The Monthly Edit | July 2025: Reset, Refocus & Reignite
10 Minute ReadWelcome 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 — a strategic check-in designed to bring clarity, alignment, and renewed energy for the months ahead.
Whether you’re a founder, leader, or part of a growing team, the second half of the year offers a powerful opportunity to:
Reconnect with your vision
Assess what’s working (and what’s not)
Optimise your plans for growth and profit
In this edition of The Monthly Edit, we’re sharing:
A proven Review & Reset Framework you can implement right now
Strategic questions we use with our consulting clients to unlock clarity
Planning prompts to define your priorities and next steps
Fresh inspiration to energise your business in FY25/26
Let’s dive in!
Author: Elizabeth Formosa | 7 July 25
AI Image created in Canva Magic Media
Your Mid-Year Review & Reset Framework
Here’s a simple 3-step process we use with our clients to create momentum and strategic focus:
1. Reflect
What goals did you set at the start of the year?
What have you achieved so far?
Where did things go off-track (and why)?
2. Refocus
What’s working really well right now?
What do your customers, team, and financials tell you?
What needs to shift, stop, or be improved?
3. Reignite
What do you want to be true by December 31st?
What are your top 3 strategic priorities for the next 6 months?
What support, structure, or strategy do you need to execute?
This process allows you to zoom out, clear the clutter, and make confident decisions about where to invest your time, energy, and resources next.
AI Image created in Canva Magic Media
Planning Prompts for FY25/26 Success
If you’re ready to map out a strategic plan for the next 6 months, here are 5 prompts to guide you:
Financials: What’s your monthly revenue and profit target? Are you clear on your margin drivers, fixed and variable costs, and cash flow position? Have you set financial milestones and budget allocations that support your growth plan?
Marketing: What campaigns, content, and channels will drive acquisition, retention, and growth? Are you keeping on top of the latest trends, customer behaviours, and key strategies in a fast-evolving landscape? Are your metrics and ROI being tracked effectively?
People: Have you identified the key skills needed to scale? Do you need to hire, outsource, delegate, or realign your team to meet your goals? Are your leadership, culture, and communication structures supporting high performance and alignment?
Product & Inventory: Is your range hierarchy and price strategy finely tuned? Are your key trends and core styles planned meticulously? Do you have savvy inventory planning and management processes in place? What launches or innovations are scheduled — and are you stocked appropriately (not over-invested or underprepared)?
Operations: Where can you automate, streamline, or cut waste to boost efficiency and profitability? Are your systems, workflows, and tech stack supporting your scale-up goals? Are there any recurring bottlenecks or manual processes that need attention?
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How We Support Fashion Brands at Mid-Year
At Fashion Equipped, we work closely with fashion founders, leaders, and teams through our signature Fashion Business Growth Roadmap consulting.
As part of our mid-year reset work, we:
Lead 1:1 Strategic Reset Sessions
Review financial and sales performance
Realign marketing and product plans
Support hiring and team structure decisions
Help clarify founder vision and goals for the year ahead
If you need expert support to review, reset, and reignite your momentum — we’re here to help.
Let’s make FY25/26 your most strategic and successful year yet.
✉️ Ready to reset with clarity?
Reach out directly to our Founder, Elizabeth Formosa, at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au OR Book a Clarity Call here to get started.
Elizabeth Formosa, Fashion Business Growth Roadmap
Image via @theannawintour
Industry News: A Changing of the Guard at Vogue
After nearly four decades of influence, Anna Wintour is stepping back from her role as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue — marking the end of one of the most iconic leadership eras in fashion history.
This isn’t just a personnel change — it’s a symbolic shift. It reflects how fashion media is evolving beyond glossy gatekeepers, making space for more diverse voices, decentralised platforms, and purpose-driven storytelling.
Wintour shaped trends from the front row for decades, but today, influence is just as likely to be found in a Substack newsletter, a TikTok trend forecaster, or an independent podcast.
We’re entering a new chapter of fashion leadership — one that’s more digital, transparent, and values-aligned.
What this means for you: Fashion brands have a powerful opportunity (and responsibility) to own their voice, amplify their values, and create content that resonates deeply with their audience.
Whether it’s founder-led storytelling, long-form content, or building trust on social, the brands leading this next chapter will be the ones unafraid to show up with clarity and conviction.
Now’s the time to stop relying on traditional media to shape your brand — and start becoming the media.
PODCAST FEATURE:
Exploring the Future of Sourcing with Patricia Lynch, Co-Founder of The Design Gallery
In this episode of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast, our founder Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Patricia Lynch, the visionary behind The Design Gallery — Australia’s leading sourcing event for the fashion and home industries.
Tune in as we explore how The Design Gallery is reimagining what a sourcing experience can look like: immersive, curated, conscious, and future-focused.
What We Cover in This Episode:
The Vision Behind The Design Gallery
– How Patricia and her team built a next-gen sourcing event that bridges fashion, home, design, and tech
– The shift away from traditional trade fairs toward curated, values-led, experience-driven events
Sustainability Meets Innovation
– How TDG champions ethical production, low-waste design, and regenerative thinking
– Spotlight on tools and partners driving circular fashion and sustainable sourcing
Technology’s Role in Modern Sourcing
– How 3D design, AI-powered colour tools, and digital platforms are reshaping sampling and product development
– What brands can expect from tech pioneers and platform demos at the event
Textile and Trend Innovation
– The future of trend forecasting and the role of sensorial, tactile experiences in sourcing
– How The Design Gallery brings storytelling to the forefront of material selection
Advice for Emerging Brands
– How to approach sourcing more mindfully and intentionally
– Why curiosity, connection, and design thinking are key to brand success in 2025 and beyond
NEW: Industry Panel Feature
– Hear from industry thought leaders, changemakers, and pioneers at the forefront of design, sustainability, and innovation
– These live panel discussions offer valuable insights into the future of sourcing, design collaboration, and responsible business
✨ This is a must-listen for founders, designers, buyers, and sourcing professionals looking to evolve how they connect, create, and source in today’s fast-changing landscape.
🎟️ You can book your tickets to The Design Gallery here
It’s free to attend and not to be missed.
EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Connection with industry is key to staying inspired, building relationships, and driving informed business decisions. Whether you’re looking to learn, network, or explore future opportunities, these upcoming events offer incredible value for fashion founders and professionals.
📌 We recommend marking your calendars now and aligning your event attendance with your business growth goals for 2025.
The Design Gallery — Australia’s Leading Sourcing Event for Fashion & Home
The Design Gallery (TDG) is a two-day experience at Carriageworks, Sydney, designed for the future-focused fashion and home industries. It brings together the most visionary brands, global tech pioneers, and textile innovators under one roof.
🗓 27–28 August 2025
📍 Carriageworks, Sydney
👉 Explore the event
Why attend?
TDG is where creativity meets innovation — from cutting-edge colour systems and digital design tools to sustainable fabric solutions and trend forecasting platforms. If you're looking to elevate your sourcing, expand your network, or explore what’s next for fashion and lifestyle brands, this event is not to be missed.
Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne
The landmark sourcing destination for Australian retailers, stylists, and designers. Browse hundreds of premium wholesalers across home, fashion, gifting, wellness, and lifestyle — all under one roof.
🗓 August 2–6, 2025
📍 MCEC Melbourne (Doors 1–8)
👉 Explore the fair
Pro tip:
Align your attendance with your 2025 sourcing and growth goals. It’s the ultimate opportunity to connect with brands, suppliers, and retailers.
Australia’s premium boutique retail trade show. Expect a curated showcase of emerging and established brands across fashion, lifestyle, gifting, and design — all shaping the future of high-end retail.
🗓 July 31 – August 3, 2025
📍 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
👉 Explore the event
Why attend?
Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, trade shows like Life Instyle help you assess the market, identify trends, and explore future wholesale or partnership opportunities.
Podcasts & Books to Elevate Your Business
Call Her Daddy
Venturing a little outside of fashion and into the world of pop culture, relationships, and real talk — Call Her Daddy continues to stir conversations for a reason.
Host Alex Cooper brings her signature unfiltered style to interviews with celebrities, thought leaders, and everyday people alike. Whether she's diving into mental health, modern love, or industry power moves, Alex always finds a way to make you think, laugh, and reflect.
If you're in need of something a little unexpected, unapologetic, and culturally relevant — this one’s for you.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
This business classic is a must-read for founders ready to move from good to truly great. Collins breaks down what sets enduring, high-performing companies apart — from Level 5 leadership to the power of the Hedgehog Concept and building a culture of discipline.
The biggest takeaway? Greatness doesn’t happen by luck — it’s the result of intentional choices and consistent, strategic action.
Whether you’re leading a team or scaling a brand, this book is packed with timeless insights for building something that lasts.
Season 6 of @fashionbusinessmindset
We’re back with another powerful season, bringing you insightful conversations with industry thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers.Each episode is packed with real-world insights, practical strategies, and future-focused conversations to help you build, grow, and lead in today’s fashion industry.
Tune into the latest with:
- Belinda Paul, Founder of RCYCL
- Rebekka Carey-Smith, Head of Sustainability at The Iconic
- Jacklyn Rivera, the Creative Director of Commonry
Tap into Our Continued Partnership with WGSN!
We’re thrilled to embark on our sixth year of partnership with WGSN, the #1 global trend forecasting and analytics platform. At Fashion Equipped, we are passionate about empowering startups and growing businesses by providing access to this cutting-edge resource. Combined with our tailored programs, mentoring, and consulting services, these invaluable tools give our clients a competitive edge, helping them not just launch but scale their fashion businesses successfully.
In today's fast-paced and data-driven fashion industry, staying ahead of trends is critical. WGSN delivers global insights and future trends that can transform your business, ensuring you thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
This is a unique and invaluable opportunity to elevate your business and position yourself as a leading brand in the industry.
Contact Elizabeth directly at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au to discover how WGSN can give your business an immediate advantage.
Image: WGSN
Work With Us in 2025
Are you ready to elevate your fashion business this year?
Whether you’re launching, scaling, or evolving your brand, our signature consulting offer – The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap – is designed to give you the structure, strategy, and support you need to move forward with confidence.
From brand elevation and financial optimisation to product strategy, marketing and scaling, we tailor every step to your unique goals.
Gain clarity on your next steps
Create a business roadmap aligned with your values and vision
Receive high-touch coaching, expert guidance with measurable outcomes
Enquire now and let’s make 2025 your most strategic and successful year yet.
