Media Release: Australian Fashion Council Returns to Hong Kong with an Expanded Export Mission

Sydney, Australia: The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) have announced Global Gateways: Hong Kong 2026, an export mission that will place seven Australian brands in front of Asia's leading buyers and press at CENTRESTAGE, Hong Kong from 2-5 September 2026. Australian brands can apply now, with applications closing Monday 13 July 2026.

The mission forms the AFC's broader Global Gateways strategy, a long-term international export platform for Australian fashion. As the second market in the program, and the AFC's second trade mission to Hong Kong after a successful 2025 trip that resulted in more than 115 buyer connections, it strengthens Australia's presence in Asia while complementing new opportunities in Europe, creating ongoing commercial pathways for Australian brands. For 2026, the mission includes:

Powered by the Accessing New Markets Initiative, Australia’s presence at CentreStage Hong Kong responds directly to the export diversification needs raised by members following recent U.S. tariff exposure, offering a structured, government-backed pathway that helps open durable wholesale channels across Asia and strengthen the sector's export base.

Selection is AFC member-first, across three pathways, with designers assessed on export readiness, commercial viability, collection strength, operational capability, and capacity to convert buyer engagement into wholesale outcomes. Brands participate with virtually no upfront cost, removing the cost-barrier to enter export markets.

Jay Meek, General Manager, Trade Diversification Taskforce, Austrade, said: “Asia presents significant export diversification opportunities for the Australian fashion industry, including Hong Kong. The Trade Diversification Network was built on government and industry working together, using Austrade's global network and the AFC's sector knowledge to open sustained buyer pathways. Global Gateways: Hong Kong does exactly that, bringing structured, commercially focused access to the buyers, retailers and markets that matter most in this region. Australian fashion has the product, and we're pleased to help position it in one of Asia's most important fashion hubs.”

Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chair of the Australian Fashion Council, said: “Hong Kong proved what Global Gateways can do: in-market presence, government backing and a united Australian front turned visibility into real buyer relationships across Asia. In 2026 we are scaling that success, giving more Australian designers a structured pathway into one of the world's most important regions for fashion. This is exactly the kind of export diversification our members have asked us for.”

Apply via the AFC website here by 9am Monday 13 July 2026. Successful applicants will be advised and offered placements in July. 

 

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Imagery here and for further information:

Prue-ellen Thomas

Head of Marketing and Communications, AFC

pthomas@ausfashioncouncil.com +61 439 882 788

 

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ABOUT AFC GLOBAL GATEWAYS:

Global Gateways is the AFC's international export program, designed to give Australian designers structured pathways into priority global markets through export education, in-market exposure, buyer matchmaking and government-backed diplomacy. It forms part of the AFC's Commerce and Trade strategic pillar, and now spans both Hong Kong (gateway to Asia) and Paris (gateway to Europe).

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.

 

ACCC Flags Compliance Responsibilities for Disperse Blue Dyes in Textiles

Australia's industrial chemicals regulator has recently identified potential health risks associated with certain disperse blue dyes used in textile manufacturing. Businesses involved in the sourcing, manufacture or supply of textile products should be aware of these findings and their implications. We’re sharing this information with members to ensure you are aware of these findings and have context to consider any potential implications for your business and supply chain.


What has been identified?
In December 2025, AICIS released an evaluation (EVA00166) of six disperse blue dyes used in textile fabric dyeing and printing inks: Disperse Blue 82, 96, 102, 106, 124 and 360. These dyes can be found in a broad range of products, including clothing, footwear, nappies, seatbelts and furniture made from synthetic fabrics or leather.

The evaluation found that health risks arise primarily through skin contact with dyed fabrics and garments. The most significant concern is skin sensitisation, with these dyes identified as extremely potent sensitisers based on both clinical and animal evidence. A well-documented link between exposure to these dyes and allergic contact dermatitis has been established, and Australian exposure has been confirmed through patch test studies identifying sensitisation to Disperse Blue 106 and 124.

A key challenge is that reactions can occur at concentrations well below the detection limits of standard textile testing methods. This means businesses cannot rely on compliance testing alone to manage risk, and no safe threshold has been established for these dyes in products worn or used in prolonged contact with the skin.

Beyond skin sensitisation, the evaluation also identified:

 

The Australian Context
None of these disperse blue dyes are currently restricted in Australia. Disperse Blue 360 is in active commercial use in textile printing inks, and products containing any of these dyes may continue to be imported and supplied to the Australian market.

Internationally, these chemicals are attracting increasing regulatory attention. Several are already included on European restricted substance lists, and further restrictions on Disperse Blue 102, 106 and 124 are proposed under the European Union's REACH Regulation.

AICIS has recommended that the ACCC consider options under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to address the risks these chemicals may pose in consumer goods. The AFC will keep members informed as the regulatory landscape evolves.

What does this mean for your business?
These obligations apply to every business in the supply chain: manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers.

For More Information

Meet Patrick White, Australian finalist of the eBay Circular Fashion Fund 2026.

eBay named Ragpiq a regional winner in eBay's 2026 Circular Fashion Fund. Co-founded by Patrick White and Gwynn Kijkanakorn,  two uni friends who spent years throwing everything at the wall before landing on the problem worth solving.

Ragpiq is a platform that connects clothing resellers with people who want their wardrobes gone but have no appetite for the work of selling them. By outsourcing the selling to people who are actually good at it, Ragpiq is tackling one of the most entrenched inefficiencies in second-hand fashion: that most people have simply given up on reselling altogether.

A few weeks ago, Patrick travelled to New York City to pitch alongside the global finalists. We caught up with him to hear more.

Could you share some insights into your background and the journey that led you to start Ragpiq?

Gwynn and I met at uni. We got put together on a consulting internship, clicked like no tomorrow, and ended up both being the dux’s of our class. We were both resellers from a young age and both pretty entrepreneurial, so once we realised we worked well together, the question was never if we'd build something, it was what.

We spent the next two to three years throwing absolutely everything at the wall to see what would stick, all of it circling one stubborn idea: secondhand sucked for a lot of people, and there had to be a better way to do it. We built three resale apps. We opened our own physical consignment warehouse in Thornbury that held a whopping 2,000 items at its peak. We basically lived in that building, and every tool and bit of software we made there is what we've since rebuilt into Ragpiq.

The deeper drive is that we both believe innovation is the best industry you can be in. When you look at how asset appreciation has outpaced income over the last 60 years, building something genuinely valuable to society beats a 9-to-5 every time. We'd rather be broke for five years out of uni, get comfortable being broke, and build something that matters.

Take me back to that pitch room. What was it really like, how did you prepare, and what would you tell other businesses heading into pitching opportunities?

A fever dream, honestly. But I felt so ridiculously prepared that it actually felt right. I'd butchered my last two live-audience pitches, so they do say, third time's the charm, but really I think I'd just gotten sick of being nervous and not being myself.

Getting there was its own comedy. When I realised I'd booked flights landing 12 hours before the event, I felt like the dumbest smart founder heading to New York. I slept 12 hours on the plane, then had to somehow find another 8 that night, over room service steak. Pretty scary maths. But the venue saved me: a gorgeous old Georgian hotel in the fashion precinct, right opposite Broadway and all the little cafes. The pitch room itself was a cosy, tavern-style space with low ceilings and plush furniture, so it felt less like a boardroom and more like a comedy night. I'd planned exactly one laugh, and thankfully it landed.

On preparation, it was AI, AI, AI. Every single word got scrutinised by multiple language models, every slide rebuilt and re-rendered in Claude Design until it was almost too perfect. The biggest lesson I learned about memorising a long pitch is that it has nothing to do with how hard you cram and everything to do with how early you start. The number of nights you leave between memorising and performing is what counts, because your mind coagulates and processes while you sleep. That's what makes each slide feel like second nature.

So my advice to anyone heading into a pitch: start ridiculously early, and practice in front of actual people, because pitching to a room is a completely different animal to running lines alone. One tactic I swear by is spiking your heart rate before you rehearse, do push-ups or run a lap outside first. It recreates the adrenaline you'll feel on the day, so the real thing doesn't catch your body off guard.

What inspired the idea of flipping the reselling model?

Two things: the figures, and bitter personal experience. We hated reselling. It's fun the first time, then it's just labour, and eventually you're sitting there going, why am I effectively working a $20-an-hour hospitality shift to sell my own jumper?

Then the numbers backed up the feeling. Around 70% of people's wardrobes go unworn. About 39% have outright given up on reselling. And the number one reason people resell isn't to make money, it's to declutter. So you've got millions of people who genuinely want their clothes gone but have zero appetite for the work of selling them. The obvious answer was to stop asking them to do it. Outsource the selling to people who are actually good at it and enjoy it, and let everyone else just enjoy a tidy wardrobe and a payout.

What do you think about the environmental impact, and does that mission shape your decisions as a founder?

It shapes everything, but I try to be clear-eyed about how it works. The environmental impact is real: every garment we keep moving is one that doesn't get replaced by something new. The average Australian wardrobe is sitting on around $4,000 of unworn clothes, and most of it is destined for a bin bag eventually.

But I've also learned that people don't change behaviour for the planet alone. Around 60% of younger shoppers say affordability is their number one reason for buying secondhand, and most of that generation flat-out doesn't trust brand sustainability claims anymore. So we don't lead with guilt. We make the sustainable choice the easy, profitable, slightly addictive one, then let the environmental upside come for free. If we get the convenience right, the circularity takes care of itself at scale. That's the decision that matters.

How do you build and maintain that trust on both sides of the marketplace?
The most important thing is security: your items are protected by Ragpiq. Our resellers are carefully vetted and go through a scrutinised onboarding process, so you know you're in safe hands. That's exactly why a moderated platform makes more sense than fending for yourself, researching strangers and hoping for the best. It's the same problem Uber solved. People didn't want to climb into a car with someone they'd never met, but once enough people trusted the system, and the system held a genuinely high standard of service, you reach a kind of bliss. That's what we're reaching for.

We build that trust structurally rather than just promising it. Consignors keep ownership of their items until they sell, so they're never handing over value and hoping for the best. Resellers are vetted and local, not anonymous accounts on the other side of the country, which is where hyper-local really matters: there's real accountability when the person handling your wardrobe is only a few suburbs away. And we keep both sides visible to each other through the whole process, so nobody is left wondering what happened to their bag or their stock.

What does being selected as a finalist mean to your business, and what are you hoping the funding will unlock for Ragpiq?

First, validation. We had so much warm, supportive feedback from people in New York, and trust me, they're every bit as blunt as we are in Australia. They give it to you straight, no emotion. That's exactly why it meant so much, because it told us what we're building isn't just an Australian fix. It's universal, and it's a seriously good way of solving a global problem.

I'll be honest though: we didn't win the final investment, and the reason was traction. We simply didn't have enough of it yet. Far from being a blow, that's been clarifying. It means the job now is to put our heads down, build the flywheel and the system, and obsess over every single customer and interaction so we're ready to win the next one. The whole experience taught me that fundraising, networking and the operational glamour is the devil dressed in fancy clothes, always trying to lure you away from the only things that actually matter: your customers and your product. That's where we'll be 90% of the time for the foreseeable future.

The funding gives us serious runway to push our AI software further, and to completely rebuild our social media and branding so it genuinely speaks to our audience. A good chunk will also go into meeting resellers, boutiques and secondhand stores right across the country. Honestly, wining and dining the best operators in the business is one of the best uses of our money I can think of. So if you're reading this and you're scaling your resale, come find us. You won't regret it.

Discover more about Ragpiq here.

 

Circular Sourcing: eBay Circular Fashion Fund 2026 Australian Finalist

eBay named Circular Sourcing a regional winner in eBay's 2026 Circular Fashion Fund. Founded by Courtney Holm, who spent eight years building the circular fashion label A.BCH before pivoting to tackle the industry's material waste problem at scale.

Circular Sourcing is a platform building the data infrastructure behind physical textiles, making surplus materials visible, accessible and commercially viable for brands and designers.

A few weeks ago, Courtney travelled to New York City to pitch alongside the global finalists. We caught up with her to hear more.


Could you share some insights into your background and the journey that led you to launch Circular Sourcing?
I founded circular fashion label A.BCH in 2016 at a time when sustainable fashion had a few major players, but no one was yet talking about circular design. Over the next eight years, I built A.BCH from concept to beloved brand in Melbourne; we established our own factory and eventually manufactured 100% of our products in-house through an on-demand model. It was through A.BCH that I gained a deep understanding of supply chains, materials and manufacturing. It was also how I saw the enormous waste issues up close. It dawned on me that whatever little universe we created with A.BCH wouldn’t have an iota of impact on the industry at large. So we started small, just as a little esty store, selling surplus here and there for ourselves and then our brand friends, and eventually with a co-funding from A.BCH and Sustainability Victoria and contributions from Full Circle Fibres, MTK Australia and The Social Studio, we built a central platform for this to scale.

That led us to realise the problem was less about surplus being a problem needing to be solved downstream and more that the industry extracts and grossly undervalues important material assets simply because the data behind them is lost. We realised that we could build the data infrastructure behind physical textiles and that's exactly what we're doing today.

You were one out of 8 successful global finalists for the eBay Circular Fashion Fund so take me back to that pitch room. What was it really like standing in front of industry experts, how did you prepare for that moment, and what would you tell other businesses heading into pitching opportunities?

This was honestly one of the most intense pitches I've ever prepped for. The judges are all seriously iconic people in the industry; they know the problem deeply and they will scrutinise every word much more than a generic investor ever could. The pressure was real, including from traveling halfway around the world! But I think I was fairly well prepared..

Prep looks like getting your deck right so the visuals can help you share your story, not distract or cause confusion. It looks like practising a lot, because when you only have 5 minutes, every word you say counts. It's also getting to the point as soon and succinctly as possible. And it's managing nerves and pressure, though the other founders in the competition were so supportive and it made the whole process feel really good, regardless of who won the final prize.

You founded the brand A.BCH in 2017 and built it into a world-leading example of circular design, before making the strategic decision in early 2024 to focus on building Circular Sourcing. What was the defining moment that convinced you the industry needed a dedicated platform for surplus textiles rather than another circular fashion brand?
I guess I talked about it a little already, but I think it was the moment when the scale of impact hit me. It was like, could I dare to think bigger? Globally? Transformationally? Could I go from being heads down, running around and doing my own creative thing in my own little world, to opening myself up to the very public, scrutinised, and tumultuous life of a technology founder where my business is far more likely to fail? Ultimately I chose yes. It hasn't been easy, but it was the best decision I could have made.

Circular Sourcing’s mission is to divert materials from ending up in landfill. How do you go about shifting the mindset of brands and manufacturers from seeing surplus as a liability to treating it as a premium material opportunity?
You know, the cool thing about surplus is, once the data is restructured and the product is made visible, it's actually very easy to get brands on board to use it. It's available immediately, enabling speed to market, it's unique, providing endless story telling opportunities, and the material and impact data work has all been done for them, so it's pretty much a win-win. Brands are coming to us already. What is more challenging is getting brands to think and design for the full circular lifecycle, that is our real challenge and where we are heading, big picture.

You deliberately use the term "material streams" rather than "waste streams," viewing all material as a valuable resource. How does that language and philosophy shape the way Circular Sourcing is designed both as a platform and as a business?
I think we just have particular phrases and language that we lean into at Circular Sourcing. The reason why is that we are building a company culture, and a big part of culture is language. We’re also industry operators by trade. Certain words and phrases make supply chain folks bristle. The way things are framed is so important not only for shaping the vernacular but for shaping the actions those words invoke. The call to action for revaluing resources is a lot more powerful than reducing waste.

What does being selected as a finalist for eBay’s Circular Fashion Fund mean to your business and what are you hoping the funding will unlock for Circular Sourcing?

It's epic. I feel so lucky to be building this business at this moment in time. It’s a privilege to be shaping the future industry we want and need. Being selected for the fund is a resounding YES to our central thesis. While I don't know exactly what it will unlock yet for Circular Sourcing, I’m open to the possibilities of who will come alongside us next, because one thing I know for sure is this is not something we can go at alone. So I'm excited for who will join us, partner with us, invest with us next – and what that unlocks.

Discover more about Circular Sourcing through their social media channels or official website.

International Women's Day Edition of Future Makers: Katie Louise & Lilian-Nicol, Fashion Designers of Nicol & Ford

International Women's Day is here, and we're kicking off the celebration with a special edition of our Future Maker Series. 

First up are Katie Louise and Lilian Nicol-Ford, the creative duo behind Nicol & Ford, a design practice built on storytelling, cultural authenticity and craft. Read on to hear about their journey and what drives them to create with purpose.


1. What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey? Was there a pivotal moment that led you to where you are today?

Katie‑Louise
I studied across both fashion and costume, and for a long time I felt like I didn’t quite fit neatly into either world. Fashion felt too commercially driven, and costume felt too contained. I was always sitting somewhere in between, trying to work out where I belonged.

The turning point was realising that being in between was actually the point. The mix of conceptual thinking from costume and the technical and industry knowledge from fashion gave me a really unique skill set. Once I stopped trying to choose one path and instead started applying both, it opened up an entirely new way of working and ultimately led to Nicol & Ford.

Lilian Nicol‑Ford
My background is very much rooted in research, I studied art history and theory at University and have a strong interest in social history. I’ve always been fascinated by how people tell stories about themselves through objects, images and dress.

That research mindset really shapes everything we do at Nicol & Ford. Fashion, for me, isn’t about trends. It’s about narrative, memory and identity. My pathway into the industry was less traditional, but it’s exactly what allowed us to build a practice that’s deeply story‑led and culturally grounded.

 

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

Katie‑Louise
Honestly, one of my biggest influences is my wife, Lilian. Building a business together means constantly learning how to communicate, trust and grow alongside someone else. Creatively, I’ve always looked to Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson, true trailblazers of Australian design who carved out space by being unapologetically themselves. More recently, Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett of Romance Was Born have been huge inspirations. Their ability to tell stories and both celebrate and challenge notions of Australian identity through couture‑level technique is unmatched in Australia, and they’ve shown that you can lead with creativity and depth without compromise.

Lilian Nicol‑Ford
I was fortunate to work for Gallerist, Collector and Philanthropist Dr Gene Sherman AM for six years. For me, Gene modelled what an uncompromising vision really took, and taught me to trust in myself even when others can’t see the vision.

Beyond that, my parents have run a small business together for over 20 years. Watching them build something side‑by‑side — through challenges, change and shared purpose — deeply shaped how I think about leadership, partnership and longevity. It also gave me a blueprint for working with your life partner toward a common goal.

 

3.What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it?

Katie‑Louise
One of the biggest pressures we’ve faced is the push to commercialise too quickly and the fear of losing creative integrity in the process. In 2022, when we first showed at Australian Fashion Week, we made a really conscious decision to step back and reassess. Instead of chasing immediate commercial outcomes, we refocused on conceptual and technical design - on the stories we actually wanted to tell. That period was about laying strong foundations, knowing that commercialisation can come later, but integrity has to come first.

Lilian Nicol‑Ford
As one of the very few visible trans women in Australia’s fashion industry, I am incredibly proud that our work through Nicol & Ford has given me the space to embrace that path openly.

Fashion has been a powerful tool for me to step into my authentic self. Carving out space for our community, clothing my own and others diverse bodies, and personally physically changing before our audiences’ eyes has reinforced why representation and storytelling matter so much.

 

4. Our industry is 77% female, yet this isn’t reflected at executive level. Do you think the Australian fashion industry has evolved in its support of women leaders?

Katie‑Louise
There’s no denying the executive level is still heavily skewed towards male CEOs. That said, I think it’s also important to acknowledge the women who came before us — Carla Zampatti AC, Linda Jackson AO, Jenny Kee AO, Vivienne Chan‑Shaw and so many others. They didn’t just lead businesses, they built identities grounded in authenticity, style and cultural confidence. Their leadership created space for designers like us to exist today, and that legacy shouldn’t be overlooked when we talk about progress.

Lilian Nicol‑Ford
While we absolutely need more women in executive leadership, I think we also need to broaden the conversation. True equity means inviting diverse perspectives across race, gender identity, lived experience and specialisation. At this pivotal moment of change in our industry, empowerment shouldn’t be about replacing one narrow leadership group with another. It should be about creating room for many voices and ensuring that uplifting women doesn’t come at the exclusion of others.

 

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

Katie‑Louise
Study. Study. Study. Education is powerful, and it compounds over time. It took me about 15 years before I was recognised in any meaningful way within the industry, and that’s okay. Be patient, keep learning, and trust that the work will catch up to you.

Lilian Nicol‑Ford
Find incredible people who share your passion and want to come along for the ride. Trust that others will often know more than you in certain areas and don’t shut out different perspectives. And most importantly, don’t do it alone. Find someone to build with.

Find out more about Nicol & Ford here.

 

Next, we hear from Ashlee Booth, co-founder of Eupheme, on building a womenswear brand rooted in purpose and a distinctly Australian vision.

 

 

Media Release: AFC Announces The Museum of Contemporary Art as the New Home of Australian Fashion Week 2026

Sydney [19 February 2026] The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) in partnership with Strategic Partner Destination NSW today announced the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) as the central hub for AFC Australian Fashion Week (AFW) 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the country’s premier fashion event.

Taking place 11–15 May 2026, AFW will return as a city-wide platform anchored at the MCA and supported by satellite activations across Sydney designed to elevate Australian fashion globally while strengthening its cultural and commercial impact.

The MCA will host a purpose-built runway and presentation environment, industry talks and cultural programming, media and buyer facilities, and curated brand activations — positioning AFW at the intersection of fashion, art and contemporary culture.

AFC Executive Chair Marianne Perkovic said the move signals a defining evolution for Australian Fashion Week.

“Bringing Australian Fashion Week to the Museum of Contemporary Art marks an exciting new chapter for the event and for Australian fashion more broadly. The MCA provides an iconic Sydney backdrop that reflects the creativity, cultural relevance and global outlook of our designers, while enabling a more open, connected and internationally compelling format.”

“AFW 2026 is designed not just as a runway schedule, but as a national industry platform and a cultural moment for the city.”

MCA Director, Suzanne Cotter, said: “Contemporary art and fashion go hand in hand. There is a long history of artists and designers working together to create memorable works of fashion and art. The MCA’s iconic location and spaces, along with its Collection dedicated to the work of living Australian artists, make it a perfect canvas for designers to show their collections for Australian Fashion Week.”

MCA Chair, Lorraine Tarabay says: “The MCA could not be more delighted with this new partnership with Australian Fashion Week to showcase the best of Australian talent against the backdrop of contemporary art and the city itself.”

AFW 2026 will feature runway shows from established, emerging and First Nations designers, alongside a dedicated graduate runway celebrating the next generation of Australian design talent. Beyond the runways, AFC will host designer talks, experiences and other special events. Together, these elements strengthen AFW’s role as a national industry platform and a vibrant cultural event for all Australians.

AFW provides critical commercial opportunities to drive business growth for designers and brands and offers an invaluable platform for designers to showcase their collections to leading international media and buyers.

Building on the success of the 2025 event, AFW 2026 will be delivered under the AFC’s dedicated subsidiary, AFC Fashion Events (AFC FE), established to provide a strengthened governance, leadership and delivery model that reflects the scale, ambition and national importance of Australia’s fashion industry.

AFW is overseen by an experienced Executive Board comprising Marianne Perkovic, Executive Chair of the Australian Fashion Council and AFC Fashion Events; Professor Robyn Healy, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor, Learning, Teaching and Quality, DSC at RMIT University; Alex Schuman, CEO of Carla Zampatti; Renuka Kimber, Co-founder of Christian Kimber; Bridget Veals, Executive General Manager, Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones; and Adrian Norris, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Aje.

In addition to the Board, the AFC is pleased to confirm the return of Kellie Hush as Fashion Director for AFW, overseeing designer and industry relations.

AFW is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “As the nation’s fashion capital this is exactly the kind of bold, iconic experience we want to see in Sydney – there is no better example of our city’s unique combination of natural wonder and cultural vibrancy than Fashion Week on the harbour, at one of our most recognisable cultural institutions. The NSW Government is proud to partner with the Australian Fashion Council to deliver Australian Fashion Week 2026 at the MCA and across the city, showcasing Sydney as a world-leading destination for fashion, creativity and cultural experiences.”

In addition to Destination NSW, AFW is made possible through the support of Partners Create NSW, City of Sydney, Afterpay, Canon, DHL, eBay, Hisense and Nivea.

Visit australianfashionweek.org and follow @afcaustralianfashionweek for more.

Please see imagery here.

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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.

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK:
Australian Fashion Week (AFW) in Sydney is the country’s premier platform for showcasing Australian fashion to global audiences and, since 1996, has played a critical role in launching and sustaining some of Australia’s most recognisable fashion brands. The event presents leading Australian designers to domestic and international buyers, facilitating trade and export opportunities while fostering meaningful connections across designers, retailers, media and industry leaders. Focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the Australian fashion and textile ecosystem, AFW elevates local talent, drives dialogue on the future of fashion, and positions Australia as a global leader in fashion, creativity and innovation. Since 2025, AFW has been part of AFC Fashion Events, a subsidiary of the Australian Fashion Council.

For further information contact:
Nikki Andrews
NAC Media Group
nikki@nacmedia-group.com  +61 412 647 980

Mitchell Harcourt
NAC Media Group
mitchell@nacmedia-group.com +61 421 197 114

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

Ready to elevate your career in Australia’s fashion and creative industries?

Discover exciting roles, unlock new opportunities, and take your next bold step forward.

Brigid Mclaughlin - Sales, Visual Communications And Digital Marketing Manager - NSW
Apply Here.

Viktoria & Woods - Graphic Designer - VIC
Apply Here.

R.M. Williams  - Customer Experience Ambassador - NSW
Apply Here.

Acler - Wholesale Coordinator - SA
Apply Here.

Lorna Jane - Product & Styling Specialist - QLD
Apply Here.

Future Makers: Bianca Spender, Founder & Creative Director of Bianca Spender

Bianca Spender’s name is synonymous with considered design, creative integrity, and leadership that inspires. From her early days honing her craft at Carla Zampatti’s studio to launching her own eponymous label, Bianca has carved a path defined by purpose, courage, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

As this month’s Future Maker, Bianca shares the moments that shaped her journey, the challenges that strengthened her resolve, and the insights that guide her as a designer, founder, and advocate for women in leadership.

 

1. What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?
I grew up surrounded by creativity, so entering the industry felt like a natural extension of my world. My first formal step was working within Carla Zampatti’s business for many years, learning the foundations of craft, process, and the realities of running a fashion company. The pivotal moment for me was deciding to build my own label. It was both a creative calling and an act of independence. I wanted to articulate a point of view that felt deeply personal. Taking that leap, and backing myself to shape a brand defined by integrity and considered design, set the course for where I am today.

 

2. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style?
I’ve had the privilege of learning from remarkable women throughout my life. My mother showed me what it means to lead with conviction while staying open, curious, and human. She never taught leadership in a formal sense. It was something I absorbed from watching her navigate complexity with grace. I’ve also been influenced by peers and collaborators across the industry who challenge traditional ways of working. Their perspectives have shaped my desire to lead through collaboration, clarity, and purpose. Ultimately, my leadership style has evolved from observing people who create space for others to thrive.

 

3. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it?
Balancing creativity with commercial realities is always an ongoing challenge. As a designer, your instinct is to push boundaries, but as a founder you must make decisions that ensure longevity. I had to learn how to honour both and how to protect the integrity of the design process while building a resilient business. I overcame this by surrounding myself with a strong team and trusting in collaboration. The more I leaned into communication and transparency, the more sustainable our growth became. It’s a continual practice, but it has strengthened the brand and my perspective as a leader.

 

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 industry has absolutely evolved, but there is still meaningful progress to be made. Fashion is built on the contributions of women at every level, yet the structures that determine leadership and financial decision-making don’t always reflect that reality. We can shift this by championing transparency around pay, advancement pathways, and governance, and by ensuring women have access to the capital, resources, and mentorship required to scale businesses. As leaders, we also need to model flexibility and inclusivity in how we work. Creating environments where diverse voices are not only present but genuinely influential is essential to closing that gap.

 

5. What's one piece of advice you’d share with someone aiming to follow in your footsteps?
Stay anchored in your purpose. Trends change, the industry moves quickly, and the pressure can be immense but if your work is grounded in an authentic point of view, it will carry you. “Be curious, be resilient, and surround yourself with people who challenge and elevate you. And remember that building a brand or a career is a long game. Progress is rarely linear, but every step, whether creative or challenging, becomes part of your narrative as a designer.”

 

Find more about Bianca Spender here

Notice of 2025 Annual General Meeting - Australian Fashion Council (AFC)

Official Notice of AGM

Australian Fashion Council (AFC) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

Notice is hereby given that the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) will hold its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) online on Thursday, 11th December 2025 at 1:00pm AEDT.

The Board has determined the meeting will be conducted via Zoom webinar, with live voting on the resolutions facilitated by TrueVote. Members unable to attend may vote by proxy, with forms required to be submitted no later than 1:00pm Wednesday, 10th December 2025 (24 hours prior to the meeting).

The AFC Board encourages all members to attend and participate in this year’s meeting, which will provide an opportunity to:

Questions to the Board are welcome during the webinar session or in advance via info@ausfashioncouncil.com.

Please see full details about the AFC AGM, registration information, AGM support materials and briefing sessions below.
AGM Information
Date: Thursday, 11th December 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm AEDT
Format: Virtual webinar via Zoom. Live voting facilitated by TrueVote. Voting by proxy is permitted.

AGM Registration
Members are encouraged to register in advance by Tuesday, 9th December 2025, however, registrations will remain open until the start of the AGM.
REGISTER HERE

Once you register, you will receive a Zoom calendar invitation with the Zoom link.

AFC AGM | Business of the Meeting

  1. Executive Chair Report 
  2. AFC FY25 Financial Report
  3. Ordinary Resolution: Re-election of Board Directors
    • Bridget Veals
    • Renuka Kimber
  4. Special Resolution: Adoption of a new Constitution
  5. Close of Meeting 


Voting & Proxies

 

AGM Support Materials
We encourage all members to review the following attached documents ahead of the AGM:

 

Member Information Sessions
To support members’ understanding of the proposed Constitution and voting process, we will host two short online Information Session as per the below schedule.

Please register for your preferred session using the links below.  As each session will cover the same content, attendance at one session only is required. Once registered, you will receive a Zoom calendar invitation with full access details. 

If you have any questions or issues regarding registration, proxy voting or understanding of materials, please contact us at info@ausfashioncouncil.com.

We look forward to your participation.

Australia’s Largest Apparel and Textiles Sourcing Event Returns to Melbourne

The China Clothing Textiles & Accessories Expo (CCTAE) is back at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 18–20 November 2025, marking 25 years of connecting Australian brands with leading international manufacturers. 

Now in its 25th year, CCTAE continues to be a cornerstone event for designers, sourcing specialists, and production teams seeking reliable, scalable, and sustainable partnerships. This year, the Expo will feature over 490 exhibitors from China across 516 booths, with 40% participating in Australia for the first time.

Co-located with the Global Sourcing Expo, CCTAE forms Australia’s largest international sourcing event, giving attendees access to more than 800 suppliers from over 15 countries and regions with a single free registration

Event Details
When: Tuesday 18 – Thursday 20 November 2025
Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
REGISTER HERE

 

Here’s why you should mark your calendar:

1. Access the Industry’s Biggest Global Sourcing Hub

CCTAE 2025 brings over 490 Chinese exhibitors across 516 booths, with 40% showcasing in Australia for the first time. Co-located with the Global Sourcing Expo, the event gives attendees access to more than 800 exhibitors and 900 booths in a single registration. 

Suppliers from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Guangdong Provinces will showcase everything from apparel production to accessories and trims—all in one place.

 

2. Discover the Latest in Innovation and Sustainability

The fashion and textile industries are evolving fast, and CCTAE keeps you ahead. Explore:

 

3. Strengthen Your Sourcing Strategy

For brands, retailers, and production teams, this is more than a trade show. CCTAE is a strategic platform to meet suppliers face-to-face, evaluate capabilities, and discover new materials and technologies, all without leaving Melbourne.

Key Industry Exhibitors

Notable participants include:

4. Strengthen Your Sourcing Strategy

Running alongside the Expo is the Global Sourcing Seminar Series, featuring daily talks from industry experts on Future-Ready Strategies, AI, sustainability, and digital commerce. Highlights include:

 

4. Free Access to All Visitors

Attendance at CCTAE is completely free, with registration required to secure entry. The event welcomes all professionals, buyers, and industry stakeholders to explore the full breadth of international suppliers and innovations.

 

Register to attend for free HERE.
For more information: www.chinatextiles.com.au

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leading global suppliers, explore the latest innovations, and strengthen your sourcing strategy at CCTAE 2025.

The Innovators 2025: Introducing The Next Garde

Continuing its legacy as a launchpad for emerging talent, The Innovators returned in 2025 as a showcase of exceptional creativity, craftsmanship and the next generation of Australian fashion visionaries.

This year marked the official launch of The Next Garde, a new incubator designed to propel FDS graduates into the global fashion arena. Building on The Innovators’ proud history, The Next Garde delivers tailored mentoring from industry collaborators in financial management, media training, local manufacturing and entrepreneurial skills. The program supports emerging designers to establish and grow their fashion businesses within The Innovators collective.

With support from Wacom and CLO3D, participants will also gain access to cutting-edge technology that encourages sustainable and innovative design practices.

For the first time, The Innovators will debut a dedicated online store, giving buyers and the public the opportunity to purchase directly from this year’s emerging designers.

 

MEET THE DESIGNERS
Shiva Yousefpour | SHIYO

A graduate of the Fashion Design Studio (FDS), Shiva Yousefpour brings a unique vision that merges cultural heritage with avant-garde innovation. Her label SHIYO sits at the intersection of architecture, art and sustainability, fusing Persian opulence and Japanese craftsmanship into sculptural, zero-waste garments that are both expressive and responsible.

Each piece reflects a philosophy where tradition meets futurism, redefining contemporary fashion through intricate folding techniques, experimental materials and gender-neutral silhouettes. SHIYO has been featured in leading fashion publications and worn by notable figures including Danielle Spencer.

@shiyo_label

 

Eidan Monks | EIDAN CEILIDH

EIDAN CEILIDH is a luxury Australian label by Eidan Monks, blending timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. Each piece reflects a dedication to comfort, quality and craftsmanship, balancing traditional tailoring with modern refinement.

Defined by meticulous handwork and exclusive textures, the brand champions enduring design that transcends trends.

@eidanceilidh_

 

Daisy-Rose Cooper | Sleight of Hand (SOH)
Blue Mountains-based designer Daisy-Rose Cooper explores the possibilities of sustainable fashion through her label Sleight of Hand (SOH). Her work merges urban minimalism with natural processes, using hand-dyeing, felting and deadstock fabrics to create one-of-a-kind textures and tones.

Her garments reflect a shifting connection between people, culture and environment, each piece infused with timelessness and meaning. Featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Australia’s Vanguard Issue, Daisy-Rose continues to push the boundaries of craft through cross-disciplinary collaboration and experimentation.

 @soh.label

 

Emily Misaki Hon | FRAGMENT.66
Sydney-born designer Emily Misaki Hon, founder of FRAGMENT.66, draws on her Japanese and Chinese heritage to weave personal storytelling into contemporary menswear. Her collections explore identity and memory through delicate layering, expressive silhouettes and hand-crafted textile treatments.

Blending street style with refined tailoring, FRAGMENT.66 is both introspective and poetic, a study of how garments hold emotion and history. Each design is consciously produced using natural fibres, deadstock materials and eco-dyeing techniques.

@fra66ment

 

The Innovators: The Next Garde is more than a showcase. It is a statement of what is next for Australian fashion: bold, sustainable and boundary-pushing.

Learn more about the program here.

Melbourne Member Forum 2025

The AFC Melbourne Member Forum brought together designers, founders and industry leaders to tackle one question: How do you future-proof a fashion business? The room was full of energy, ideas and conversations that matter.

A special thank you goes to our incredible guest speakers:

Their candid and honest reflections on leadership and business growth sparked an engaging discussion that left attendees inspired.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE SPEAKERS 

 

 

A special thanks to Afterpay for hosting the forum. We look forward to welcoming you to our next event and continuing the conversation on building a stronger, more resilient fashion industry.

Future Makers: Renuka Kimber, Co-founder of Christian Kimber

Renuka Kimber, co-founder of Christian Kimber, has a career built on curiosity, storytelling, and a deep understanding of human behaviour. With a background spanning anthropology, political communications, and global brand strategy, she brought a unique perspective to the world of fashion,  one where vision, strategy, and narrative converge.

In this edition of Future Makers, Renuka reflects on the defining moments of her career, the mentors who shaped her leadership, and the insights she’s gained navigating an industry where resilience, clarity, and conviction are essential.

1. “What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey? Was there a pivotal moment that really set things in motion?”

My entry into fashion was far from conventional, it was inspired by my husband, Christian, an extraordinarily gifted menswear designer. Before that, fashion never featured in my life plan. My world was centred around storytelling, brand strategy, advertising, and marketing, crafting compelling value propositions and deeply understanding audiences has always been my true north.

Rather than unfolding along a fixed blueprint, my career evolved by seizing opportunities. Along the way I built perspective pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master’s in Anthropology and Political Communications, an MBA, and even studied professional writing at NYU. I have worked in New York, London, Sydney and Melbourne across a spectrum of disciplines building capability across research and branding to advertising roles, convening diplomatic dialogues for government bodies, and developing commercial strategy at a Big Four consulting firm. Through all of it, the red thread was my fascination with why people act as they do, and how narrative can shift perspectives on a conceptual level.

Returning to Australia in 2011 marked the watershed moment that emboldened us on the business front. There simply wasn’t a luxury menswear label for Christian to work for, not to mention a void in locally made, stylish menswear. That revelation crystallised a unique opportunity: to fuse Christian’s design prowess with my commercial and storytelling acuity, and create something authentic and timeless. 

Our ambition has always been dual-pronged: to leave an indelible impact on fashion industry discourse, and to build something our children will be proud of. From the outset we've laid foundations thoughtfully, grown organically, and remained resolutely focused.

 

2. “Are there any mentors or influential figures who’ve shaped your leadership style?”

I’ve been fortunate to encounter people who’ve shaped my leadership style not by teaching me functional skills, but by showing me new ways of understanding myself. Each has left me with a different lens through which I see both work and life.

From my first boss in New York, I learnt resilience. In an environment that was fast, chaotic, and unforgiving, she taught me how to withstand the pressure without internalising it, and to keep perspective when everything felt relentless. That ability to reset and move forward has been fundamental to entrepreneurship.

My Partner in consulting showed me the value of patience and the long game. Watching him nurture relationships and build over years rather than months taught me that consistency is just as important as ambition. It’s a principle that underpins how we’ve grown Christian Kimber - slowly, steadily, with strong foundations.

My best friend showed me what it means to trust your own voice. Watching her speak with clarity and conviction, unapologetically standing by her perspective in even the most opinionated rooms taught me to do the same. That quiet self-assurance became a powerful anchor, especially in postpartum recovery, when identity feels blurred and confidence can waver. It's been critical in leading a business where instinct matters as much as analysis.

One mentor has been a reference point for my transition from the structure of corporate life into the ambiguity of building a small business alongside my husband. She embodies the resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness required when your personal and professional worlds are so intertwined, and has shown me that the challenges of that journey can also be the source of its deepest rewards.

A fashion designer friend has been a constant reminder of the importance of staying in your lane. She embodies the discipline of building a business with intention, focusing not on comparison or external validation, but on creating something that aligns with the life you want to live. That philosophy has anchored me to clarity of purpose.

And finally, from my husband Christian, I’ve learnt the value of difference. We are opposites in many ways, his creativity and intuition balancing my structure and analysis but instead of clashing, we’ve learnt to respect and harness that contrast. Working side-by-side has taught me adaptability and the importance of creating space for varied approaches to flourish.

Together, these people have given me lenses rather than tools: resilience, patience, confidence, adaptability, focus, and the humility to embrace difference. Their influence is woven through the way I lead and the way we’ve built a brand that is as much about perspective and narrative as it is about design.

 

3. “What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it?”

Honestly, one of the hardest parts of building a fashion business is managing the sheer volume and velocity of challenges coming at you from all directions. Externally, you're constantly responding to macro shifts - economic, social, political, and environmental. Internally, it's about leading teams, scaling operations, and staying strategically clear in ever-changing conditions. And personally, you’re trying to grow as a human while holding everything together. The pace can feel relentless. 

What’s helped me is staying open and curious, learning from every conversation and not seeing others as competitors, but as part of a wider industry dialogue. I’m less interested in outputs and more in the thinking behind them, what can someone’s journey teach me about discipline or vision? Over time, I’ve stopped chasing external benchmarks. The only thing I ask myself is: how much have I evolved since last year? That shift inward keeps me grounded, focused, and far less distracted by comparison.  

 

4. “The fashion industry is 76 % female across the board but not at the executive level. Has Australia evolved in supporting women leaders? What can we all do to change this?”

In some ways the industry has made progress, but there is still such a long way to go. What I’ve observed, in conversations with peers, is that the gap isn’t necessarily at the point of entry there are plenty of brilliant women designers, founders and managers, it’s in what happens later in the lifecycle of businesses. The power brokers at that stage -the investors, private equity firms, the boards are still overwhelmingly male. Until we see more women making the funding decisions, shaping the governance, and holding the seats of power that determine whether businesses scale or stall, we will continue to see this imbalance.

I think change happens on two levels. Structurally, we need women represented in investment, on boards, and in the highest decision-making forums to support these female leaders. Culturally, we need to build an environment where women feel confident to back themselves, where their leadership styles are valued, and where the infrastructure exists to support them through the many transitions of life. There is incredible female talent in Australian fashion this is not a pipeline problem. It’s about creating the conditions for that talent to rise, thrive and endure.

 

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

Just start. Do the thing. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, you’ll never be entirely ready, and the chaos is inevitable (much like parenting, as I've recently learned). I've watched so many brilliant women around me wait to be 90% ready before they make a move and in doing so, miss their chance altogether. But if you are deeply passionate about your product, your purpose, or your practice, you’ll figure it out as you go.

I often tell people: clarity rarely comes before action. It’s the act of starting, of testing and iterating, that creates the path forward. So don’t wait for a grand plan to materialise. Begin with conviction, stay curious, and build the rest along the way. The chaos will stretch you, but it’s also the crucible that shapes the work into something enduring.

 

Find more about Christian Kimber here.

 

A Game-Changer for Sustainable Fashion & E-commerce: Better Packaging Co. & RCYCL Partner for Dual Recycling Impact

Better Packaging and RCYCL are pioneering a new solution to waste, enabling eCommerce customers to reuse their POLLAST!C mailers to return unwearable garments for recycling, closing the loop on both clothing and packaging waste.

Under this innovative partnership, brands ordering customised POLLAST!C mailers can now add a RCYCL QR code and messaging to their mailers. This encourages the brand’s customers to cleanse their wardrobes responsibly: scan, fill with old clothes, and drop off at RCYCL's collection points nationally. Used POLLAST!C mailers are collected and recycled as part of the process also, addressing the lack of soft plastics recycling options, while keeping materials in circulation.

Each bag returned via the RCYCL system is weighed and sorted, before being passed on to verified recycling partners. This will give brands unique data on how much clothing they have helped divert from landfill, simply by integrating a QR code into the design of their mailers. Packaging, an expense that businesses are already accustomed to, now provides an opportunity for brands to encourage consumers to dispose of clothing responsibly.

The impact is twofold: unwearable textiles are diverted from landfill, and the POLLAST!C mailers themselves will be recycled. This initiative is more than just recycling; it is a strategic step towards a truly circular fashion future, aligning with major industry goals like those of Seamless Australia.

POLLAST!C mailers are made from 100% recycled Ocean Bound Plastic pollution collected from coastal communities throughout Southeast Asia with no formal waste management infrastructure. For Better Packaging, whose mission is to combat pollution, poverty, and climate change through packaging, this partnership is a natural evolution of their purpose-led innovation.

“By combining RCYCL’s expertise in textile collection, sorting and recycling with our packaging innovations, we are offering a simple, impactful solution for apparel brands and their customers,” explains Kate Bezar, Better Packaging’s co-founder. 

RCYCL, known for its mission to make textile recycling as intuitive as purchasing new clothing, provides a three-step process:

  1. Buy, Sort & Fill: Customers scan the RCYCL QR code on the POLLAST!C mailer, purchase the RCYCL service, and fill the bag with worn-out or unwearable items.
  2. Confirmation & Send: A confirmation code is provided to mark on the bag, which can then be returned via local drop-off points nationally.
  3. Transform & Renew: At RCYCL’s facilities, clothing is sorted by fiber, and sent to vetted recycling partners to be converted into products such as carpet underlay or new yarn. Each POLLAST!C mailer will be collected and handed back for responsible recycling by Better Packaging Co.

 

Both Better Packaging Co. and RCYCL are supporters of Seamless (Australia’s clothing stewardship scheme) reflecting a shared commitment to creating circular solutions for the fashion and e-commerce industries. This initiative aligns perfectly with Seamless’s goal to dramatically reduce clothing waste, encouraging Australians to adopt positive practices around clothing acquisition, use, care, and disposal.

“With over 200,000 tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill each year, a shift needs to happen within the customer mindset,” says Belinda Paul, Founder of RCYCL. “As a business we are always looking for novel ways to tackle this problem, if we can make recycling our unwearable garments as intuitive as buying new clothes, we could all make an immediate difference to our landfill rates with one simple action.”

Better Packaging Co. and RCYCL are inviting forward-thinking brands to join this initiative and lead the charge towards a circular fashion economy. By opting into this program, businesses can offer customers a tangible way to recycle while reinforcing their own sustainability commitments. 

 

AFC MEMBER OFFER

As an exclusive benefit for AFC members, Better Packaging Co is offering 15% discount off all products. This is limited to one use per customer and applies to all products except ‘Low MOQ Custom POLLAST!C Mailers’.

To access your member offer, click the link here. 

 

The Art of PR Webinar: How to Stay Visible, Relevant and Impactful

You’re invited to our upcoming webinar, The Art of PR: How to Stay Visible, Relevant and Impactful.

In a crowded, content-saturated and fast-moving world, the products you sell aren't always enough - it's how you connect with your customers that truly matters. 

At the heart of creating connections is PR. The media landscape has changed, making way for social platforms and ever-evolving algorithms, making the fundamental principles more important than ever. 

Join us for a deep dive into what purposeful, effective PR looks like today, with creative communications agency, Gum. 

You’ll also hear from a panel of PR experts and in-house teams, sharing strategies behind strong storytelling, turning your customers into loyalists, and the long game of brand reputation.

WHEN: 4PM - 5PM, 22nd July 2025
WHERE: Online, via Zoom
TICKETS: Free for AFC Members / $50 + booking fee for Non-Members

In this webinar we will explore:

Join us for an insightful conversation that will equip you with the tools to tell your brand’s story with impact.

REGISTER HERE

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

Ready for your next move? Discover new opportunities, exciting roles, and fresh career paths across the fashion and textiles industry.

THE ICONIC: Planning Manager - NSW
Apply Here.

Country Road: Loyalty Coordinator (Acquisition and Partnerships) - NSW
Apply Here.

Zimmermann: Omnichannel Stock Coordinator - VIC
Apply Here.

Gammin Threads: Casual Customisation Workshop Assistant - VIC
Apply Here.

Sylvia P: Fashion Production Assistant  - QLD
Apply Here.

AFC Member Lounge at Australian Fashion Week

We would like to introduce you to the AFC Member Lounge at Australian Fashion Week. Your exclusive front-row seat to the conversations, connections, and collaborations shaping the future of Australian fashion.

 

AFC MEMBER LOUNGE AT AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK

Located at Carriageworks, the home of Australian Fashion Week, the AFC Member Lounge is a dedicated retreat for Australian Fashion Council members - offering a place to meet, recharge, and engage with industry peers, partners, and special guests.

Throughout the week, the lounge will also host The Talks — a thought leadership series exploring the future of Australian fashion, from revitilising local supply chains through advanced manufacturing to confronting the rise of global fast fashion, and unlocking export growth in an unpredictable global market.

Whether you're between shows or diving deep into industry insights, the AFC Member Lounge is your space to reconnect and reflect on what’s next for Australian fashion.

 

THE TALKS | Presented by the Australian Fashion Council

Big ideas. Bold voices. The future of fashion, in conversation.

Step inside the AFC Member Lounge at Australian Fashion Week and join the conversation shaping the future of fashion in Australia.

The Talks is a three-part thought leadership series bringing together pioneers, disruptors, and decision-makers to explore the big questions facing our industry - from the future of Australian manufacturing and the rise of next-generation production, to the impact of ultra-fast fashion and global market disruptions.

Curated by the Australian Fashion Council, these sessions offer an opportunity to hear directly from industry leaders, government voices, and innovative trailblazers driving change at every level. Expect insightful conversations, practical perspectives, and bold ideas - with opportunities for the audience to engage directly through live Q&As and roundtable discussions.

We also invite you to join us for drinks and networking after the session, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow industry leaders and continue the conversation in an informal setting.

Whether you're a designer, manufacturer, media, policymaker, or fashion delegate, The Talks is your front-row seat to the future of Australian fashion.

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Made in Australia: Powering the Future of Australian Manufacturing
WHEN: 3-4PM, Wednesday, 14th May 2025
Australia’s fashion and textile manufacturing sector stands at a critical crossroads. Amid rising global trade tensions and supply chain volatility, the need to rebuild sovereign capability has never been more urgent.

This session will examine the current state of Australia’s local manufacturing landscape, the global forces accelerating change and the national opportunity to reshore key production capabilities. From future-proofing trade and export growth, to driving regional economic development, enabling advanced skills, and scaling value-add industries like fibre processing, this important conversation will explore why rebuilding Australia’s manufacturing base is the key to unlocking a new era for Australian design, craftsmanship and economic resilience.

Hear from the industry leaders driving this movement and shaping a bold new vision for a globally competitive, future-ready Australian fashion industry.

Smarter, Faster, Greener: The Rise of Australia’s Future Factories
WHEN: 12-1PM, Thursday, 15th May 2025
What does the next generation of fashion manufacturing look like and how do we build it here in Australia? 

This session explores the new frontier of local production: AI-powered facilities, sustainable processes, and faster paths from design to consumer. It’s a conversation about reimagining the factory floor - from digital sampling to low-waste models, and the bold moves needed to innovate our manufacturing ecosystem to help Australian designers bring their ideas to life onshore. 

Join us as we examine the technological and cultural shifts that could shape Australia’s future as a leader in advanced manufacturing, explore leading smart factories worldwide, and hear a special announcement about how the AFC will drive innovation for the next wave of Australian manufacturing.

Fast Threat: Protecting Australian Fashion in an Ultra-Fast World
WHEN: 12-1PM, Friday, 16th May
The rapid expansion of ultra-fast fashion is reshaping global markets, presenting a critical challenge to Australia’s fashion industry. With local businesses facing unprecedented pressures around pricing, sustainability, intellectual property, and market fairness, the need for industry-wide dialogue and action has never been greater. 

In partnership with the City of Sydney, this exclusive roundtable invites guests to share insights, challenges and discuss strategies required to protect our local industry. Your perspective will play a key role in the AFC’s advocacy efforts, including our formal call for a government inquiry into ultra-fast fashion’s impact on Australia’s economy, environment and community.

 

If you have any questions about the AFC Member Lounge or issues with ticketing links for The Talks, please email: info@ausfashioncouncil.com. 

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. 

5 Must Listen Australian Fashion Podcasts for your Summer Break

Whether you're lounging by the beach or enjoying some downtime at home, we've got you covered with 5 must-listen fashion podcasts.

From behind-the-scenes stories to industry insights and sustainability tips, these podcasts will keep you inspired all summer long.

🌟Wardrobe Crisis with Clare Press - Clare Press
WARDROBE CRISIS is a fashion podcast about sustainability, ethical fashion and making a difference in the world. Your host is author and journalist Clare Press, who was the first ever Vogue sustainability editor. Each week, we bring you insightful interviews from the global fashion change makers, industry insiders, activists, artists, designers and scientists who are shaping fashion's future.

Listen on Spotify Podcasts

🌟 Fashion Business Mindset podcast - Elizabeth Formosa
Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers & Mentors. Our mission? To increase the success rate in the Fashion Industry by creating a dynamic fashion business eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides industry insights and insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted & created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.

Listen on Spotify Podcasts.

🌟 Process the Podcast - Arielle Thomas
Process the podcast welcomes guests of all creative disciplines, bridging the gap between art and commerce as leaders in their lane. Host Arielle Thomas hopes you love these creative conversations with some of the most celebrated names in the Australian fashion, media, and design landscape, taking a dive into their unique processes to actualise their ideas.

Listen here.

🌟Critical Fashion Studies - Dr Harriet Richards & Critical Fashion Studies
We hear a lot about ethical fashion, but what does this mean in practice? In this interview series, you'll hear from Australian fashion experts about how sustainability and diversity are shaping our local fashion industry.

Listen on Spotify Podcasts.

🌟 The Seamless Leadership Podcast - Seamless Australia

Hosted by sustainable fashion expert Clare Press. Tune in to hear industry leaders and changemakers tell the story of what it takes to build a new circular system for clothing.

Listen here.

🌟 In Fashion Podcast - Glynis Traill-Nash
Glynis talks fashion craft, commerce and connection with leaders, innovators and insiders that make the fashion world turn.

Listen here.

International Women's Day Edition of Future Makers: Katrina Konstas EVP, Country Manager and Head of Sales APAC at Afterpay

Today, we spotlight Katrina Konstas, EVP, Country Manager, and Head of Sales APAC at Afterpay, whose inspiring journey and leadership are shaping the future of both fashion and fintech.

Join us as we dive into her experiences, insights, and the impact she’s making in the industry.

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?

I started my career in marketing and my first real exposure to the fashion industry was when I was living in London working for global hotel group, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, where I led brand campaigns, including fashion shoots at our properties. 

I was constantly surrounded by the eclectic fashion-forward style that London had to offer, and it was at a time where you learnt the art of blending high-end fashion with street style; an approach I absolutely loved. When I returned to Australia I transitioned across to the dynamic fintech and payments industry and held several roles across the Asia-Pacific, predominantly focused on the merchant landscape in both large multi-nationals as well as start-up environments. I've been with Afterpay for over 5 years now, and it’s been an incredible opportunity and privilege for me to lead one of Australia’s first home-grown unicorns. 

There was a pivotal moment in my career where, after being in marketing for a number of years, I was offered a role in sales which I was initially very skeptical about. I was a marketer, not a salesperson! I was given some incredibly valuable advice from a mentor of mine that I would need to take risks in my career and make sure I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. So, I took the sales role, and as a result learnt so much more about the customer being right in front of them. I’ve never looked back and to this day always look to take risks in my career - and share this same advice with others! 

 

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

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have had incredible mentors and influential figures who have helped shape my leadership style. From my parents, the friends I have, and the amazing talent and team I am fortunate to be surrounded by. Leadership isn’t developed in isolation—it’s built through experiences, learning from others, and adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.

I’ve had incredible and inspiring leaders, I’ve also had terrible and lacklustre leaders. I’ve taken elements of what I have valued and admired in others and over time have woven this into my own leadership style. What holds true is that the key influences in my leadership have been the people and especially the mentors who encouraged me to take bold risks, keep it real, think strategically, and lead with a people-first mindset. 

As a leader, I believe mentorship is a two-way street. While I’ve benefited from the guidance of others, I also prioritise mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders within Afterpay and the broader industry. Leadership is about continuous learning, and I’m grateful to be part of an ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation, and inclusivity.

I also draw inspiration from leaders who have been able to authentically connect with their people and who have championed diversity and inclusion, ensuring that leadership is not just about personal success but also about lifting others up. Creating a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and where emerging leaders—especially women in fintech and retail—are supported is something I am deeply passionate about.

 

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

Throughout your career, challenges are inevitable, and as leaders, we constantly face unexpected curveballs. These can arise in managing the business, leading teams, or making tough decisions—especially when they impact people you genuinely care about, whose livelihoods are at stake. There will always be moments that disrupt plans, testing both resilience and leadership.

Over time you learn how to navigate the huge responsibility that comes with leadership, you build your own emotional resilience and learn how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. You work out when to fight the good fight,but also when you need to bite the bullet and go along with the plan, regardless of whether you agree with it or not. 

At the end of the day, business is business and this balancing act is the hardest part of leadership. Staying true to your values, surrounding yourself with good people and advisors, and ensuring you keep your own mental health in check is key. 

 

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 certainly evolved over the years, particularly in fostering creativity and celebrating women’s contributions. However, while women make up 76% of the industry’s workforce, this representation is not reflected at the executive level. Despite progress, barriers such as gender bias, lack of mentorship opportunities, and systemic challenges continue to limit women's access to leadership roles.

In recent years, we’ve seen positive strides with more female-led brands, women founders, and initiatives promoting diversity in leadership. However, there is still work to be done to ensure women not only have a seat at the table but also thrive in decision-making roles.

To drive meaningful change, we can:

While progress has been made, the fashion industry has the potential to lead by example in closing the gender gap at the executive level. By working together, we can ensure the future of Australian fashion is as inclusive and representative as the talent driving it.

 

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

One piece of advice I’d share is to embrace the mindset of “ask for forgiveness, not permission.” In fast-moving industries like fintech and retail, waiting for approval can sometimes mean missed opportunities. The most impactful leaders are those who take initiative, make bold decisions, and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

Of course, this doesn’t mean being reckless—it’s about having the confidence to trust your instincts, act decisively, and back yourself. Innovation happens when people push boundaries, test new ideas, and take calculated risks. Some of the best career moments come from stepping outside your comfort zone and making things happen, even before you have all the answers.

So, don’t hesitate. Be proactive, take ownership, and if something doesn’t go as planned, learn from it, adapt, and keep moving forward. The most successful people aren’t the ones who never make mistakes—they’re the ones who have the courage to try.

 

Keep an eye out for our final feature in celebration of International Women’s Day.

 

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 

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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 

 

Future Makers: State of Escape Founders Brigitte MacGowan and Desley Maidment.

In this month’s Future Makers series, we’re thrilled to spotlight the co-founders of State of Escape, Brigitte MacGowan (Creative Director) and Desley Maidment (CEO). From their shared vision of creating luxurious, sustainable handbags, they’ve built a globally recognised Australian brand known for its minimalist designs and innovative approach to fashion.

Read on to learn about their journey from concept to creation, their commitment to sustainability, and the leadership strategies that have helped them carve out a unique place in the fashion industry. Their story is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and resilience.

 

1. What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?

Brigitte: I was fortunate to work for graphic design and advertising agencies for the first 15 years of my career in both creative and account management roles. It was across a range of industries from fashion, corporate, education, broadcast and lifestyle which really honed my understating and power of great design and ‘brand’. This accumulated knowledge gave me the confidence to design a product, knowing that I had the skills to create a beautiful world in which our creations could live and thrive. The final pivotal moment was my introduction to Desley, and with her strong finance and business management skills we became two parts of the whole.

Desley:  After several years in London in the Finance space I found an opportunity to work in Fashion Recruitment back in Sydney where I spent almost a decade working with many local fashion companies both small and large supporting their own growth initiatives via sourcing talented individuals. Working in this capacity in the industry I was privy to many of the challenges and opportunities and changing ways of building a fashion company out of Australia.  

It gave me incredible insight and understanding across design, development, sourcing, production, retail/wholesale and marketing which has supported our ongoing approach and considerations as a business today.  2 key factors that led to the development of the State of Escape business came after having taken a break to start a family and increasingly desiring to re-enter the workforce. Additionally, a fortuitous introduction to Brigitte by a mutual friend.  Brigitte was living a parallel life to me and with a similar mindset and drive.  Her design/brand management background and my fashion/finance background provided the right mix for us to take the leap and begin our journey.

 

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

Brigitte: There have been many, with diverse personalities and management styles. Some that created space for excellent work through positive encouragement and mentorship, and others who lead with sheer will. The most influential I’ve experienced create culture through empathy, positivity, and collaboration. It’s always a work in progress, constantly evaluating and listening to your team. If we all feel valued, and are working towards the same goal, then the magic can happen.

Desley:  I have been fortunate to have a variety of mentors from previous role across various industries who have all influenced and shaped me in positive, diverse ways; sharing their wisdom, advice and important measures for achieving your goals and working as part of a team, as well as the importance of showing strength in leadership and surrounding yourself with equally dynamic and driven individuals. Having multiple industry influences has continued to drive me to look at things differently and be open to how a business approaches change, develops teams and builds brands.

 

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

Brigitte: Sustainability has always been at the heart of our brand, last year proudly achieving B Corp status. The challenge is how we create a quality, evergreen product which is made in Australia in an industry that constantly demands newness and cheaper pricing. The immediate solution is just to say no, with the long-term goal of building a brand that puts all these values at the forefront of what we say and do.

Desley:  One of our greatest challenges has been continuing to be able to navigate our ever-changing marketplace.  Having a business that is export oriented and growing, has seen us navigate several changing ways of operating in markets with new tech, new structures and new channels to market.  Being able to partner with key groups ensuring we stay informed and make the most appropriate decisions for our brand specifically has been key to managing this and ensuring we can thrive in a fast moving, exciting, yet challenging global market.

 

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?

Brigitte: I do believe this will continue to increase if we lead by example. We have met and had the pleasure of working with many female executives in the Australian fashion industry, sharing knowledge and with the genuine desire for each other’s success. Embracing this sentiment is the key to change.  

Desley:  Yes, I do believe there has been significant progress in our industry, and believe all industry individuals who are passionate, like us, about this statistic will continue to support more women in leadership roles. I have faith and belief in the experienced and talented people who are supporting and driving this industry. Over the years we have seen many more women build and grow incredible fashion businesses, something Australia can be incredibly proud of and should inspire the generations to come.

 

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

Brigitte: Differentiate. In a world of ‘sameness’ create your own vision.

Desley: If you can, find a partner/founder with whom you can have mutual trust, so you can build, drive, grow and share the load, the laughs and the wins. I know I couldn’t have done it alone.

 

Brigitte and Desley’s journey with State of Escape is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and innovation. Their dedication to sustainability, leadership, and creativity continues to inspire the Australian fashion industry and beyond, paving the way for future generations of changemakers.

Keep an eye out to see who will be featured as next month’s Future Maker. 

 

Find out more about State of Escape.

 

Media Release: AFC announces Jaana Quaintance-James as its new CEO

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jaana Quaintance-James as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing in the role today. 

A leader with a strong track record in commercial strategy delivering market advantage through sustainable practices and innovation, Ms Quaintance-James has dedicated her career to driving impactful change across the Fashion and Textile Industry both domestically and internationally. 

Ms Quaintance-James was most recently the Chief Sustainability and Sourcing Officer at Global Fashion Group which operates fashion and lifestyle eCommerce platforms in LATAM and South-East Asia including THE ICONIC in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this she was Head of Sustainability at THE ICONIC and Ethical Sourcing Manager at David Jones, following a decade-long consulting career in consumer goods.

Marianne Perkovic, Chair of the AFC said, “Ms Quaintance-James joins us at a time when the Australian Fashion and Textile Industry is navigating challenges in the retail and trading environments at a local and global level, inflationary pressures, technology changes and shortages of skilled workers and materials.” 

“There was a high level of interest in this position. We were ultimately impressed by Ms Quaintance-James’ strategic leadership and strong financial, and operational skills. Her industry knowledge and drive for business transformations that improve profitability and sustainability will ensure our industry continues to thrive.”

Ms Quaintance-James said, “I am excited to champion and support our members as they manage change and innovate. Behind the incredible Australian fashion brands are businesses and their employees supported by consumers. Together we create opportunities to accomplish more and continue to grow the economic contributions of the Australian Fashion and Textile Industry”.

-ends-

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND INTERVIEWS
Prue-ellen Thomas, Head of Marketing and Communications, AFC
pthomas@ausfashioncouncil.com 

AFC Highlights from 2023: Guiding the Just Transformation of our Industry

As we approach the conclusion of yet another year, we're taking the time to pause and celebrate the milestones achieved for our industry, all made possible through the unwavering support of our dedicated AFC Members, Patrons, and Partners. Together, we're driving a transformative journey toward a socially, environmentally, and economically prosperous circular economy by 2030, aiming for Net Zero by 2050. 

Thank you to our AFC Members for being integral to this journey — Join us in reflecting on some of our favourite milestones that defined 2023:

Launched Seamless Design & Roadmap, Australia’s National Clothing Stewardship Scheme: The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister of Environment and Water, launched the design and roadmap for Seamless - a plan to revolutionise how clothing is made, used, and recirculated in Australia, striving for clothing circularity by 2030.

Launched ‘Advancing a Creative Industries Precinct for Sydney’ Report: Collaborating with the University of Technology Sydney, Minister John Graham, the Powerhouse Museum, and TAFE NSW, the AFC launched a report into the potential of Tech Central's anchor institutions in fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem. 

Continued Support for First Nations People and Reconciliation: The AFC collaborated with industry leaders, brands and changemakers to launch #FashionForYes, uniting individuals who are committed to acknowledging First Nations' perspectives.

Joined the CSIRO Chief Scientist Expert Advisory Group:  An opportunity to represent our industry and offer impartial, external guidance to CSIRO regarding the national challenges and opportunities within our sector.

Second Pilot for FashTech Lab: Supported by City of Sydney, AFC partnered with leading Australian fashion brands and tech partners for FashTech Lab's second pilot, achieving notable milestones:

National Reconstruction Fund Industry Working Group Seat: Secured a seat in the ‘National Reconstruction Fund Industry Working Group’ to enhance local manufacturing capabilities in the fashion and textiles industry, aligned with government priorities.

Participation in the 'Inquiry into Perceptions and Status of VET': Committed to skill-building and creating career pathways, we contributed to the inquiry, fostering growth within our industry.

Melanie Levis' Nomination for 'ITAB Board of Management': AFC member Melanie Levis of Cue accepted a nomination to represent AFC at Manufacturing Skills Australia's 'ITAB Board of Management,' contributing to the development of local manufacturing capabilities in NSW.

Engagement in Notable Speaking Opportunities: The AFC had the privilege of sharing insights at notable events including the Ethical Consumer Report Webinar hosted by Baptist World Aid and Be Slavery Free, the Circular Economy Show presented by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Sustainable Fashion Roundtable at NSW Parliament House convened by the Hon. Dr. Sarah Kaine MLC, as well as Ragtrader Live, Global Sourcing Expo, International Apparel Federation’s (IAF) World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia, Circularity Live and more.

Not yet a member? Join us to unlock exclusive resources and events, connect with our professional network, and contribute to the future of a sustainable and innovative industry. The AFC is proud to contribute 5% of membership fees to the Indigenous Fashion Fund, launching in 2024.

AFC supports Yes with #FashionForYes

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) proudly announces its unwavering support for the Voice to Parliament and launch of #FashionForYes, taking a decisive step towards fostering recognition for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This campaign follows the ‘AFC Talks, Voice to Parliament’ event where AFC Director, Yatu Widders-Hunt hosted a panel of powerful Indigenous and industry voices: Rachel Perkins, filmmaker and Co-Chair of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition, Laura Thompson Founder of Clothing the Gaps, and Elle Roseby Managing Director of Country Road.  

The panel engaged in an open and courageous conversation on the meaning and purpose of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, as well as unpacking some of the noise behind the Voice and why fashion brands should find their voice in support of this historic moment.

PANEL'S CALL OUT TO INDUSTRY:

BE ACTIVE (Rachel)     BRING YOURSELVES TO THIS (Laura)    BE BRAVE (Elle)

OTHER KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE PANEL:

JOIN #FashionForYes

The AFC proudly supports the Yes campaign and will share a #FashionForYes toolkit for brands or individuals to use across eDM & Socials.

DOWNLOAD THE #FASHIONFORYES TOOLKIT

If you are creating your own communications, we encourage you to include #FashionForYes in your creative and/or captions for us to share and amplify. 

 

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP MAKE HISTORY

This is our chance to ‘walk the talk’ and act on our industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 

BE ACTIVE. BRING YOURSELF TO THIS. BE BRAVE. 

#FashionForYes