AFC 2025 Federal Election Platform

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has launched its 2025 Federal Election Platform, calling on all political parties to commit to strategic investment in Australia's fashion and textile sector. This commitment is essential to unlock growth potential, support local jobs, strengthen manufacturing capability, and secure our industry's future.

READ OUR SUMMARY FEDERAL ELECTION PLATFORM HERE. 

READ OUR FULL FEDERAL ELECTION PLATFORM HERE.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Australia's fashion and textile sector contributes $28 billion to the economy, exports over $7.2 billion annually (more than wine and beer combined), and employs 500,000 people (more than mining and utilities combined) – with women making up 77% of our workforce. Despite these contributions, we face significant challenges from market pressures, skills shortages, and global competition.

With targeted support, our sector could grow to $38 billion over the next decade, creating more high-value jobs, securing women's economic security, strengthening domestic manufacturing capability, expanding export opportunities, and establishing our place as a global leader in sustainable and innovative fashion.

 

OUR KEY PRIORITIES

The AFC has outlined strategic priorities across four key areas:

GROW THE FASHION AND TEXTILES SECTOR

INVEST IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

ADDRESS SKILLS GAPS AND WORKFORCE NEEDS

LEAD SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION

 

TAKE ACTION NOW
With your support we can drive real change and secure the economic future of Australia's Fashion & Textile industry.

Rube Pedder’s Journey from Couture to Ready-to-Wear with Ubank’s Feel-Good Fashion Fund

The future of Australian fashion is being shaped by a new generation of designers who are not only pushing creative boundaries but also building sustainable, forward-thinking businesses.

Rube Pedder is one of these rising talents. At just 24, she has already made her mark on the industry, with her designs gracing the runway at Australian Fashion Week and being worn by global icons like Katy Perry, BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim, and Genesis Owusu.

Now, with the support of Ubank’s Feel-Good Fashion Fund, Rube has received a $30,000 grant to take her brand to the next level. Expanding beyond her intricate couture designs, she is launching her first ready-to-wear collection, a bold interpretation of ‘elevated streetwear’ that brings together artisanal craftsmanship and digital innovation.

In this interview, Rube shares the inspiration behind this collection, the challenges and opportunities of moving into ready-to-wear, and how she is ensuring that craftsmanship remains at the heart of her growing brand.

 

1. Your Ready-to-Wear collection with Ubank marks an exciting new chapter for your brand. What inspired this collection, and how does it align with your creative vision?

What inspired this collection:

This collection with Ubank focuses on the unexpected intersections between finance and fashion. While these brands may seem worlds apart, they share common ground - youthfulness, innovation, and creative ingenuity. This collection is a reflection of that shared spirit, seamlessly merging both worlds.

A key inspiration was traditional bank merchandise, marketing materials, and traditional bank uniforms. I hand-drew a series of custom Ubank fonts, logos, stickers, and slogans, embedding the brand’s identity into the fabric of the designs. The focal slogan, ‘future u,’ is a direct evolution of Ubank’s core message, ‘see your money clearly.’ It embodies the idea of envisioning a brighter future - whether that’s buying a house, traveling to Europe, or achieving a goal. This theme is particularly highlighted in the couture dress, where these mentioned manifestation-based texts are printed into the fabric itself.

I also looked to the physicality of banking for inspiration - ATM interfaces, fluorescent fonts, stripes, numbers, and phrases like ‘sufficient funds,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘have a nice day.’ Even the zeros from a $100 bill found their way into the details.

Beyond banking, the Bauhaus movement was a major influence. Bauhaus was built on the unification of different artistic disciplines, much like this collaboration between a digital bank and a niche couture label. To symbolize this unity, one of the key prints in the collection is based on a jersey design.

How does it align with your creative vision:

At its core, my brand has continually pushed boundaries of traditional craftsmanship while embracing modernity, and this collection is a direct extension of that vision. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of merging contrasting worlds - whether that’s couture with streetwear, handcraft with technology, or in this case, finance with fashion. 

My approach to design is deeply rooted in storytelling and intricate detailing, both of which are central to this collection. The use of hand-drawn typography, layered prints, and hand-made couture reflects my commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship, while the digital influences bring in a futuristic edge. This collaboration has allowed me to explore new methods of expression while staying true to my aesthetic - where tradition meets innovation in a way that feels fresh, bold, and unexpected.

 

2. Moving from couture to ready-to-wear presents both opportunities and challenges. How does the design process differ, and what considerations come into play when creating pieces for a broader audience?

Transitioning from couture to ready-to-wear is both an exciting challenge and an opportunity to expand my brand’s reach. Couture allows for complete creative freedom - each piece is handcrafted, intricate, and highly individualised. The concept and product are developed together, with each fitting influencing the next stage of development, making it a deeply organic and personalised process. Ready-to-wear, while still made by hand, is produced in larger quantities following exact patterns and technical instructions. The focus shifts to accessibility, functionality, and wearability.

The design process for ready-to-wear is more structured. It relies heavily on drawings and tech packs, meaning that you need to know exactly what you want right from the start. The factory work involves executing the designs and fitting once, which doesn’t allow for the same fluidity or refinement as in couture, made more crucial due to time constraints. Working remotely and designing something that’s not yet tangible posed its own challenges and limitations, but it also provided an opportunity to approach things from a new perspective, one of refinement and decisiveness. 

Couture, though traditionally exclusive, is modern in its sustainability as only what’s ordered is produced. However, its intricacy, time, and materials make it an expensive practice. Ready-to-wear, on the other hand, is about reaching a broader audience and balancing the essence of my brand. I approached this by incorporating the layering and textures in my couture work in the prints and combining them with different finishes and fabrications to create visual stimulation. For example, the sticker print incorporates 20-30 hand drawn logos, which I then scanned digitally, and re printed as stickers, and then re-scanned them. This process created an image with a texture and effect similar to a three-dimensional form like the smocking in my couture work. 

Despite these differences, my approach remains the same - merging craftsmanship with innovation. Whether couture or RTW, every piece is designed with intention, maintaining the balance between artistry and wearability.

 

3. Maintaining a brand’s unique identity while scaling production is a key challenge for many designers. How have you approached this transition while ensuring your craftsmanship and artistry remain at the forefront?

Maintaining the unique identity of the brand while scaling production is definitely a challenge, but it’s one that I’ve approached with intention. My brand is built on craftsmanship, innovation, and the artistry of intricate details - principally, techniques like smocking, hand-drawn prints, and sculptural silhouettes. The key to maintaining this identity while scaling is ensuring that every piece, whether couture or ready-to-wear, is rooted in the same values of thoughtful design and high-quality craftsmanship.

For me, it’s about finding the balance between artistry and accessibility. As production grows, I’ve focused on developing methods that allow the artistry to shine through without compromising the quality. For example, in ready-to-wear, I’ve made sure that the prints, textures, and finishes maintain the same level of detail as my couture pieces, using fabrics and techniques that are both unique and aligned with my aesthetic.

I’ve also worked closely with Ubank in facilitating trusted production partners who shared our vision and commitment to quality. This allows me to ensure that even as we scale, the integrity of the design process is upheld, and every piece reflects the essence of my brand.

In the end, scaling is not just about making more garments, it's about staying true to what makes Rube Pedder distinct: a seamless fusion of artistry and wearability that remains accessible to a wider audience, from the smallest detail to the overall vision. Craftsmanship and artistry are always at the forefront of what I do, and that’s something I’m committed to preserving as the brand grows. 

 

4. Are there any innovative techniques or materials you’re incorporating into this collection?

One of the key techniques I’m excited about is the use of hand-drawn typography within my digital prints. I’ve developed custom fonts and logos for this collection, which were then translated into layered prints through digital scanning to create unique visual textures and patterns. This digital approach allows me to blend the precision of technology with the artistry of handcraft, creating something unique.

In terms of materials, I’ve featured the defining aspect of my practice – smocking, in combination with more contemporary finishes. This allows me to bring my signature craftsmanship into a modern context.

 

5. As your brand evolves, do you see ready-to-wear becoming a major focus, or will you continue balancing couture with more accessible collections?

As my brand evolves, I do see ready-to-wear becoming a significant focus, but I plan to continue balancing it with couture collections. Ready-to-wear offers a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience, and I’m excited to explore the possibilities of creating accessible yet high-quality pieces. 

That said, couture will always remain an essential part of my brand’s DNA. It allows me to push the boundaries of craftsmanship and design, and I see it as a vital expression of the artistry that defines my work. Moving forward, I envision a brand that seamlessly blends both, offering the exclusivity and refinement of couture while making the artistry of my designs more accessible through ready-to-wear collections.

 

Explore Ubank's Feel-Good Fashion Fund for more details and it’s  social campaign here. 

How to Best Expand in a Fluid Global Market?

Expanding into new markets presents exciting opportunities but without the right strategy, it can also bring significant challenges. 

To ensure long-term success, brands must build a strong internal foundation, conduct thorough market research, and establish strategic local partnerships. From refining logistics to understanding regional consumer behavior, a well-planned approach can make all the difference.

FashionNet Anton Dell (FNAD) has outlined the essential steps to help you scale sustainably in today’s dynamic global market.

 

1. Strengthen Your Internal Structure Before Expanding

Before diving into wholesale expansion, ensure that your internal operations are solid. Growth naturally puts pressure on resources, so it’s critical to focus on steady and sustainable scaling to avoid overwhelming your systems and processes. 

 

2. Conduct Thorough Market Research

Effective market research is essential to ensure that your brand’s expansion yields the expected results. Analyse new markets by considering:

 

3. Partner With Local Experts For Sustainable Growth

Local partners provide the safest route to long-term success. When selecting agents or distributors, prioritise:

 

4. Leverage Local Expertise

Rely on your local representatives for insights into market best practices. Their feedback will help you avoid costly missteps and tailor your approach for maximum impact.

 

5. Optimise Logistics & Supply Chain

Smooth and profitable expansion depends on a well-managed supply chain. To ensure reliability:

 

AFC MEMBER OFFER 

As an exclusive benefit for AFC members, FNAD is offering a free consultation to help your brand expand internationally. 

You’ll receive personalised market entry strategies, access to a wide network of agents and distributors, and an exclusive discount on services. Take the next step in growing your brand globally.

Book your free consultation with Mark Boloten, here, today. 

Media Release: eBay Australia announces Shopfront as the winner of the 2025 Circular Fashion Fund, advancing circularity in the fashion industry

Today, eBay Australia, in partnership with the Australian Fashion Council (AFC), proudly announced Shopfront as the winner of eBay’s 2025 Circular Fashion Fund, recognising their innovative approach to driving progress in circularity and tackling Australia’s ongoing textile waste crisis.

Now in its second year in Australia, the Fund awards Shopfront $100,000 AUD, while runners-up HATCH + make and Hello Tailr will each receive $50,000 AUD to further their circular business solutions. In addition to the funding received, the three recipients will receive bespoke mentoring sessions, educational workshops and networking opportunities.

In 2023, over 222,000 tonnes of clothing were sent to Australian landfill, reinforcing the need for urgent, systemic and lasting change.¹ To address this, eBay launched the Circular Fashion Fund to foster innovation and support businesses that reduce waste and promote circularity, aligning with the industry’s 2030 goals.2 This year’s winners were chosen from a competitive shortlist, pitching their transformative ideas to a panel of industry experts.

Shopfront's victory not only provides funding for their business but also earns them a place in eBay's global competition. They will join winners from the UK, US and Germany to pitch their ideas to eBay's venture capital arm, eBay Ventures, for the chance to be named 'Circular Fashion Innovator of the Year' and receive a potential $300,000 USD additional investment.**

 

eBay Australia’s Fashion Lead, Anne-Marie Cheney, said: “Circularity is no longer an aspiration—it’s a necessity for fashion’s future. At eBay, we’re proud to support businesses reimagining every stage of the fashion life cycle, from design to resale and repair. Following the success of our 2024 winners, we’re excited to see how this year’s businesses use the mentoring, networking opportunities, workshops and funding to drive change. Our 2025 winners prove that a more circular future isn’t just an idea—it’s already in motion.”

 

More about the winners

Shopfront aims to make fashion resale seamless, scalable, and sustainable. Using an AI-powered tool to streamline listings across multiple marketplaces, Shopfront simplifies the shopping experience to drive circularity. Sellers simply upload photos, while Shopfront removes backgrounds, generates listings, and posts them to platforms like eBay – making it easy for sellers to connect with and manage multiple platforms and scale their resale success.

HATCH + make creates sustainable knitwear through low-waste design, eco-friendly production, and a focus on natural fibres. Its Brood line, launched in December 2024, helps brand partners reduce development costs. Using efficient knitting methods and local production, HATCH + make supports small runs to cut waste and ensures transparency across the supply chain lifecycle. Over the next three years, the brand plans to upskill more designers and expand its impact, building on the more than 30 organisations it has supported.

Hello Tailr promotes circular fashion by extending garment life and empowering brands to follow suit. As an online clothing tailor and alteration platform, it offers door-to-door pickup, mail-in, and drop-off services at over 7,500 locations nationwide for added convenience. Hello Tailr also helps fashion brands coordinate repairs in their pro platforms while managing logistics and technology. Catering to businesses and consumers, more than 72% of the brand’s services are completed by social enterprise partners, supporting communities and the greater recommerce ecosystem.

 

2025 Circular Fashion Fund winner, Shopfront Co-Founder & CEO Nate Spiteri, said: “We’re incredibly honoured to receive the 2025 Circular Fashion Fund and grateful to eBay and the Australian Fashion Council for their commitment to driving circularity in the fashion industry. At Shopfront, our mission is to make fashion resale seamless, scalable, and sustainable. This funding will help us enhance our AI-powered tool, streamlining the resale process across multiple marketplaces and making it easier for sellers to extend the life cycle of garments. We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders and mentors to accelerate sustainable solutions for the future of fashion.”

CEO of the Australian Fashion Council, Jaana Quaintance-James, said: “The 2025 Circular Fashion Fund winners exemplify the innovation we need to transform Australia's fashion ecosystem. Innovative businesses like HATCH + make, Shopfront, and Hello Tailr are critical for driving forward practical solutions that extend product lifecycles, minimise waste, and build resilient supply chains. With continued collaboration between government, industry leaders like eBay, and our pioneering winners, we can accelerate Australia’s transition to a lower impact future.”

Participants were evaluated based on three criteria: innovation, circularity and business viability/scalability. Selected businesses showcased new or improved products or processes and offered creative strategies to address circularity in fashion. They also demonstrated scalability and a track record of success, indicating their ability to effectively utilise the funding.

eBay Australia, along with the global markets, will run the Fund with the goal of forming an international alumni of circular fashion businesses, helping to pave the way for a more circular future.

eBay’s Circular Fashion Fund will provide a total global investment of $1.2 million USD** to start-ups in the global markets by the end of 2025 and over 200 hours of mentoring and networking support for applicants from industry experts.

 

-ENDS-

1https://australiainstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Australia-Institute-Textiles-Waste-In-Australia-Web.pdf

2 Australian Fashion Council, 2023 Industry goals: https://ausfashioncouncil.com/program/seamless/

**The currency exchange rate for the $300,000 USD investment will vary depending on the time of payout.

 

For further information, please contact:

Emily Fookes, Pulse

PH: 0438 854 883 I E: emily.fookes@ogilvy.com.au

 

About eBay

eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) is a global commerce leader that connects people and builds communities to create economic opportunity for all. Our technology empowers millions of buyers and sellers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, California, eBay is one of the world's largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2024, eBay enabled $75 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.

 

About the Australian Fashion Council:

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is a not-for-profit and the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years. AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories, including individuals that contribute creatively and economically to the Australian fashion and textile industry. The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, with the purpose of building a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation. Find out more here: https://ausfashioncouncil.com/.

Hello Tailr: Redefining Clothing Alterations and Repairs with Convenience and Technology

eBay Australia, supported by the Australian Fashion Council, has proudly announced Hello Tailr as a shortlisted winner in eBay’s 2025 Circular Fashion Fund, recognising their innovative approach to revolutionising clothing alterations and repairs.

Hello Tailr offers a simple, convenient service that allows customers to arrange clothing alterations and repairs with ease. By providing door-to-door shipping options and making the process as seamless as online shopping, Hello Tailr is transforming the way consumers think about clothing maintenance. Their goal is to make clothing repairs and refashioning as common and accessible as purchasing new items, promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.

We spoke with Owen about the journey behind Hello Tailr, the lessons learned in building a service focused on convenience and sustainability, and how the company is shaping the future of clothing repairs.

 

1. Could you share some insights into your background and the journey that led you to start Hello Tailr? 

Hello Tailr was inspired by my own frustrating experience. Like most online shopping today, buying a pair of pants online was effortless—they arrived at my doorstep a few days after ordering. The experience gets frustrating from there. As a shorter person, nearly every pair of pants I own needs shortening. Having recently moved to a new suburb, I had to spend time researching "tailors near me," only to find options were limited. Eventually, I found a tailor that was quite a drive away, dropped the pants off, and returned days later to pick them up—only to discover they'd mistakenly shortened them by six millimetres instead of six centimetres. Having to repeat this tedious and inconvenient process sparked the idea that there must be a better way, and that's how Hello Tailr was born. 

 

2. Having founded and served as CEO of Obee, what inspired you to start this venture, and how does it dier from your previous business experiences? 

Obee started from a personal frustration back in 2010. I was trying to book a restaurant for a date, but after multiple unanswered phone calls, I finally secured a last-minute spot. It got me thinking—why was something as simple as booking a table so difficult? That experience led me to build Obee, and over the years, I watched as phone bookings became less common and online reservations became the new norm. 

Hello Tailr has come from a similar place—another personal frustration, this time with clothing alterations. After struggling through a tedious process just to get a pair of pants hemmed, I found myself asking the same question: why is this so inconvenient? Is there a better way? Hello Tailr seems like a much bigger challenge. Technically it's a challenge to make the range of services simple and easy, but also we'll need to see a mindset shift where repair and circular fashion become the norm. The experience I gained from Obee gave me the confidence to take this on. I’d love to see another societal shift happen—this time towards people rewearing, repairing, and refashioning their clothes as a natural part of how we consume fashion.

 

3. Hello Tailr is revolutionising the way we think about clothing alterations and repairs. How do you see the role of technology in extending the life cycle of garments, and how do you envision its future? 

I’ve now spent over a year and a half in this space—which isn’t long compared to many—but what excites me the most is the craft! I encourage everyone to look up "visible mending" on Instagram and TikTok. Go down the rabbit hole of creative repair techniques and explore specific techniques like darning and Sashiko, and suddenly, clothes with holes will become something you will get excited about—an opportunity to refashion and reimagine, not just throw out. 

The challenge, though, is that these skills are rare, and most people are too time-poor to learn them, let alone do it themselves. I believe technology is the unlock. If we can fuse together the convenience economy with social enterprise partners that have these skills, then it’s a win for everyone. As a founder with experience in tech, I feel like I bring a unique perspective because I’m thinking about how we can use technology to bridge this gap, connecting skilled makers and social enterprises with the people who are just looking for a simple and hassle-free experience. 

 

4. What do you see as the biggest barriers to widespread adoption of clothing repairs and alterations, and how is Hello Tailr helping to overcome them? 

The biggest barrier is convenience. We live in a world where almost anything—fashion, groceries, even pet food—can be ordered at the click of a button. The convenience economy has reshaped consumer expectations, making traditional clothing repairs and alterations a stark contrast, typically requiring at least two store visits—one to drop off and another to pick up. 

Hello Tailr is addressing this head-on by reimagining how clothing repairs and alterations can be delivered online. We have over multiple shipping options—including a door-to-door service and printer-free options—with the aim of making the service as convenient as possible. If we can provide a simple, easy-to-use service with a wide range of services, we hope to make clothing repair as easy as online shopping—ultimately helping shift consumer behaviour towards more sustainable fashion choices.

 

5. What have been some of your most significant lessons learned in growing a business focused on clothing repairs and sustainable fashion practices? 

There are so many wonderful people and businesses that genuinely care about sustainability, circularity, and social impact. It’s incredibly humbling and inspiring to see their dedication and long-term commitment—many have been driving change for over a decade. With the rise of new initiatives like Seamless Australia and other circularity-focused policies emerging globally, there seems to be growing momentum. Hopefully, now is just the beginning of the broader population embracing these values, making sustainable fashion choices the norm. 

 

6. If you could impart one piece of advice to someone looking to create a fashion tech startup with sustainability at its core, what would it be? 

Develop a clear, fundamental hypothesis—what is the core problem you are trying to solve? Try and articulate it in one short, sharp, clear sentence. Then, ask yourself honestly: Is this a real problem, or am I trying to create a problem for a solution I have already thought of? Being real with yourself now will save you a lot of wasted time later. 

Next, figure out the fastest and easiest way to test your hypothesis. Can you validate that other people share your problem quickly? As an example, sending something as simple as a short survey to friends, family, or colleagues can give you answers very quickly—you don’t need to spend thousands building a website or app upfront. 

Once you’ve validated the problem, focus on the “how”—is the solution an app, a website, a service, a physical store, or a product? Pick one approach and laser-focus on delivering and testing it as fast as possible. Even a big idea like opening a restaurant or store can be tested and de-risked by running pop ups or events first. Avoid distractions—keep a long list of ideas for later, but stay committed to the task at hand. Choose something achievable in 1-2 months, launch it, promote it for another 1-2 months, then assess: double down if it’s working, and pivot and test another approach if it’s not. 

The biggest mistake I see in startups is trying to do too many things at once. Stay focused, iterate, and most importantly—good luck! You’re going to need a bit of that too!

 

Discover more about Hellor Tailr through their social media channels or official website.

AFC’s Federal Budget Submission 2025-26

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has submitted its 2025-26 Federal Budget submission, urging the government to invest into Australia’s fashion and textile sector. This investment is critical to unlocking growth, supporting local jobs, and future-proofing the industry.

READ THE FULL SUBMISSION HERE.

OUR KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

The AFC has outlined strategic priorities across four key areas:

WHY THIS MATTERS

Australia’s fashion industry contributes $27.2 billion to the economy, exports over $7.2 billion annually, and employs 500,000 people – more than mining and utilities combined. Yet, we face supply chain pressures, skills shortages, and global competition.

These recommendations will help strengthen our industry, secure local jobs, and position Australia as a leader in ethical, sustainable, and innovative fashion.

TAKE ACTION

Jobs & Careers in the Australian Fashion & Textile Industry: January

Looking to advance your career in fashion and textiles? Explore these exciting job openings today.

Zimmermann: Designer - NSW
Apply Here. 

Zimmermann: Junior Designer - NSW
Apply Here. 

bassike: Store Manager - VIC
Apply Here.

bassike: Assistant Store Manager - NSW
Apply Here.

THE ICONIC: Commercial Analyst - NSW
Apply Here.

Media Release: AFC Board appoints Kellie Hush as CEO of AFC's Australian Fashion Week 2025

THE AFC BOARD APPOINTS RESPECTED INDUSTRY LEADER KELLIE HUSH AS CEO OF AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL’S AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Sydney: The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Kellie Hush as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Fashion Council Australian Fashion Week 2025. A highly regarded leader in the Australian fashion industry, Kellie brings over 20 years’ of experience across media, fashion, and business to this role.

Kellie Hush is one of Australia’s most influential figures in fashion, having served as Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia and as acting CEO of the AFC in 2022. She is a founding director of the AFC and has been a key participant in Australian Fashion Week since its inception. Additionally, she has held significant roles with Melbourne Fashion Festival, further cementing her reputation as a driving force in Australian fashion.

To ensure the successful delivery of Fashion Week 2025, the AFC Board is committed to strengthening resources and capabilities while balancing its broader strategic priorities. Kellie will work closely with the AFC Board and AFC Chief Executive Officer, Jaana Quaintance-James, to deliver an event that  embodies the values of Fashion Week 2025 and supports the growth and evolution of the industry.

“We have consistently emphasised that the AFC cannot achieve this alone—we need to mobilise a dedicated team. With Kellie’s extensive industry experience, long standing relationships, and deep understanding of the AFC, the Board is confident there is no better person to lead Fashion Week 2025 during this pivotal time for both the event and the industry,” said Marianne Perkovic, Chair of the Australian Fashion Council.

Kellie shared her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I have been attending Australian Fashion Week for over two decades so I am delighted to step into this role, working alongside the AFC and my industry colleagues to deliver a 2025 event that stays true to the core principles of Fashion Week.”

The AFC has made two further appointments to the AFC Australian Fashion Week 2025 team. Jacqui Brown, in the role of Head of Operations brings deep experience in major event development and execution, including at Australian and New York Fashion Weeks, most recently having been in a Production Director role with IMG.  

Zoe Davis, in the role of Head of Strategic Partnerships, has an established career in managing and activating major partnerships across events, music and publishing, most recently as the Commercial Director of Cosmopolitan.  

The AFC Board also acknowledges the tremendous groundwork laid by AFC CEO Jaana Quaintance-James in preparation for Fashion Week 2025. This announcement is a strategic step to bolster AFC’s leadership capacity and allowing Jaana to focus on advancing the AFC’s broader strategic priorities including commerce and trade, local manufacturing, jobs and skills and sustainability. 

The AFC is confident that Kellie’s appointment, along with Jacqui and Zoe, will ensure the success of Fashion Week 2025 and further solidify the event’s reputation as a cornerstone of the Australian fashion industry.

-ends- 

Prue-ellen Thomas, Head of Marketing and Communications, AFC

pthomas@ausfashioncouncil.com 

____

Want to expand into international wholesaling? Use this checklist to make sure you’re business ready from Elevate Wholesale Agency.

Are you ready to take your brand into the international wholesale market? 

Whether you're just starting to consider wholesale or actively planning your expansion, use this checklist to ensure you can take this next step into international wholesale confidently.

Created by Jenny Nakkan, Founder of Elevate Wholesale Agency, this detailed checklist will assess your brand’s readiness for wholesale success. Elevate specialises in proven strategies to accelerate wholesale growth and position brands on the global stage.

 

CHECKLIST 

✔️ Research 

Do your research and know where your brand sits and is positioned within wholesale. Explore your competitors and desired brand adjacencies. Be clear on your brands USP and the list of stores you want to target & why. 

Also research potential market entry barriers for export regions. There are many things to consider when it comes to tax and duty implications, so be clear on these requirements within your business and ensure you can meet them.

 

✔️ Critical Path 

Establish a dynamic wholesale critical path that caters to the sales market & delivery windows of the regions you are targeting. Your critical path must cover all facets within your product and development lifecycle.

 

✔️ Global Pricing & Wholesale Margin Assessment 

By region, ensure your retail & wholesale pricing model covers all facets of supply chain costs, industry standard retailer markups specific by region and the wholesale margin required for successful negotiations including potential discounts and coop contributions.

 

✔️ Finance Plan

Once you have your timelines and pricing mapped out, consider how that sits within your business financial plan. Consider implications and challenges that come with wholesale, and how you can manage these challenges within your business cash flow.

 

✔️ Logistics 

Consider the operations you will require to successfully deliver your goods from the factory into wholesale stores. Identify supply chain, logistics & partners required to streamline the delivery process and ensure Deliver in Full, On time (DIFOT). This is an area that might require you to have short, mid and long term goals in place

 

✔️ Marketing 

Understand your current marketing strategy and areas that can be extended to wholesale for maximum penetration and business return in your target wholesale markets.

 

✔️ Wholesale Sales Collateral

Review the seasonal collection assets you will need to develop to support selling your products to buyers in every season. Ensure you have order forms, line sheets, SMS and a B2B platform enabled, to ensure minimum industry standards are being achieved. 

 

✔️ Develop Your Sales Strategy and Identify Your Required Sales Model

Confident you have products that buyers want, but not sure how to get it in front of them? Develop a sales strategy that fits within your financial requirements to put your brand in front of the right buyers at the right time. There are many sales models that brands can consider such as sales agents, distributors, attending trade shows, travelling to the market & selling direct. 

 

✔️ Wholesale Sales Processes 

Be prepared by establishing your wholesale sales processes up front. Pay close attention to new wholesaler onboarding, trading terms documents, order confirmation processes, invoicing and accounts receivables, and all other elements of customer service.

Take your brand to the next level with the right tools and expert guidance. Elevate Wholesale Agency is here to help you navigate the path to global wholesale success. Don’t miss this opportunity. 

 

AFC MEMBER OFFER

As an exclusive benefit for AFC members, Elevate is offering a free one-hour consultation (valued at $995) to help you navigate the complexities of the global wholesale landscape. 

Schedule your free session with Jenny Nakkan, click here. 

Advocating for Local Manufacturing: 2024 Wrap Up

Advocating for Australian manufacturing has been a key focus for the AFC throughout 2024, and it remains a critical priority as we look ahead to 2025. Here’s a closer look at the work we’ve done to champion and strengthen Australia’s local manufacturing industry.

Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth Report Launch, in partnership with Epson. 

The AFC released the Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth Report in partnership with Epson. This report marked an important step in recognising the need to support a resilient but declining sector.

In 2023, the Victorian Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) manufacturing industry contributed over $930 million to the economy—a testament to its significant impact despite the challenges.

Women drive this industry, making up 53% of the TCF manufacturing workforce, compared to a national manufacturing sector average of just 28%. This makes TCF manufacturing the most diverse and female-represented subdivision in the sector.

Read the Report Recommendations Here 

 

Manufacturing Roundtable with Honourable Minister Natalie Hutchins.

Following the report launch, we convened a manufacturing roundtable in Victoria, with Honourable Minister Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs & Industry, Women, and First Nations & Treaty, in attendance. The event brought together leading AFC manufacturer members to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Australian manufacturing.

Read more here

 

Member Manufacturers Forum 

We organised a series of AFC Member Forums in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane allowing  members to foster a two-way dialogue on advocacy and industry priorities. These forums are where we laid the groundwork for the Australian Manufacturing Strategy. Members spoke about advocacy and policy to create a thriving manufacturing strategy, the importance of education and training and what industry commitments are necessary to drive the industry forward.

 

NSW Parliament Event: TCF Manufacturing & Government Procurement in NSW 

We held an event, hosted by Dr Sarah Kaine MLC at the New South Wales Parliament and roundtable, engaging directly with domestic manufacturers. The event was attended by the Hon. Minister Houssos MLC, Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, and Minister for Natural Resources to address issues relating to government procurement and policy support.

Read more here.

 

AFC Submission into NSW Government Procurement Inquiry

The AFC made a submission for the inquiry on procurement practices of government agencies in NSW and its impact on social development, chaired by the Hon. Dr Sarah Kaine, MLC.  We believe that prioritising local procurement can yield long-term economic benefits, such as job creation, increased taxable income, higher skilled occupations, reinvestment in technology and R&D, and overall industry growth. 

Read more here.

 

Sustainable Fibre Symposium at the National Wool Museum

AFC, CEO, Jaana Quaintance-James was invited to speak and presented on the role of a connected local manufacturing ecosystem to support fibre innovation to scale, and the importance of reconnecting our local thriving cotton and wool industries. 

 

Looking ahead to 2025

The AFC is committed to building on the momentum of 2024 and delivering initiatives that drive positive change for the Australian fashion and textile industry. This will include the creation of a National Manufacturing Strategy—stay tuned for more details!

Sign up to the AFC mailing list to get updates

Entering the US Market: A 6-part Webinar Series for AFC members on exporting to the USA

We are excited to invite you to AFC’s Entering the US online webinar series, supported by Investment NSW. This comprehensive series features six informative webinars designed to equip you with all the essential knowledge you need on exporting to the USA.

Open to all AFC members nationally, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to gain insights from industry experts and international guest speakers, explore key strategies, and learn about the resources and tools available to support you in exporting to the USA across a range of topics including:

This weekly webinar series starts on 9am AEDT, Friday 25th October, 2024 and ends on 9am AEDT, Monday 29th November, 2024. Sign up once to register for all six webinars.

REGISTER HERE 

 

AFC International Regulation in fashion Webinar

You are invited to our next Experts & Insights Webinar on International Regulation, supported by City of Sydney. 

Melinda Tually, Director of Ndless: The New Normal will lead discussion with international experts on international fashion regulation and a high level summary of key pieces of legislation coming out of the EU Green Deal and the US including:

Date: 4pm AEDT, Wednesday 4th December 2024
Platform: Online, via Zoom
Open to: AFC members or City of Sydney businesses. See if your business is in the City of Sydney LGA here. 

Globally, the sector is facing a wave of transformative laws designed to address climate change, human rights risks and consumer protection. From green claims and product traceability to human rights due diligence and circularity, the shift from voluntary standards to mandatory regulation will be felt up and down the fashion supply chain requiring suppliers and brands alike to gain an understanding of this new compliance landscape.

REGISTER HERE