Perth, Western Australia
Perth, Western Australia
By Mel — Founder & Creative Director, Nude Theōry
Some places stay with you in a way that's difficult to explain. Perth is one of them. Born and raised here, I've spent time living in Bali and the USA — but this coastline, this light, this way of life always calls me back. It's the kind of city that moves slowly enough to let you breathe, and beautifully enough to make you forget the rest of the world exists.
Confidence begins with what you wear closest to your body.
I'm Mel — founder and creative director of Nude Theōry, an eco-conscious lingerie brand designed for the modern woman, where sensuality meets minimalism and intention. Our garments are crafted from certified organic bamboo, offering comfort and understated elegance.
Born and raised in Perth, I've also lived in Bali and the USA, and those experiences abroad have deeply shaped the way I see style, comfort, and conscious living. I have always had a deep zest for life — a love of travel, new experiences, and soaking up everything the world has to offer.
When my fiancé and I are not in Perth, you'll find us in Bali, where we are building our dream villa. Outside of the brand, I am a self-confessed sun chaser, a coffee snob, a lover of the ocean, and someone who truly believes every occasion is a champagne occasion.
www.nudetheory.com.auInstagram: @nudetheoryofficial
TikTok: @nudetheoryofficial
Facebook: Nude Theōry
A Place That Never Gets Old
My connection to Perth runs deep — I was born and raised here and the beaches, the coastline, and the laid-back lifestyle never gets old. You cannot beat a Perth summer. Growing up on Cottesloe Beach was a dream, and being back in the neighbourhood after years abroad is both grounding and incredibly nostalgic.
If you're thinking about visiting, November through to March is peak summer — and it's the best time to experience everything Perth has to offer. Western Australia is known for its incredible outdoor lifestyle, and you want to be here when the sun is shining.
Rottnest Island — The One I Almost Didn't Share
Just a 30-minute boat trip from Perth. I spend so much time here, especially in summer, when we take the boat over and spend days at Parker Point swimming in the crystal clear water, before settling in for a long, lazy lunch on the island with friends.
And yes — meet a quokka. These incredibly cute little marsupials are unique to Rottnest Island and you can get the famous quokka selfie. It's an absolute must. There is honestly nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
One thing to note before you go: don't underestimate the Perth sun. The UV is brutal — wear your sunscreen, always.
"Wake up to direct views over Thomsons Bay, spend your afternoons at the Bayside Bar with a cocktail in hand, and be looked after by a team that truly goes above and beyond. There is nowhere quite like it."— Mel on Samphire Rottnest
Where to Eat, Drink & Linger
Perth has quietly become one of the most exciting food and drink cities in Australia — and when you know where to go, every meal feels like an occasion.
Breakfast & Brunch
The Shorehouse in Swanbourne. It has a beautiful deck overlooking the ocean, the coffee is exceptional, and it's such a relaxing coastal setting.
Coffee & Matcha
Il Lido in Cottesloe. It sits right on the corner opposite Cottesloe Beach — the perfect spot to grab a coffee and watch the world go by.
Long Lazy Lunch
Hands down, my favourite restaurant in the world — Isola on Rottnest Island. The best cocktails, unreal food, and service that never misses. Order the Skull Island prawns and pair them with an Aperol Spritz.
People Watching
Besk Wine Bar in Leederville. It's always buzzing from late afternoon, Friday through the weekend — the perfect spot to settle in with a good bottle of wine and some tapas.
Sundowners
Tigerfish. The best new spot in town — amazing sunsets, great cocktails, and always buzzing with a brilliant vibe.
Best Dinner Reservation
Gibney's. A beautiful setting, exceptional service, and the quality is consistently outstanding. Fine dining done right.
Date Night
Nobu — where champagne meets the most exquisite yellowfin tuna sashimi. It never disappoints and never gets old.
Best Hotel
Samphire Rottnest perfectly captures that barefoot luxury feeling. Wake up to direct views over Thomsons Bay, spend your afternoons at the Bayside Bar — there is nowhere quite like it.
Go South. Always Go South.
The southwest of Western Australia is an absolute must. Margaret River, Dunsborough — drive through the wine region, visit the beautiful wineries and stop for a long lunch at some beautiful venues surrounded by vineyards.
Even on a rainy day, the southwest delivers. Find a cosy winery with a fireplace and spend the day with a glass in hand — it's the ideal way to spend a winter's day in Western Australia. Trust me on this one.
To get around, rent a car — without question. Western Australia is vast and the best of it lies beyond the city limits.
What to Pack. Where to Be Pampered.
A great beach bag. You'll be living the coastal lifestyle, and a good one will take you effortlessly from the beach to a cute wine bar afterwards. It's the one thing most people never think to pack — and the one thing they always wish they had.
For a proper pamper day, Bodhi J Spa at The Westin in the city is a beautiful setting and genuinely one of the best spa experiences in Perth. And for boutique shopping, head to Indyanic on Rottnest Island — it always has the most beautiful pieces: swimwear, accessories, everything you need for the island life.
For culture, spend a weekend morning in Fremantle. Walk the streets, take in the beautiful historic buildings, and lose yourself at the Fremantle Markets. There's always something going on, and some great coffee spots along the way.
Born from a desire for comfort, intention, and a more conscious way of living.
Before Nude Theōry, Mel spent years building a fast-paced corporate career, living between Australia, Bali, and the US. On paper, everything looked successful, yet somewhere along the way, she felt disconnected—from herself, and from what truly mattered. It was through the small, everyday rituals—what she wore closest to her body—that something began to shift.
Nude Theōry was born from that moment. A desire to create pieces that feel sensual, soft, and effortless, without compromising comfort or the planet. Designed slowly and consciously, each collection reflects the same ease found in Perth—sunlit mornings, ocean air, and a slower, more intentional way of living.
Because, much like this place, true confidence begins with feeling at ease in your own skin.
www.nudetheory.com.au
Instagram: @nudetheoryofficial
TikTok: @nudetheoryofficial
Facebook: Nude Theōry
The Pieces She'd Wear Here
Every destination deserves the right jewellery. Mel shares the Celeste Starre pieces she'd reach for in Perth — from morning coffee to candlelit sundowners.
Jewellery for the way you actually live — from Sunday mornings in Cottesloe to golden evenings on Rottnest Island. Worn with intention. Made to be felt.
Explore the Collection