Something has shifted in the conversations I am having with fashion founders and leadership teams. Not dramatically. Not all at once. But quietly and consistently, AI is entering the room.

Not as a topic to debate. As a tool people are starting to use. And the question is no longer whether AI is relevant to fashion businesses in Australia. It is whether you are using it well.

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m joined by Kiki Keysers, Founder of KIVARI, to unpack the journey behind one of Australia’s most successful contemporary fashion brands. Kiki shares the real story behind that growth. The risks, the decisions, the mindset shifts and the discipline required to build a brand that not only scales, but sustains.

Founded in 2006, Kowtow has built a global reputation for its commitment to ethical production, Fairtrade organic cotton, and a fully transparent supply chain. But what truly sets the brand apart is its long-term vision. From the very beginning, Gosia set out to create clothing that comes from the earth and can safely return to it.

Running an independent fashion boutique today demands resilience, commercial discipline, deep customer connection and the ability to adapt as the retail landscape continues to evolve.

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m joined by Adella Greenwood, co-founder of Grace & Willow, a much-loved multi-brand boutique located in the seaside suburb of Williamstown in Victoria.

Across the industry, many brands are growing. Revenue is up. Orders are flowing. From the outside, things look strong. But internally, margins are tighter, cash flow feels heavier, and decision-making has become more complex. This episode explores the shift required for founders who want sustainable, commercially sound growth.

Throughout our work together, we were inspired by Fleur and her team’s passion to reimagine L&F—building on the brand’s foundational strengths while responding with agility and intention to the future of the fashion industry.

The first weeks of the year often feel full of momentum.

New season launches.
Fresh creative.
Ambitious revenue targets.

But across the fashion businesses I’m working with, one theme is already clear:

In 2026, profitability is not optional. It is foundational.

This year has been one of growth, challenge, learning and connection. We’ve shared over 127 episodes, welcomed many new listeners, and continued to have honest conversations about what it really takes to build, lead and sustain a fashion business in a changing market.

In this episode, I’m joined by Faye Browne and Lauren French, the mother–daughter duo behind Motto, who have built one of the most resilient and community-driven fashion businesses in Australia.

Faye began her journey as a fashion buyer before launching Motto with her husband John, driven by a passion for empowering women and celebrating individuality.

As the year winds down, the final weeks before Christmas can feel deceptively quiet or unexpectedly intense. Promotions peak, inboxes fill, and decision fatigue starts to creep in.

But for strong fashion businesses, this period isn’t about doing more.

It’s about finishing well.

This conversation brings together three industry leaders: Elizabeth (Fashion Equipped), Kelly Slessor (The Ecommerce Tribe, Tribe Gen AI), and Christina Exie (Stacked Studio) to share their perspectives on the strategies shaping the future of fashion and lifestyle brands.

Taryn is an Australian of the Year, award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, and founder of the global Body Image Movement.

Zali is an Adjunct Associate Professor and internationally recognised body image researcher who’s published more than 60 academic papers and dedicated her career to creating a safer body-image environment for the next generation.

Bianca Gregg, a leading figure among a new generation of brand leaders. As Co-Founder and strategist, Bianca has grown Del Rainbow from a boutique studio into a globally recognised fashion and logistics agency with teams across key global markets.

Welcome to the September edition of The Monthly Edit — your go-to source for Australian fashion industry news, grants, strategic insights and growth opportunities.

With Q3 of 2025 in full swing and spring starting to bloom, now is the time to reset with purpose and momentum as we power into the rest of FY26

Image via Camilla and Marc

Anna Brennan is a highly accomplished retail leader with over 20 years of extensive experience across retail, merchandising, marketing, digital, and store operations. As General Manager of Stylerunner since May 2023, Anna is driving the brand's ambitious expansion strategy across Australia and New Zealand.

As we enter a brand new financial year, this is your opportunity to hit reset, refocus your energy, and reignite your strategy for the months ahead. Whether you're a founder, scaling with a team, or leading across multiple channels — this episode is for you.

After building her career in London and Sydney as a commercial fashion agent, Eva launched Parlour X in 2001. She quickly became one of Australia’s most influential buyers and fashion ambassadors abroad, regularly travelling to Paris and Milan to bring the best of global style to the local market.

Welcome to the new financial year. Now is the perfect time to hit pause, reflect on your progress, and recalibrate your direction. At Fashion Equipped, this is exactly what we guide our clients through with our mid-year Review & Reset process.

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.

From AI-powered search and virtual try-on tools to hyper-personalised customer journeys — digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s expected. This month, The Monthly Edit unpacks how fashion businesses can prepare for what’s next — with practical strategies you can apply now.