For our final International Women’s Day feature, we’re excited to spotlight Melanie Flintoft,  a trailblazer in Australian fashion. 

With a career spanning from her family’s business to creating iconic brands like Finders Keepers and revitalising Silver Fleece, Melanie’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability.

In this interview, Melanie shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, the challenges she’s overcome, and her vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future in fashion. Read on to discover the inspiring path of a true industry leader.

1. How did you get your first start in the industry? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?

My fashion journey began early, growing up in my family’s business, Garland Fashion Agencies. At 16, I gained invaluable experience at Table Eight under Lisa Ho, solidifying my passion for the industry. After studying fashion at TAFE, I opened a clearance store, launched a wholesale agency, and ran multi-brand retail stores in Adelaide.

In 2000, after having my first child, I created an Australian-made brand focused on upcycled corsets. It grew into Finders Keepers, later expanding into C/MEO Collective and Keepsake, with production moving offshore. My husband and I took the bold step of expanding internationally, setting up agents in the USA and UK. By 2008, while pregnant with our second child, we were managing a fast-growing business from home with 20 staff.

Our fashion house grew into a $60 million enterprise across three countries. However, COVID-19 forced its closure, prompting a new chapter. We launched a fully sustainable brand and later revitalised Silver Fleece, an Australian manufacturer, turning it around in two weeks. Now, we are rebranding Sunset Lover as Crestwell Australia, embracing sustainable knitwear and low-waste manufacturing. This next phase is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep love for Australian fashion.

2. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style?

Absolutely. My leadership style has been shaped by several influential figures throughout my career. Early on, my parents played a significant role in instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in me. Growing up in the fashion industry through their business, Garland Fashion Agencies, I witnessed firsthand the importance of relationships, resilience, and hard work in building a successful brand.

At 16, my work experience at Table Eight under the creative direction of Lisa Ho and the mentorship of the Suskin brothers was a defining moment. Lisa’s ability to balance creativity with commercial success and the meticulous way she approached planning and execution left a lasting impact on me. It was my first glimpse into how strong leadership and vision can drive a fashion business forward.

Later, as we expanded our brands internationally, I was inspired by the global leaders I worked with—agents, distributors, and industry pioneers—who taught me invaluable lessons about adaptability, negotiation, and scaling a business across different markets.

However, I would say my biggest leadership lessons have come from experience—leading teams through high-growth phases, navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, and building a business that values sustainability and innovation. The teams I’ve worked with have also shaped my leadership style; surrounding myself with talented, passionate individuals has reinforced my belief in collaboration, trust, and empowering people to take ownership of their work.

Now, with both companies Silver Fleece (est. 1951) and Crestwell Australia, I lead with a strong sense of purpose—bringing together creativity, sustainability, and Australian heritage while ensuring that we stay true to our values as we grow.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your journey, and how did you overcome it?

Scaling brands internationally while managing multiple labels and creative teams in a fast-paced environment was both exhilarating and incredibly challenging. The demands of constant innovation, global expansion, and staying ahead in a competitive industry required agility, strong leadership, and the ability to make quick, strategic decisions.

However, the most difficult challenge I’ve faced was navigating the impact of COVID-19 and, more specifically, the administration process that followed. While the pandemic was devastating for the fashion industry, closing a business—one we had built from the ground up into a $60 million company—was even harder. It was an emotionally and professionally defining moment, forcing me to reflect on resilience, adaptability, and what truly mattered moving forward.

This experience, along with the lessons it taught me, played a crucial role in our decision to acquire Silver Fleece. Seeing a 74-year-old Australian manufacturer at risk of disappearing reinforced our belief in the importance of sovereign manufacturing. In just two weeks, we oversubscribed the investment needed to save the company—a testament to Australians’ deep passion for local production.

Looking back, the challenges were immense, but they ultimately led us here. Revitalising an iconic Australian manufacturer and securing its future is an opportunity we are deeply invested in and incredibly proud of.

4. Our industry is 76% female, however this is not the case at executive level. Do you believe the Australian fashion industry has evolved over the years, particularly in its support for women leaders? What can we all do to help change this statistic?

The Australian fashion industry has evolved, with more women stepping into leadership, but a gap remains at the executive level. While the workforce is predominantly female, leadership roles—particularly in finance, operations, and boardrooms—are still male-dominated.

At Silver Fleece, we are breaking that mould. We have two female directors and shareholders, and aside from my husband Dean, our entire leadership team is female. Of our 20 staff, 18 are women. This balance reflects our commitment to fostering a workplace where women can lead, innovate, and shape the future of Australian manufacturing.

To drive real change, we must actively support women in leadership by:

• Encouraging Women in Decision-Making Roles: Companies must prioritise promoting women into key positions.
• Creating Mentorship & Sponsorship Networks: Female leaders should champion emerging talent.
• Offering Flexible Work Models: Work structures must support career progression alongside family life.
• Highlighting Successful Female Leaders: Representation matters in inspiring the next generation.

The future of fashion leadership should reflect the talent within the industry. At Silver Fleece and Crestwell, we are committed to ensuring women not only make up the workforce but also have a seat at the decision-making table.

5. What's one piece of advice you’d share with someone aiming to follow in your footsteps?

Listen more than you speak—there’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth. The best insights come from being observant, asking the right questions, and truly understanding the industry and people around you. 

Stay true to your foundations and remain focused. In fashion, trends and external pressures can be distracting, but long-term success comes from knowing who you are, what you stand for, and building with intention.

Tread lightly. Every decision you make—whether in business, design, or leadership—should be thoughtful and sustainable. Impact matters, and creating with integrity ensures longevity.

Be inquisitive. Never stop learning, exploring, and challenging the status quo. The most successful people are those who stay curious and adaptable.

And most importantly—show up. Opportunities don’t come to those who wait. Be present, put yourself in the right rooms, and do the work. Success is built on consistency, resilience, and the courage to take risks.

And that’s a wrap on our special International Women’s Day  edition of Future Makers: The Women Shaping Australian Fashion. We’ve been honoured to spotlight the incredible women leading the charge in both fashion and sustainability, breaking barriers, and driving change across the industry.