Episodes

  • Danielle Goodwin: Reinventing Luxury Resale Through Live Selling | Hawkeye Vintage

    Danielle Goodwin: Reinventing Luxury Resale Through Live Selling | Hawkeye Vintage
    Oct 13 2026

    What began with a sold-out Melbourne pop-up has evolved into an international luxury resale business, pioneering a new way for customers to discover and shop pre-loved luxury.

    In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa is joined by Danielle Goodwin, founder of Hawkeye Vintage, Australia's pioneering luxury live-stream shopping platform.

    Danni's entrepreneurial journey began in 2012, fuelled by her passion for discovering extraordinary vintage pieces and recognising their value. Her first Melbourne pop-up sold out in a single afternoon, setting the foundations for what would become a very different kind of retail business.

    Today, Hawkeye Vintage is headquartered in Tokyo, delivering live shopping experiences for up to 18 hours a day across Australia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Dubai. Featuring coveted luxury brands including Hermès, Chanel, Rolex, Cartier, Gucci and Fendi, the business has built a loyal international community through an innovative approach that combines luxury resale, entertainment and real-time customer connection.

    In this conversation, Danni shares the evolution of Hawkeye Vintage, the growing global appetite for pre-loved luxury and the opportunities emerging through live-stream shopping.

    We also explore the commercial realities of building and scaling an international retail business, from global sourcing and inventory management to technology, logistics, customer insights and the importance of building trust.

    Beyond the business, Danni reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, navigating growth, leading an international team and balancing the demands of business ownership with raising a young family.

    During this conversation, we explore:

    • Danni's entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of Hawkeye Vintage.

    • The changing luxury resale market and what's driving demand for pre-loved designer fashion.

    • The rise of live selling and how it's transforming the retail experience.

    • Global sourcing, buying strategies and inventory management.

    • Building customer trust, community and long-term loyalty.

    • The team, technology and logistics required to operate live shopping internationally.

    • Using customer data and insights to inform buying, marketing and commercial decisions.

    • Leadership, entrepreneurship and navigating the challenges of business growth.

    • The future of Hawkeye Vintage and opportunities for further international expansion.

    HAWKEYE VINTAGE POP-UP EVENTS

    Experience Hawkeye Vintage in person at their upcoming Australian pop-ups:

    Melbourne: Thu Oct 15, 2026 – Sun Oct 18, 2026

    10am–7pm | 362 Little Collins Street, Melbourne

    Sydney: 22–25 October 2026

    10am–7pm | 300 Oxford Street, Paddington, Gadigal Country, Sydney, NSW

    Visit Hawkeye Vintage for further information and event details.

    CONNECT WITH DANIELLE & HAWKEYE VINTAGE

    Website: Hawkeye Vintage
    Instagram: @‌hawkeyevintage

    CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH FORMOSA

    Website: Strategic Advisory for Fashion Founders | Fashion Equipped
    Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
    LinkedIn: Elizabeth Formosa

    If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Fashion Business Mindset and share it with someone who would find this conversation valuable.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Inside THE ICONIC’s Platform Evolution: Media, Fulfilment and Customer Obsession — Joshua Nunan, Director of Platform Media & Services

    Inside THE ICONIC’s Platform Evolution: Media, Fulfilment and Customer Obsession — Joshua Nunan, Director of Platform Media & Services
    Sep 30 2026
    Joshua Nunan is the Director of Platform Media & Services at THE ICONIC, where he leads the company’s retail media, partner marketing and fulfilment services. Since joining THE ICONIC in 2018, Josh has progressed through several roles, from Senior Buyer to General Manager of Sports, Beauty and Home, before stepping into his current position. In this episode, Josh takes us inside the evolution of THE ICONIC and the rapidly changing relationship between brands, retailers and platforms. He explains how THE ICONIC is helping its brand partners reach customers, create more seamless experiences and fuel mutual growth through media, marketplace and fulfilment solutions. We discuss: Josh’s dynamic career journey and the experiences that shaped his approach to retail THE ICONIC’s evolution from start-up to scale-up and its continued focus on profitable growth Why customer obsession must be lived throughout an organisation—not simply written on the wall How THE ICONIC works with brands to create memorable physical and digital campaigns The growing importance of data, real-time insights and measurable marketing The differences between wholesale, marketplace, dropship and fulfilment models How brands can combine marketplace reach with greater control over pricing and assortment Why faster, consolidated delivery can strengthen trust and improve the customer experience How retail media can support customers from discovery and consideration through to conversion The changing customer journey and why the phone remains some of the world’s most valuable retail real estate Why AI is foundational—not optional—and how it is accelerating content, personalisation and decision-making What THE ICONIC’s B Corp certification represents for the business and its brand partners The role of trusted leaders, mentorship and curiosity in Josh’s career progression Josh’s approach to wellbeing and the routines that help him perform as a leader and working parent What excites him about the next evolution of THE ICONIC and the future of retail Energetic, insightful and generous, Josh shares a fascinating perspective on the future of retail and the opportunities ahead for brands willing to embrace change. CONNECT WITH JOSH Joshua Nunan Linkedin _________ About Fashion Business Mindset Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses. WORK WITH US Work with Fashion Equipped Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction. This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last. Interested in Strategic Advisory? The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business. Explore here: The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting Connect with us: Instagram: @‌fashionequipped Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Interested in Sponsorship? We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion. To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Are You Killing the Profit in Your Fashion Business?

    Are You Killing the Profit in Your Fashion Business?
    Aug 21 2026
    There are plenty of external pressures impacting fashion businesses right now. Rising costs, cautious consumers, increasing competition and the growing cost of customer acquisition are all very real. But what if some of the biggest threats to profitability are actually coming from inside the business? In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa looks at the decisions and behaviours that can quietly erode profit in founder-led fashion businesses. From overbuying, poor merchandise planning and unplanned markdowns to margin erosion, marketing inefficiency, warehousing costs, data hygiene and operational cost creep, Elizabeth explores some of the profit leaks she sees most consistently across the industry. She also looks at the responsibility of the founder as the business grows. You don't need to know everything, but when you find yourself acting as the buyer, merchandise planner, marketer or commercial leader without the necessary knowledge or training, how are you building that capability and getting the right support around you? The episode explores: Merchandise planning, inventory and open-to-buy Protecting intake margin and reducing margin erosion The true commercial impact of markdown and promotional activity Sourcing, supplier terms and cash flow Marketing efficiency, customer acquisition and lifetime value Warehousing, technology and operational cost creep Data hygiene and the numbers you should understand AI, technology and productivity as part of the profitability equation Training, upskilling and knowing when to seek external support Founder accountability and stronger commercial decision-making With the final months of the year still ahead, Elizabeth challenges fashion business owners to identify the biggest profit leaks in their business now, rather than waiting until year-end to ask where the profit went. Because profit isn't just what happens at the end of the year. It's the outcome of the decisions you make all year. WORK WITH US __________ Upcoming Online Masterclass — Register Now Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass https://fashionequipped.com.au/ai-for-fashion-e-commerce-register-now About Fashion Business Mindset Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses. Work with Fashion Equipped Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction. This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last. Interested in Strategic Advisory? The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business. Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here. The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting Connect with us: Instagram: @‌fashionequipped Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Interested in Sponsorship? We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion. To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Building Brands with Creativity, Conviction & Care | Laura Liles, Founder Kinga Csilla & Ciao Ciao Vacation

    Building Brands with Creativity, Conviction & Care | Laura Liles, Founder Kinga Csilla & Ciao Ciao Vacation
    Sep 17 2026
    What does it really take to build two fashion brands while protecting their creative identities, commercial foundations and long-term value? In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa speaks with Laura Liles, founder and creative director of Australian fashion labels Kinga Csilla and Ciao Ciao Vacation. After spending a decade working across the Australian fashion industry, Laura launched Kinga Csilla in 2017 with a small collection, a $5,000 investment and a desire to create a more considered fashion business and workplace. Laura shares the realities of building the brand through years of reinvestment, family sacrifice and what she describes as blind faith. She reflects on the early production challenge that forced her to strengthen the business, the importance of learning through difficult moments and the confidence that comes from experience. The conversation explores Laura’s creative process and how she balances design instinct with customer feedback and commercial performance. She also takes us behind the scenes of her production network across India, Indonesia and China, sharing how she has built long-term relationships while maintaining quality, transparency and artisanal craftsmanship. Laura discusses the inspiration and strategy behind launching Ciao Ciao Vacation, how she maintains a distinct identity for each label and the different roles wholesale and ecommerce play across the two businesses. Elizabeth and Laura also explore selecting the right retail partners, supporting independent boutiques, protecting brand value, founder-led marketing and what is connecting with customers in the current fashion landscape. They also discuss how Laura and her team are using AI across data analysis, reporting, technical processes and supplier communication, while protecting the human creativity at the heart of the brands. The episode explores: Laura’s decade of industry experience before starting her own brand Launching Kinga Csilla with a $5,000 investment and no formal business plan Building a self-funded fashion business through reinvestment and resilience Learning from production challenges and strengthening quality-control processes Balancing creative instinct with customer insight and commercial performance Building production partnerships across India, Indonesia and China Preserving artisanal craftsmanship as the business grows The inspiration and strategy behind launching Ciao Ciao Vacation Managing two brands with distinct identities, customers and price points Balancing wholesale and direct-to-consumer growth Choosing retail partners and protecting long-term brand value Founder visibility, storytelling and what is working in fashion marketing Using AI to support fashion operations, data and production The mindset and support systems behind Laura’s journey What excites Laura about the future of her brands and the fashion industry CONNECT WITH LAURA AND HER BRANDS Laura Liles on Instagram: @‌laura_liles_ Kinga Csilla: kingacsilla.com Kinga Csilla on Instagram: @‌kinga_csilla Ciao Ciao Vacation: ciaociaovacation.com Ciao Ciao Vacation on Instagram: @‌ciao.ciao.vacation WORK WITH US –––––––––––––––– Upcoming Online Masterclass — Register Now Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass AI for Fashion E-commerce | Practical AI Systems to Create, Convert and Grow — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting About Fashion Business Mindset Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses. Work with Fashion Equipped Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction. This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last. Interested in Strategic Advisory? The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business. Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here. The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting Connect with us: Instagram: @‌fashionequipped Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Interested in Sponsorship? We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Impact Edit | Jack Rivera | Creative Director of Commonry | The Power of Engaging Your Community

    Impact Edit | Jack Rivera | Creative Director of Commonry | The Power of Engaging Your Community
    Jul 30 2026

    Enjoy this Impact Edit with Jack Rivera, 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.

    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.

    Tune in for your dose of business optimisation!

    If you enjoy this impact edit, you can listen to the full episode with Jack here.

    ________

    Over the past four years, I've had the privilege of chatting with some of the most inspiring thought leaders and change makers 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.

    _________

    WORK WITH US

    __________

    Upcoming Online Masterclass

    Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass

    https://fashionequipped.com.au/ai-for-fashion-e-commerce-register-now

    About Fashion Business Mindset

    Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

    Work with Fashion Equipped

    Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.

    Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

    This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

    Interested in Strategic Advisory?

    The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

    Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

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

    Connect with us:

    Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

    Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

    Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

    Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

    Interested in Sponsorship?

    We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

    To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

    Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • David Jones, Fashion Buying, Leadership & the Future of Retail with Bridget Veals

    David Jones, Fashion Buying, Leadership & the Future of Retail with Bridget Veals
    Jul 14 2026

    In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Bridget Veals, General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones.

    With more than 25 years of experience across some of the world’s leading fashion brands, Bridget has built an extraordinary career at the forefront of fashion buying, retail leadership and commercial strategy.

    Together, Elizabeth and Bridget explore how the buying function has evolved, what it takes to lead high-performing teams through change, and the trends shaping the future of Australian fashion retail. Bridget also shares her leadership philosophy, the importance of balancing creativity with commercial performance, and why curiosity and continuous learning remain essential throughout every stage of a career.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Bridget’s 25-year career journey in the fashion industry.

    • The evolution of fashion buying and the changing role of the modern buyer.

    • Leading high-performing teams through growth, transformation and change.

    • Balancing commercial outcomes with creativity in today’s retail environment.

    • How customer expectations continue to reshape fashion retail.

    • The future of Australian fashion retail and the opportunities ahead.

    • Leadership lessons from one of Australia’s most respected retail executives.

    • Why curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning are essential for long-term success.

    Whether you’re a fashion founder, buyer, retailer, merchandising professional or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of leading at the highest levels of the fashion industry.

    _________

    WORK WITH US

    __________

    Upcoming Online Masterclass - Register now

    Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass

    https://fashionequipped.com.au/ai-for-fashion-e-commerce-register-now

    👉 Register Here

    CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals - Register Now — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

    About Fashion Business Mindset

    Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

    Work with Fashion Equipped

    Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.

    Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

    This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

    Interested in Strategic Advisory?

    The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

    Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

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

    Connect with us:

    Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

    Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

    Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

    Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

    Interested in Sponsorship?

    We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

    To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

    Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Claude AI: Optimising Your Fashion Business

    Claude AI: Optimising Your Fashion Business
    Jun 30 2026

    In this solo episode, Elizabeth Formosa unpacks what it actually looks like to use AI with intention in a fashion business. She talks honestly about the pace of change many founders are feeling right now, why workflow has to come before technology, and where she's seeing Claude AI add real, practical value across fashion operations.

    The six areas she covers:

    • Founder productivity and leadership thinking

    • Financial visibility - margin, sell-through, inventory cover

    • Product and supply chain decisions

    • Marketing and content

    • Customer experience

    • Market intelligence

    She's also candid about where AI falls short and why judgment and context still matter most. A clear, grounded look at AI for fashion founders who want to move forward without losing sight of what makes their business work.

    Claude for Fashion Masterclass — Register Now

    Join our upcoming Claude for Fashion Masterclass.

    Elizabeth will be joined by an AI expert, Brooke Wright, and together they’ll bring both sides of the equation: fashion workflow and business solutions lens, plus technical AI expertise.

    The topics covered will be shaped directly by what you tell us you need. Your signup genuinely contributes to how the workshop is built.

    Workshop landing around mid-July. Date and spots to be announced.

    👉 Register Here

    CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals - Register Now — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

    About Fashion Business Mindset

    Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

    Work with Fashion Equipped

    Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.

    Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

    This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

    Interested in Strategic Advisory?

    The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

    Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

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

    Connect with us:

    Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

    Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

    Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

    Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

    Interested in Sponsorship?

    We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

    To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

    Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Independent, Intentional, Australian Made: The Fleur Collective Story | Fleur Richardson

    Independent, Intentional, Australian Made: The Fleur Collective Story | Fleur Richardson
    Jun 2 2026
    What does it really mean to build a fashion brand around a woman the industry has spent decades ignoring? In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa is joined by Fleur Richardson, founder and creative director of Fleur Collective, a 100% Australian-owned, female-founded womenswear brand built on a simple belief: clothing should move with you, not against you. Fourteen years in business. 95% made in Australia. Sizes 8 to 24 from day one. And a direct-to-consumer model built on genuine community and customer closeness. Fleur shares the real story behind those numbers. The design decisions, the sourcing challenges, the commercial pivots, and the personal discipline required to build and sustain a purpose-led fashion business in 2026. This is a grounded and commercially honest conversation for founders navigating growth, manufacturing complexity, and the challenge of serving a customer who deserves better. In this episode, we explore: How Fleur’s career across swimwear, menswear tailoring, raw materials and women’s wear shaped her commercial and creative lens The design philosophy behind Fleur Collective, and why fit, fabric and function drive every decision What inclusive sizing from 8 to 24 actually requires technically, and how the brand approaches grading across a diverse female body The decision to shut down wholesale and go direct-to-consumer, and why owning the customer relationship changed everything Live selling before it was a trend, and how the brand’s content model has evolved over nine years The realities and risks of sustaining 95% local manufacturing in Australia, including ageing maker networks and fabric supply challenges Why Fleur moved a small percentage of production offshore and how she approached that transition consciously Buying out a business partner and going all in, and what that decision unlocked What Fleur is building towards next, including an adaptive clothing project inspired by her brother Where AI sits in the business right now and the reality of adopting it as a small independent brand Key Takeaway Building a fashion brand with genuine commercial integrity means making decisions the outside world doesn’t always see. Fleur Richardson has spent fourteen years making those decisions. Quietly. Consistently. With her customer at the centre of every one. About the Guest Fleur Richardson is the founder and Creative Director of Fleur Collective — a 100% Australian-owned, female-founded womenswear brand crafting small-batch, considered collections for women who are done with compromise. Built on a belief that clothing should move with you, not against you, Fleur Collective has spent over a decade redefining what it means to dress with ease, confidence, and intention. With a 99% female workforce and most pieces made right here in Australia, Fleur has built more than a brand — she's built a community where every woman belongs. Explore Fleur Collective here. Watch behind the brand on Instagram here. Claude for Fashion Workshop — Join the Waitlist In this episode, you’ll hear Fleur and Elizabeth talk about AI and what it really means to start adopting it in a fashion business. If that conversation resonates with you, join the waitlist for our upcoming Claude for Fashion workshop. Elizabeth will be joined by an AI expert, and together they’ll bring both sides of the equation: fashion workflow and business solutions lens, plus technical AI expertise. The topics covered will be shaped directly by what you tell us you need. Your signup genuinely contributes to how the workshop is built. Workshop landing around mid-July. Date and spots to be announced. 👉 Join the waitlist here: CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting About Fashion Business Mindset Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses. Work with Fashion Equipped Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction. This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last. Interested in Strategic Advisory? The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business. Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here. The ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins