Melbourne is a city of personalities; foodies, theatre buffs, musos and art fiends. The diversity is what makes Melbourne so… Melbourne, and in celebration of everything the cultural capital has to offer, we’re hearing from local faces who know the city so well.

First up in our Melbourne Muses series is Ruchi Page. A content creator, writer, speaker and beauty enthusiast, Ruchi Page grew up in Ballarat before relocating to (and falling in love with) Melbourne in 2020. Here, we sit down with Page to chat all things Melbourne, from her favourite ways to make the most of the city in spring, to the products she has her eye on right now.

What’s so great about living in Melbourne?

Although I only moved to Melbourne in 2020, the city stole my heart at 18 years old. I love the culture of the city the most. I come from (what was back then) the small town of Ballarat and Melbourne enticed me with its high-rise buildings, bustling streets of people and its multiculturalism. The decision to move was so effortless. The city encourages freedom and self-expression, and it has an unbelievable food and coffee scene. I think I’m officially what they call a Melbourne-ified... coffee snob?

It’s a sunny spring afternoon in Melbourne. Where can we find you?

Spring hits different in Melbourne, I swear. Whether it’s a stroll along the Tan, a picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or the coffee dates shifting from indoors to outdoors, there’s something extra magical about the city. I think a spring afternoon is best spent doing and wearing all the spring things: walks along St. Kilda Beach; coffees or aperol spritzes at The Beverly rooftop; cooking lemony prawn spaghetti at home. Come spring, I love to whip out my favourite outfits and fragrances daily rather than keeping them for special occasions (you are the occasion!). Falling in love with new cafes across the city, revamping the bedroom with patterned or coloured bedding and experimenting with pink and orange blushes are all things I find myself wanting to do when spring rolls around.

Where do you always take a friend when they’re in town?

There’s something addictive about Collingwood cafes and food culture. I also love Carlton’s Lygon street for the same reason. You can’t go past the Queen Victoria Market and the famous Melbourne laneways boasting street art, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Of the spring newness hitting Emporium right now, what are you most excited by?

Spring blossoms in the wardrobe, first and foremost. Experimenting with colour and prints and letting the statement pieces come into play. I won’t say no to wearing frills and obnoxious colour patterns. Bec + Bridge always nails feminine and bold spring fashion. I love to adjust my makeup routine for the full spring experience, too. I opt for fuchsia blush tones, dewy skin, shimmery eyes and extra glossy lips. Home gets a spring awakening thanks to Bath and Body Works candles, available on Ground Floor, and I love changing over the sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers to something that screams ‘fresh, fun and cosy.’ Marimekko is my go-to.

What’s top of your fashion hit list for the season ahead?

1.     Seed Heritage essentially invented spring in my eyes. The brand’s Soft Suiting Trench in the pale olive colour is a tribute to that. Perfect for unpredictable Melbourne weather.

2.     I think styling a scarf contributes to the perfect just-before-summer attire. I spotted the Búl Holiday Scarf being styled around the neck and it was giving unbothered, spring chic.

3.     I’m a firm believer that a pointed toe heel or flat elevates your entire outfit. So, the Jo Mercer Adele Dress Flats in Sand Leather have a spot on my wishlist too.

Any beauty products you’ll be adding to your rotation?

I love to refresh my body care routine by reintroducing oils and nourishing moisturisers, like the L'Occitane Almond range, particularly their Almond Shower Oil. As a liquid blush fan, the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush speaks to my inner makeup freak. I’m also thinking a once a week home facial sounds particularly enticing for my spring skincare routine. On that note... the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque ticks all the boxes.