Danielle Kent is the General Manager Industry Transformation at Seamless - a product stewardship scheme that aims to transform how clothing is made, used, reused and recycled in Australia to create clothing circularity by 2030.

Danielle has been lead on the design and development of Seamless for the past two years with a Consortium of organisations and the Australian Fashion Council.

She has extensive experience in strategy and complex change management as a consultant, and a full range of government experience.

Danielle has a postgraduate in Social Impact and helped establish the not for profit company, Impact Investing Australia, reporting to the G8 International Social Taskforce on Impact Investing.

She fully appreciates the discipline and challenges of system transformation and is passionate about the Seamless vision.

During this conversation, we dived into:

1. The seamless scheme framework, including circularity and citizenship
2. What the seamless product stewardship scheme is setting out to achieve
3. Why the fashion industry must take action now
4. How brands and businesses can get involved
5. What to expect next from Seamless

 

You can find out more about Seamless and register your interest here:

https://ausfashioncouncil.com/program/seamless/

Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/ausfashioncouncil/

_______

If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level, connect with us 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: www.fashionequipped.com.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m thrilled  to kick off Season 5 by welcoming Brooke Summers and Ashley Hollis from Cotton Australia.

Cotton Australia is the peak representative body for the Australian cotton growing industry. 

Brooke currently leads Cotton Australia's work to connect the credentials of the Australian cotton industry with stakeholders throughout the textile supply chain.  

Brooke has three decades of experience in strategic communication, marketing, project management, community and stakeholder engagement and is a passionate advocate for sustainability, natural fibres and Australia’s cotton farmers.

Ashley is the Brand Relationship Manager at Cotton Australia. With 20 years’ experience in retail, fashion, education, and stakeholder engagement Ashley facilitates brand and industry business development and supply chain interaction to drive demand for Australian cotton.

Ashley’s in-depth knowledge and network within the Australian cotton and wool industry including sustainability and supply chain development has enabled her to pioneer several successful collaborations, projects, programs, and educational content across the supply chain, from farm to fashion.

This was a dynamic discussion that shone a light on:

•   The Australian Cotton To Market Strategy 
•   Supply Chain Solutions
•   Sustainability, Circularity & Traceability
•   WHY brands should consider including Australian Cotton in their ranges.
•   The benefits of the Australian Cotton Mark & Global Sustainability Programs
•   Education and Resources available to you
•   The Australian Cotton Forum & Cotton Camp coming up in April.
•   And an exciting roadmap of Powerful Strategies that Cotton Australia is undertaking.

We encourage you to connect with the team at Cotton Australia to explore how you can work together to inject Australian Cotton into your collections.

You can connect with Cotton Australia at:

https://cottonaustralia.com.au/

Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/auscotton/

Reach out to [email protected] if you would like an introduction to Brooke & Ashley. 

____

On behalf of Cotton Australia, you're invited to the upcoming Australian Cotton Forum, in Sydney on 30 April, 2024.

You'll hear from sustainability experts, researchers, cotton industry leaders and farmers about the science, data, innovation, rural communities and practices behind Australia’s premium, sustainable cotton.

A fast-paced agenda will keep you engaged and learning, with the opportunity to network with those out in the field every day.

This forum will be ideal for:

• Fashion, retail, and textiles staff
• Sustainability, ethical sourcing, fabric technicians and quality control teams
• Fashion and textiles consultants
• Brand communication and marketing teams

Tickets are free (including refreshments), and seats are strictly limited so please have a look at the agenda and secure your ticket by registering ASAP. 

Event details:
What: Australian Cotton Forum
When: 30 April, 2024
Time: 8.30am to 4pm
Location: Commonwealth Bank Head Quarters Auditorium, 11 Harbour Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Ticket registrations close 10 April, 2024.

_______

If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level, connect with us 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: www.fashionequipped.com.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m excited to launch season 5 of the podcast and dive into our first Level Up Episode for 2024!

I’ve decided to start a tradition here at Fashion Business Mindset and kick off each New Year with the Wheel of Life Exercise.

This is a POWERFUL Tool that focuses on:

REFLECTION – Where are you now?

RESET– Where do you want to be?

ACTION – Create a clear action plan to achieve your desired goals.

So many of us are stepping into 2024 looking at our life, both personal and professional through a completely different lens.

 

Whether that is around:

-   Values

-   Lifestyle

-   Business Direction

-   Career Path

-   Passion and Purpose

-   Contribution

-   Ambition and Aspirations

 

The Wheel of Life is well well-known powerful development tool because it gives you a vivid visual representation of the way your life is currently, compared with the way you'd ideally like it to be.

This is well well-known powerful development tool because it gives you a vivid visual representation of the way your life is currently, compared with the way you'd ideally like it to be.

I absolutely LOVE working through the wheel of life and make it a habit to check in on this every 3 months, to gauge my progress and dive into the entire exercise every 12 months.

If you are a VISUAL person, this is the ideal way to start your Goal Setting and truly identify where you need to shift your focus, time and energy to that will support your IDEAL outcomes.

 

I recommend listening to this episode with our Wheel of Life Template at hand.

You can download the template we created for you  here.

Let’s Elevate together in 2024! 

Follow Fashion Business Mindset on YouTube.

Join our email list at Fashion Equipped

_______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is our last episode for 2023 as we plan to dive into Season 5 of the podcast in the New Year.

Thank you for YOUR support throughout the year.

Knowing how precious time is, I appreciate you tuning in to our conversations and I hope you are constantly inspired and informed by the incredible guests that have committed their time to share their journeys with us.

This year has been filled with so many incredible stories, and my favourite topic has been how to achieve LONGEVITY and GROWTH in our Industry.  

To take this platform next level, we do need your ongoing support and feedback.

How can you get involved?

1. If there is a guest you would like to suggest, please DM me on Instagram – I love hearing from you.
2. If you are enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review on your favourite platform – Apple, Spotify or any other
3. Make sure you’re following the show on your favourite platform and our YouTube Channel – that way you’ll never miss an episode
4. If you’re listening to the pod, please take a snap, post it on social and tag us in.
5. Make sure you are on our Fashion Equipped email list so that you receive our ‘Episode Now Live’ alerts and our Monthly Edit where we share Industry News, Reports, Events and Community offers.
6. Finally, we will also be open to Sponsorships next year, so if you would like a shoutout on our platform, please email me and I’d love to discuss working together

As I embark on my fourth year as a Podcast Host, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible guests who joined me this year.  Your generosity of time and knowledge is contributing to shaping THE FUTURE OF FASHON.

Thank you again for tuning in.

Thank you to all of our wonderful clients, our team and our community.

Wishing you a fabulous, fashionable festive season. See you in 2024!

Follow Fashion Business Mindset on YouTube.

Join our email list at Fashion Equipped

xox

_______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I speak with  Leila Naja Hibri. 

Leila was appointed as the CEO of the Australian Fashion Council in 2020.

Leila also sits on the CSIRO Chief Scientist’s Circular Economy Advisory Group, the UTS Vice-Chancellor's Industry Advisory Board, and is a Juror for the International Design Awards (IDA).

With a background in Economics and Accounting, Leila has over twenty years of experience in business and industry leadership, particularly in Australia and Asia.

Her career has involved working with several global organizations including the United Nations, Prada and Luxottica.

Leila envisages a future business world committed to prioritising people and planet, together with profit.

This vision has driven the AFC’s mission to guide the just transformation of Australia’s fashion and textile industry towards net zero by 2050.

Leila is also an active advocate for the promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion within society, industry and government.

During our discussion, Leila has some BIG news to share as we discuss:

• The Future Leadership at the AFC
• Key Industry Initiatives driving change
• Embarking on and embracing the future of fashion

And so much more!

I have the utmost admiration for Leila as a thought leader and changemaker in our Industry and we have been very fortunate to have her at the helm of the AFC over the past four years.

You can connect with the AFC and become a Member here.  

Connect on Instagram at @ausfashioncouncil 

_______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I speak with Marnie Goding, the Co-Founder of ELK.

With a background in events and marketing, Marnie is a self taught entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable and ethical fashion. 

Stemming from a desire to see broad sweeping industry change, she is moving ELK in a unique direction proving there is a better way to run business and make product.

Her commitment to social and environmental responsibility has earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a leader in the industry.

A pioneer of independent, Australian design, ELK was established in 2004 in Melbourne, founded by Marnie and her husband Adam. 

Leading with a philosophy of conscious fashion, the business was founded on a belief in creativity, innovation and authentic design, contemporary fashion and independent, ethically made products. 

These values have created a brand of enduring value.

The ELK Mission is to responsibly create product with enduring value through a thoughtful, intelligent design philosophy, crafted with an artisanal aesthetic. To lead a conscious business supporting traditional trades and a circular economy that operates ethically and transparently, in safe, fair and inclusive workplaces. and to minimise our environmental footprint and create a positive impact on our local and global communities.

Recently, Marnie participated in Fashion Re-Dressed, a Global Film Series produced by BBC Story Works and presented by the Global Fashion Agenda.

ELK’s inclusion in this prestigious series is a testament to their ongoing commitment to conscious fashion and provides a unique opportunity to share their sustainability initiatives and values with a global audience. 

We’ve included the link below so that you can tune in.

ELK has also released it’s 2023 Transparency report and you’ll find the link below. 

This is a dynamic interview that provides a deep insight into a much loved Iconic Australian Brand and the a front row seat to what it takes to achieve longevity in our Industry.

I loved every minute of my time with Marnie, and no doubt you will too, so let's dive in. 

You can connect at:

https://elkthelabel.com/

You can download the 2023 ELK Transparency Report here. 

https://elkthelabel.com/pages/transparency-report

You can tune into the BBC Storyworks piece here.

_______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE.

__________

We’re extending an Invitation for you to express your interest in a 3-Month Group Elevation Program - Starting April 2024

Join us for a transformative experience, where we delve into strategies to help you ELEVATE across three vital pillars:

• The Future of You

• The Future of Fashion
• The Future of Collaboration

Register your Expression of Interest here OR head to the link in our Instagram bio. 

Instagram: @fashionequipped  @startyourfashionbusiness_au

Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped

Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode,  I speak with Rebecca Thompson, the Founder, Designer and Director of the iconic Australian Fashion Label Rebecca Thompson. 

Since launching in June 2000, Rebecca has become one of Australia's premier luxury fashion labels.

The flagship Rebecca Thompson e-boutique offers a gorgeous mix of signature relaxed separates and unique dresses for every season. Each piece is distinctly Rebecca Thompson; timeless and classic. 

With garments that are guaranteed to turn heads, every moment in Rebecca Thompson is a magic moment.

RT is constantly experimenting with how to embellish fabrics. One season it may be heavy on prints, the next heavy with embroideries layered over prints.

Dramatic colours, astonishing beading and embroidery work are all part of the textural process.

The silhouettes are simple, flattering and easy to wear.

The difference is the personal touch. Rebecca works with her own team of artisans in house to create fabrics that are either hand beaded, embroidered, or block printed.  Every piece is unique and individual.

With over 30 years in the fashion industry Rebecca was determined to create a lovely boutique and mindful and caring work room.

The India studio was set up from the get go, and still employs the same 6 staff.  All styles are textured and produced within the space.

The Melbourne based  Bay St store in Melbourne was built out of necessity. 

After 13 years of successful wholesaling, It was Rebecca's dream to create a colourful, fun shopping space.

During our dynamic conversations, Rebecca shares:

• The drive and passion behind creating a legacy brand
• The unique RT in-store experience  
• Connection, community and customer loyalty 
• Embracing the future of fashion 

And so much more! 

You can connect at:

https://rebeccathompson.com.au/

@instagram

_______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE.

_____________

We’re extending an Invitation for you to express your interest in a 3-Month Group Elevation Program - Starting April 2024

Join us for a transformative experience, where we delve into strategies to help you ELEVATE across three vital pillars:

• The Future of You

• The Future of Fashion
• The Future of Collaboration

Register your Expression of Interest here OR head to the link in our Instagram bio. 

Instagram: @fashionequipped @startyourfashionbusiness_au

Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped

Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode,  I speak with Paul Vasileff, the Creative Director and Founder of Paolo Sebastian,

Paul learnt to sew from the age of three. Initially taught by his Grandmother he completed his first evening dress at age eleven, Vasileff was fascinated by the inner workings and underpinnings of garments. With dreams of one day becoming a couture designer, he developed his skills by undertaking private lessons in pattern making and sewing from the age of thirteen.

After debuting his first collection at age seventeen to raving reviews from the public and press, Vasileff immediately began taking orders for private clients. Wanting to further his skills and knowledge he sought out an apprenticeship with an Italian tailor practising in traditional sartorial methods, where he would develop his knowledge and technique. Shortly after, he was granted a scholarship to the prestigious Europeo Instituto di Design in Milan, Italy, where he graduated with honours. 

After returning to Australia, Vasileff expanded the business to employ and train staff who were equally passionate about honouring the traditions of fine sewing.

In 2017, Vasileff was awarded ‘Young Australian of the Year’ for his work in founding Paolo Sebastian and its contribution to the Australian fashion industry. He was later awarded ‘Designer of The Year’ in the Prix de Marie Claire Awards. Vasileff continues to follow his dream, further developing the brand and business with an international clientele, annual showings in Paris, and adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship.

During our dynamic conversations, Paul talks us through:

• His lifetime commitment to couture excellence
• The creative process and the talented team behind Paolo Sebastian
• The joy of delivering a magical client experience 
• Embracing AI, innovation and technology

 

And so much more! 

You can connect at:

Paolo Sebastian Instagram

Paolo Sebastian Website 

Paul Vasileff Instagram

_______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE. 

_________

We’re extending an Invitation for you to express your interest in a 3-Month Group Elevation Program - Starting April 2024

Join us for a transformative experience, where we delve into strategies to help you ELEVATE across three vital pillars:

• The Future of You

• The Future of Fashion

• The Future of Collaboration

 

Register your Expression of Interest here OR head to the link in our Instagram bio. 

Instagram: @fashionequipped @startyourfashionbusiness_au

Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped

Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're taking Fashion Business Mindset NEXT LEVEL!

In this episode,  I had the pleasure of interviewing James Bartle as my FIRST 'in-person' guest since launching our podcast in 2020.

All prior 80 interviews have been conducted online, so I'm very excited to have the opportunity to invite some of our future guests into a gorgeous studio space.

So if you like to WATCH your podcasts, head to our YouTube Channel. 

In this episode, I’m chatting with James Bartle the founding CEO of Outland Denim, the Australian denim brand known for their revolutionary approach to social and environmental sustainability.

Driven to create social change, James laid the foundations for Outland Denim in 2011 as an avenue of opportunity for women from backgrounds of modern slavery and those vulnerable to exploitation.

Outland Denim’s unique business model has since been proven to provide a ‘freedom dividend’, benefiting not only the brand’s team, but their family and community, too.

In 2019 and 2020 Bartle was named one of Rivet Magazine’s 50 Most Influential People in Denim. In 2020, James received the Thomson Reuters Stop Slavery Enterprise Award for Small & Medium Sized Companies (2020).

Since launching to market in 2016, Outland Denim has secured a presence in retail powerhouses like Nordstrom, and David Jones and Moda Operandi, and has been worn by the likes of Meghan Markle and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Outland Denim is Australia’s first B Corp Certified denim brand.

As he has grown Outland Denim, James also founded adjacent businesses, including a manufacturing company (Maeka) and co-founded a nascent textile waste company (HuskLand).

He most recently has acquired the Australian founded brand Nobody Denim, which resides under the Outland Denim Group (Maeka Group).

During our dynamic chat, James talks us through:

• The exciting acquisition of Nobody Denim 
• The powerful mission at the core of this purpose-driven business 
• Impact investing and how you can get involved immediately
• The purpose and power of an Advisory Group 
• The retail landscape, innovation and automation 

And so much more! 

You can connect at:

Outland Denim 

Nobody Denim 

Find out more about Investing in Outland Denim & Nobody Denim(The Maeka Group) at Birchal here. 

_______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE. 

_____

We’re extending an Invitation for you to express your interest in a 3-Month Group Elevation Program - Starting April 2024

Join us for a transformative experience, where we delve into strategies to help you ELEVATE across three vital pillars:

• The Future of You

• The Future of Fashion
• The Future of Collaboration

Register your Expression of Interest here OR head to the link in our Instagram bio. 

 Instagram: @fashionequipped @startyourfashionbusiness_au

Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped

Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Mary Lou Ryan who co-founded bassike with Deborah Sams in 2006 to create what they couldn’t find: high quality, design-led, sustainably sourced wardrobe essentials.

Lou & Deb chose to work with organic cotton, Australian makers and responsible business practices from the beginning.

The pair designed the first collections from a 1950s cottage on Sydney’s Palm Beach, and bassike has the ease and vitality of Australian beach life in its DNA.

Their debut collection was a considered edit of luxurious, organic cotton jersey t-shirts and pants that instantly connected with wearers in search of contemporary designs with the versatility to work within their existing wardrobes.

Mary Lou holds the title of Director of Sustainability & Supply Chain at bassike, with a commitment to accelerating and amplifying positive change at the brand, within the community and the broader fashion industry.

bassike is proudly B Corp and Climate Active Carbon Neutral certified.

During our dynamic chat, Lou talks us through:

• Lou’s early days in the industry
• Why and how Lou and Deb launched bassike
• Bassike’s Responsible Business Journey
• Building Meaningful Partnerships
• Local Manufacturing & Sustainable practices
• Nurturing their loyal, engaged customer  
• Working on Mindset & Wellbeing and so much more.

I loved every minute of my time with Lou and no doubt you will too.

You can find bassike at: 

Website

Instagram 

______

INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | MARCH 11th - 15th 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a transformational business experience into the sophisticated world of production, sourcing and supply; meet with garment and fabric manufacturers; travel with like-minded business owners and mentors and connect with world-class artisans and manufacturers expressing the very best of India’s vibrant fashion culture.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE. 

__________

We’re extending an Invitation for you to express your interest in a 3-Month Group Elevation Program - Starting April 2024

Join us for a transformative experience, where we delve into strategies to help you ELEVATE across three vital pillars:

• The Future of You

• The Future of Fashion
• The Future of Collaboration

Register your Expression of Interest here OR head to the link in our Instagram bio. 

 Instagram: @fashionequipped @startyourfashionbusiness_au

Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped

Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.