Fashion Business Mindset

My guest today is Patricia Lynch, the founder and creative director behind two influential platforms shaping Australia’s design landscape: The Design Gallery and Partridge Agency.

With over two decades of experience in the fashion and textile industry, Patricia launched Partridge Agency as a globally recognised surface design agency, representing exclusive artwork for the fashion sector. Her deep industry knowledge and creative vision have helped connect Australian brands with some of the world’s most innovative print studios.

Building on that success, she founded The Design Gallery — a curated sourcing event that brings together the country’s most forward-thinking designers, buyers, and suppliers. TDG isn’t just a trade show — it’s a platform for innovation, sustainability, and connection, giving both established brands and emerging creatives a space to grow, collaborate, and future-proof their work.

Patricia’s work sits at the intersection of creativity and commerce, with a passion for elevating the Australian design industry on a global stage.

The next edition of The Design Gallery will be held on the 27th and 28th of August at Carriageworks in Sydney — and it’s set to be the biggest and most future-focused event yet.

During this episode, Pat and I dived into:

• Her journey from retail beginnings to agency life and launching two powerhouse platforms

• What makes The Design Gallery more than just a trade event — and why it’s so relevant for you to visit

• How TDG supports both emerging and established designers across fashion, interiors, and lifestyle

• Why print and surface design is having a resurgence in product development

• How innovation, sustainability, and fashion tech are reshaping the sourcing experience

• What to expect at The Design Gallery 2025 in Sydney

• And how Pat leads with creativity, strategy, and wellbeing in a fast-paced industry

I loved every minute of my chat with Patricia and I’m sure you will to.

You can connect with Patricia at:

Instagram: @‌thedesigngallery.au

Web: The Design Gallery | The Design Gallery

The Design Gallery Tickets Here. Free but you must register.

Partridge Agency - PARTRIDGE | Print Sourcing

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Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Elizabeth chats with Belinda Paul, the Founder of RCYCL, a powerful plug-and-play platform helping fashion brands tackle textile waste with real, tangible solutions.

With over 25 years of experience across product, buying, manufacturing, and brand management, Belinda brings a deep understanding of the fashion industry — and a passion for turning sustainability goals into everyday actions.

RCYCL offers a circular solution that’s ready for immediate brand integration, featuring:

• RCYCL: for end-of-life garments

• REWEAR: in partnership with the Salvation Army to donate and rehome garments

• REPAIR: through a growing network of local partners to professionally mend loved items

Already partnering with leading retailers like THE ICONIC, RCYCL empowers brands to take meaningful steps in their Conscious Fashion Impact journey — and Belinda would love to connect with more forward-thinking brands.

Tune in as we explore:

• Belinda’s career journey and what led her to create RCYCL

• The biggest myths and truths about textile waste

• How fashion businesses can make an immediate impact

• What’s next in the circular fashion movement

💬 Connect with Belinda at rcycl.com.au

Or Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindapaul-/
📩 Share this episode with a brand founder or team ready to take action.

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Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I’m bringing you something brand new.
It’s the first time I’m sharing The Monthly Edit as a solo podcast episode.

This edition is packed with real-world updates and strategies drawn directly from the work I’m doing with clients right now.

Inside, we’ll unpack the sweeping U.S. tariff changes, how they’re impacting Australian fashion brands, and what steps you can take now — from reassessing landed costs to adjusting your fulfilment model.

We’ll also explore Meta’s 2025 advertising overhaul — what’s changed, what’s working, and how to evolve your marketing strategy in response.

And finally, I’ll walk you through the key fashion and retail events coming up this May, so you can get ahead of the game.

If you haven’t subscribed to The Monthly Edit newsletter yet, I’d love you to join us.
It’s a five-Ten minute read, delivered at the end of each month, with actionable insights to help you lead and grow in fashion, retail, and eCommerce.

SHOW NOTES:

Links & Resources from this Episode:

• April Monthly Edit Blog (U.S. Tariffs + Meta Deep Dive):
  The Monthly Edit | April 2025 — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

• Subscribe to The Monthly Edit Newsletter:
  https://fashionequipped.com.au/the-monthly-edit

• Explore Consulting: The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap
  The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

• Events Mentioned:

  • Australian Fashion Week: AFC Australian Fashion Week 2025

  • Splash Sydney: Splash Sydney

  • Retail Fest: Retail Fest AUS | Not Your Average Retail Conference

Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest is Rebekka Carey-Smith, Head of Sustainability at The Iconic.

With over 10 years of experience in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Rebekka specialises in transforming fashion supply chains to prioritise sustainable and responsible practices.

Her extensive background equips her to navigate the complexities of the evolving global sustainability landscape, ensuring improved social and environmental outcomes.

In her role as Head of Sustainability at THE ICONIC, Rebekka leads the implementation of the sustainability strategy, which is built on three core pillars: climate change adaptation, circular economy, and human rights.

As a leading e-commerce fashion and lifestyle platform in Australia and New Zealand, THE ICONIC recognizes the urgent responsibility of the fashion industry to collectively manage its social and environmental impacts.

Rebekka focuses on embedding sustainability governance throughout the organisation and within its external partnerships while advancing THE ICONIC’s decarbonization strategy, which emphasises a transition away from conventional supply chains and collaboration on initiatives that promote a circular fashion ecosystem.

Additionally, she champions a worker-centric approach to human rights due diligence, further solidifying THE ICONIC’s commitment to responsible practices.

During our chat, Rebekka and I dived into:

✔️ THE ICONIC’s sustainability strategy and its impact across climate action, circularity, and ethical sourcing.

✔️ The evolution of customer expectations around sustainability and how THE ICONIC is responding.

✔️ The role of RE-ICONIC, THE ICONIC’s pre-loved and recycling initiative, in tackling textile waste.

✔️ How THE ICONIC is working with brands and suppliers to drive accountability and progress in sustainable fashion.

✔️ The biggest opportunities for the fashion industry to drive meaningful change, including collaboration and leveraging data for impact.

I loved this conversation with Rebekka—it gave me fresh perspectives on sustainability and the evolving ethical fashion landscape, and I’m sure it will for you too

You can connect with Rebekka on LinkedIn HERE and stay up to date with THE ICONIC’s sustainability initiatives by visiting their website HERE.

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Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness
#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #SustainableFashion #EthicalFashion #CircularFashion #FashionPodcast #TheIconic #ReIconic #Sustainability

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My Guest today is Jacklyn Rivera, the Creative Director of Commonry.

Jack has over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, across a range of roles and brands that have shaped her leadership and management style.

Known for a values-driven approach, Jack is passionate about empowering women and fostering inclusivity within the fashion industry.

Her expertise spans across strategic leadership, team development, and driving forward-thinking initiatives that prioritise diversity and sustainable growth.

Jack's commitment to creating meaningful change is at the heart of everything she does, making her a dynamic force in the industry.

Commonry was Established in 2020 and are proud to be an Australian-owned brand with a commitment to delivering premium wardrobe solutions for the modern woman.

At Commonry’s core, they embrace a timeless approach to design, ensuring their pieces offer a contemporary style that resonates with their community.

With a focus on design elevation, from carefully curated fabrics to thoughtful details, Commonry collections are crafted to elevate any wardrobe effortlessly.

Commonry are committed to size-inclusive representation.
They believe that fashion should be for everyone, regardless of shape or size.

That’s why they offer a range of sizes to cater to diverse body types, ensuring that every woman can find something that makes her feel confident and beautiful.

Commonry currently offer a size range of 8-22, soon to be extended to a size 24.

During our Chat, Jack and I dived into:

·      The Power of the Commonry Community

·      Inclusivity Misconceptions

·      Commonry’s Creative Process

·      Their Considered In-store Experience

·      Meaningful Partnerships & Advocates

·      And What’s Next for Commonry – including  ‘A You Heard It Here First!!’

 

Visit Commonry at: Commonry | Commonry

Connect with Jacklyn over at Linkedin at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-rivera-0776b6116/

_____________

Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness
#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #Commonry #CurveSizes #CurveFashion #Inclusivity #Diversity

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our FIRST episode of SEASON 6!

My guest today is Jenny Nakkan, the Founder of Elevate Wholesale Agency and the Founding Partner of Splash Sydney, Australia’s first international fashion trade show.

A trailblazer in the fashion wholesale space, Jenny has built Elevate into a go-to consultancy for Australian brands looking to launch or scale their global wholesale channels.

With a deep industry understanding and a strategic, hands-on approach, Jenny offers an exclusive match making service where she connects brands with sales agency showrooms, crafts tailored growth strategies and helps them navigate the complexities of domestic and international wholesale.

Through Splash Sydney, she’s redefining the trade show landscape, providing a world-class platform for Australian brands to showcase, connect, and expand their reach on a global scale.

During our chat, Jenny and I discussed:

• Her journey into wholesale and the inspiration behind Elevate Wholesale Agency

• The evolution of the wholesale landscape and what it takes for brands to succeed today

• The challenges and opportunities for brands entering the wholesale market

• The power of trade shows, including the vision behind Splash Sydney

• How brands can leverage wholesale to scale sustainably

• Her predictions for the future of wholesale and fashion trade shows

Jenny’s insights are invaluable for any brand looking to grow through wholesale.

Splash Sydney is happening on May 12-13​ at Walsh Bay. Visit Splash Sydney or @‌splashsydneyshow on Instagram to explore visiting or exhibiting at this event.

If you have any questions,  you can contact Jenny via the link on the Splash website or head over to  elevatewholesaleagency.com.au and reach her there.

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Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness
#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #Wholesale #ElevateAgency #SplashSydney #FashionWholesale 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we prepare to launch Season 6 of Fashion Business Mindset in the coming weeeks, enjoy this Impact Edit with Denni Francisco, a visionary fashion entrepreneur and proud Wiradjuri woman with over 25 years of industry experience.

Over the past five years, I've had the privilege of chatting with some of the most inspiring thought leaders and changemakers in the fashion industry.

From highly successful entrepreneurs and founders to those on their exciting start-up journey, my guests have shared their stories, insights, and strategies for making an impact while shaping the future of fashion.

Thanks to you, our audience is growing rapidly, with new listeners joining us every week. To help you gain the most out of our conversations, we're excited to introduce our Impact Edit, which showcases the most powerful insights from our previous longer-form episodes.

These are the golden nuggets – the ideas, strategies, and perspectives that can help you learn something new, spark a new idea, or solve a challenge you're facing in real-time in your business. And best of all, we've purposefully kept these episodes short – minimum time for maximum impact!

So whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out on your journey, our aim is that you end each Impact Edit, with new information that will help you make a lasting impact in your business, with your team and your community.

You can tune into the full episode with Denni and be inspired by NGALI here.

_____________

Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness
#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #Ngali #FirstNationsFashion

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we prepare to launch Season 6 of Fashion Business Mindset in the coming weeeks, enjoy this Impact Edit with Paul Waddy.

Over the past five years, I've had the privilege of chatting with some of the most inspiring thought leaders and changemakers in the fashion industry.

From highly successful entrepreneurs and founders to those on their exciting start-up journey, my guests have shared their stories, insights, and strategies for making an impact while shaping the future of fashion.

Thanks to you, our audience is growing rapidly, with new listeners joining us every week. To help you gain the most out of our conversations, we're excited to introduce our Impact Edit, which showcases the most powerful insights from our previous longer-form episodes.

These are the golden nuggets – the ideas, strategies, and perspectives that can help you learn something new, spark a new idea, or solve a challenge you're facing in real-time in your business. And best of all, we've purposefully kept these episodes short – minimum time for maximum impact!

So whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out on your journey, our aim is that you end each Impact Edit, with new information that will help you make a lasting impact in your business, with your team and your community.

 

You can tune into the full episode with Paul here. Paul Waddy | Leading Ecommerce Advisor shares how to Successfully Scale Ecommerce

_____________

Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness
#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #eCommerce

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final episode of Fashion Business Mindset for 2024, we’re diving into a Level Up Session to help you reflect on the past year, learn from its lessons, and create a powerful, actionable blueprint for success in 2025.

This episode is packed with strategies, tools, and inspiration to help you:

• Reflect on your wins, challenges, and key lessons from 2024.

• Explore the top trends and opportunities shaping the fashion industry in 2025, including brand elevation, circular economy, tech integration, and the resurgence of physical retail.

• Build your 5-step blueprint for levelling up with clear goals, optimised operations, and meaningful connections.

Download your FREE 2025 Business Blueprint to map out your goals and step into the new year with clarity and confidence HERE now. 

________

Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness
#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #eCommerce #AustralianFashion

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Michaela Wessels, CEO & co-founder of Style Arcade.

Style Arcade is revolutionising the retail and e-commerce space with its cutting-edge platform, empowering fashion brands to make data-driven decisions.

Michaela is a retail and e-commerce veteran with over 15 years of experience in merchandise buying, planning and consulting.

Michaela’s trailblazing work ethic and entrepreneurship has seen Australia's biggest brands replace spreadsheets with intelligent fashion analytics and digital range planning from Style Arcade.

Michaela's background in finance formed the foundation of entering into over a decade of global retail experience, including formative roles at Truworths, Lacoste and The Iconic.

Michaela founded Style Arcade in 2018, it’s; an all-in-one AI-powered merchandise buying and planning platform, providing intelligent merchandising recommendations to some of the world’s biggest brands and retailers.

Backed by Acadian Software (Klaviyo, Convoke) Style Arcade has grown in excess of 200% annually since inception and has garnered the trust of over 6,000 global users. Working with both brands and retailers across more than 13 countries from pure-play e-commerce giants like The Iconic, Princess Polly and White Fox, to cult designers like Aje, Christopher Esber and Amiri. Currently, 63% of the platform’s revenue has come from word-of-mouth highlighting the company’s significant brand awareness amongst fashion industry data fanatics.

During our chat, Michaela and I delve into

• The entrepreneurial journey behind Style Arcade

• The importance of leveraging data for decision-making in fashion

• How brands can innovate to stay ahead in a competitive market.

• How Style Arcade helps you optimise size accuracy, streamlines inventory management, and enhances assortment planning.

• How Style Arcade helps businesses maximise profitability and improve in-season trading with features like AI-driven size and buy calculators, advanced retail analytics, and seamless e-commerce integration,.

• Michaela also shares her invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of scaling a business and fostering creativity in a tech-driven industry.

 

You can connect with Michaela at Linkedin here.

Head to the Style Arcade website and book a Demo here.

________

Work with us in 2025! 
If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website:Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness
#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #eCommerce #AustralianFashion #StyleArcade #MerchandisePlanning #MerchandiseBuying

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.