch the designs, take them to Italy, and we’d go over them together.
“Then we’d set out to find the right leathers, heels, buckles and all the components we needed.”
During the pandemic, when travel was restricted, the production process relied heavily on emails and video calls.
“But by then, we’d developed a mutual understanding, so everything ran pretty smoothly.”
Nowadays, Abbot visits Italy once a year for an intensive two-week design session, creating an entire six-month collection. The rest of the time, she oversees production from afar.
Habbot shoes are easily recognisable for their premium quality and consistent use of standout materials, regardless of current trends.
These include generous use of glitter, shiny metallic leather and bold colour choices. “I usually pick colours from the new seasonal palettes but try not to be overly influenced by trends,” Abbot explained.
“We aim to make shoes that people can wear for many years without feeling out of fashion.”
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, habbot is hosting a series of events at its Collingwood store (98 Wellington Street), including a pop-up installation called Gastronomia.
Open until November 30, this curated corner features a selection of imported Italian and local products such as ceramics, candles, home and body goods, and gourmet food items.
On Saturday, November 9, customers can enjoy 15 per cent off full-price shoes and complimentary Pidapipò gelato as part of the anniversary celebrations.
