Hear hot tips directly from a Chinese clothing supplier
This year we welcome Mr Shan, an industry veteran from China’s garment export industry. In a one-hour session taking place on Friday 14 June, Mr Shan will share his knowledge on the changes to China’s international supply chain and invite you to consider how this affects your sourcing strategy. To learn more, click the Friday 14 June tab below.
This session is part of the Global Sourcing Seminars, a program 13 one-hour long talks and panels discussions. Tickets cost $40 +gst per session and can be purchased when you register.
Seminar Program
Fleur Brown
Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
Australian Retail Outlook – Performance, Trends and Predictions
Wednesday 12 June
10 – 11am
Session Overview
Australian Retail Outlook – Performance, Trends and Predictions
Join Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association (ARA), as she examines the latest retail industry developments and customer insights to paint a clearer picture of what the financial year has in store.
This presentation is your guide to navigating the dynamic Australian retail landscape, providing essential knowledge for industry professionals. Gain a strategic advantage by understanding key retail metrics, emerging trends, and expert forecasts.
Panel Discussion Chaired by
Elizabeth Formosa, Founder, Fashioned Equipped
Navigating the Conscious Fashion Evolution
Wednesday 12 June
11:30am – 12:30pm
Session overview
Navigating the Conscious Fashion Evolution
Join our expert panel for a thought-provoking discussion on “Navigating the Conscious Fashion Evolution.” In this session we’ll explore the ever-changing landscape of conscious fashion, where each choice becomes a step forward in a transformative journey.
From considered design practices to ethical sourcing, sustainability, circularity and transparency, our panellists will be your guides in navigating the intricate elements of embarking on a path of positive change. You’re sure to gain valuable insights that will support your implementation of a more sustainable future, one mindful decision at a time. The evolution of conscious fashion is calling—be part of the movement shaping brands with purpose.
Panelists: Dr Vaibhav Gaikward, Head of Sustainability at ELK, Elle Roseby, Managing Director of Country Road and Trenery & Mary Lou Ryan, Co-Founder of bassike.
Panel Discussion
Shariqa Mestroni, Special Counsel, James Hoy, Special Counsel, Jessica Laverty, Senior Associate, Bird & Bird
AI Risks and Opportunities
Wednesday 12 June
1 – 2pm
Session overview
AI Risks and Opportunities
Like any disruptive technology, the rise of generative AI has unleashed a wave of opportunities and challenges for individuals and businesses alike. The panellists will look at the key challenges that generative AI poses to brand creators and brand owners in Australia and share strategies for mitigating the risks.
The regulation of AI under Australian law will be examined and how upcoming privacy law reforms may impact the use of AI in your business by stakeholders in everyday operations such as the handling of consumer data. This session is not intended to be overly legalistic but will focus on practical case studies and illustrative examples.
Panel Discussion
Bridget Veals, General Manager Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories, David Jones, Michelle Maynard, Manager, Indigenous Fashion Projects, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Ltd, Juanita Page, Joseph & James and David Leslie, Gali Swimwear
Indigenous Fashion Projects: Bridging Cultures, Creating Opportunities
Wednesday 12 June
2:30 – 3:30pm
Panellists
This panel discussion explores the groundbreaking IFP Pathways Program that was launched by Australian department store chain David Jones in 2020 in collaboration with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s Indigenous Fashion Projects initiative. Led by David Jones general manager of womenswear, footwear and accessories Bridget Veals, this is the first fashion retail-focused mentoring program in Australia – and arguably the world – dedicated to the rapidly growing Indigenous fashion sector.
A long-term initiative, it provides support at all stages in the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion brands via mentoring, workshops, seminars and industry networking opportunities. Over the past four years Australian Indigenous designers have been through the program and presented their collections at the annual David Jones x IFP group showcase at Australian Fashion Week. Join this panel to learn more about this exciting project and the ever-evolving brands.
Bridget Veals, General Manager Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories, David Jones, Michelle Maynard, Manager, Indigenous Fashion Projects, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Ltd, Juanita Page, Joseph & James and David Leslie, Gali Swimwear
Natalie Xenita
Vice President-Managing Director, APAC, IMG Fashion Events
Australian Fashion Week Through the Eyes of the Executive
Wednesday 12 June
3:45 – 4:30pm
Australian Fashion Week Through the Eyes of the Executive
An insider perspective on APAC’s most high-profile fashion event – Australian Fashion Week. Natalie Xenita will touch on the work that goes into the event’s production each year, the strategies – and challenges involved, as well as its journey and achievements since its beginnings in 1996. She’ll also highlight the selection criteria for participating designers, discuss the event’s expansion in recent years, and delve into the sustainability strategy and its key pillars. Additionally, Natalie will shed light on how the event effectively communicates with its international audience, focusing particularly on engaging buyers. Notably, the presentation will go beyond the renowned ‘runway razzle dazzle,’ exploring the various iterations and enhancements that have been incorporated into the event over the years.
Bridget Veals, General Manager Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories, David Jones, Michelle Maynard, Manager, Indigenous Fashion Projects, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Ltd, Juanita Page, Joseph & James and David Leslie, Gali Swimwear
Ainsley Simpson
CEO, Seamless
Seamless – Changing the Way We Design, Consume and Recycle Clothing
Thursday 13 June
10 – 11am
Session Overview
Seamless – Changing the Way We Design, Consume and Recycle Clothing
Hear from Ainsley Simpson, Seamless CEO, as she shares updates on how the Seamless scheme has progressed since being announced by Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek a year ago. Ainsley will team up with pivotal Seamless brands and stakeholders on a dynamic panel, unveiling the extensive groundwork accomplished in recent months, to gear up for the scheme’s full operational launch.
Melinda Tually
Director Ndless: The New Normal, Strategic Human Rights & Sustainability Consultancy
The Digital Product Passport is Coming
Thursday 13 June
11:30am – 12:30pm
Session overview
The Digital Product Passport is Coming
What’s in a product label? Now, more than ever, labels will carry a significant weight in customer purchasing decisions. By 2030, all textile products for sale in the EU need to contain a Digital Product Passport (DPP), containing an unprecedented amount of environmental impact data. This profound shift in product traceability demands that all brands, especially those engaged in international wholesale, swiftly align and prepare as soon as they can.
Concurrently, as regulators introduce comprehensive transparency and supply chain due diligence laws, a new era of corporate accountability is unfolding with a strong emphasis on sustainability and circularity.
Join this session to learn how to determine your readiness for compliance with this sweeping change. You’ll discover how to pinpoint and address data gaps and identify strategic partnerships with service providers to guarantee seamless supply chain traceability and data delivery to end-users.
Melinda Tually, Director Ndless: The New Normal, Strategic Human Rights & Sustainability Consultancy, along with industry expert panellists
Rosanna Iacono
CEO, The Growth Activists
Circular Fashion – Moving from Ambition to Implementation
Thursday 13 June
1 – 2pm
Session overview
Rosanna will present a practical guide to Circular Fashion for businesses in the sector. The presentation will include:
- Urgency & Opportunity – we will unpack the stark realities of the sector’s impact and unlock the immense potential of circular practices.
- Measuring Impact – we’ll guide you through the frameworks that businesses can use to assess their starting point and establish achievable targets to work towards.
- Joined-Up Action – we’ll identify the critical stakeholders to engage and essential partnerships to form, ensuring credibility and success.
- Case Studies – we’ll cover some practical examples of how leaders in the space are delivering meaningful progress towards circular business models.
You’ll leave with valuable resources and actionable next steps to kickstart your business’s circular journey, while becoming a force for positive change in the industry.
Panel Discussion
James Bartle, CEO, Outland Denim, Professor Shelley Marshall, RMIT & Melinda Tually, Director Ndless
Pursuing Social Justice: The Impact of the Living Wage Movement
Thursday 13 June
2:30 – 3:30pm
Session overview
Pursuing Social Justice: The Impact of the Living Wage Movement
In an era marked by growing economic disparities and social inequalities, the Living Wage movement stands as a beacon of hope for equitable labour practices and fair wages. This session will delve into the significance and impact of the Living Wage initiative, featuring insights from a panel of industry experts.
James Bartle, renowned for his pioneering efforts in sustainable fashion through Outland Denim, will share firsthand experiences and reflections on implementing the Living Wage within his company.
Complementing this practical perspective, Shelley Marshall, an esteemed academic from RMIT University, will provide, via discussion, a scholarly analysis of the Living Wage movement. Drawing on empirical research and expertise in development studies and business and human rights, Marshall will explore impetus for a living wage, and the challenges for business in ensuring a living wage in their supply chains.
Melinda Tually, a strategic human rights and sustainability advisor, soon to embark on a Churchill fellowship to research the implementation of living wages in apparel supply chains, will discuss practical efforts brands can take to commence their living wage journeys and the different approaches currently being utilised by the industry globally.
Evelyn Gibson
Partnerships Lead, World Fashion Exchange
Sustainability Tracing in the Supply Chain
Friday 14 June
10 – 11am
Session Overview
Practical Solutions for Reducing Environmental Impact in the Production Process
Joining via Zoom
Many companies want to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint but are searching for practical solutions. This seminar shares these practical guidelines and more, directly from Anshu Gupta – a seasoned supply chain leader with extensive experience in the apparel industry.
Anshu has a proven track record of driving commercial results in both the brand and supplier environments. In this seminar she’ll explore pressing topics such as reducing waste, using sustainable material, improving energy efficiency and sustainable design principles.
Gain invaluable insights in reducing your carbon footprint and making a positive impact throughout the production process.
Bonnic Chung
Strategic Advisor, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)
Social Compliance Audit Fatigue: Fresh approaches to a growing problem
Friday 14 June
11:30am – 12:30pm
Session Overview
Delve into the phenomenon of ‘Audit Fatigue’ within the realm of social compliance audits as we explore its origins, global ramifications, and emerging solutions.
Discover how increased attention from legislators worldwide is shaping the future of supply chain due diligence. Bonnic will shed light on how the industry is progressing towards cost-effective and independent audits, which can significantly alleviate audit fatigue for factories, thus contributing to a more streamlined and effective supply chain due diligence environment.
Jude Kingston
Director, Mind your Fashion
“Perfect your Pitch” Insights on How to Present Your Collection to International Fashion Buyers.
Friday 14 June
1 – 2pm
Session Overview
“Perfect your Pitch” Insights on How to Present Your Collection to International Fashion Buyers.
Designers, do you know what it takes to capture the attention of a Buyer and effectively present your collection?
Set yourself up for success by uncovering insider secrets, receiving valuable tips and gaining industry insights to craft a compelling pitch for potential buyers. Learn about the hidden costs, expectations and other helpful information that will optimise your preparation for the presentation. Gain valuable insights from fashion industry veteran Jude Kingston on achieving this for your brand.
Mr Shan
General Manager, Ningbo King O’Melly IMP EXP CO LTD
Changes to Chinese Garment Supply Chain and How to Deal with Your Chinese Suppliers – from a Chinese clothing supplier’s perspective
Friday 14 June
2:30 – 3:30pm
Session Overview
Changes to Chinese Garment Supply Chain and How to Deal with Your Chinese Suppliers – from a Chinese clothing supplier’s perspective
Mr Shan founded a clothing company 20 years ago, being a small to medium-sized clothing export company. As an industry veteran, he is familiar with changes over the past 20 years, in China’s garment international trade supply chain which directly influences the sourcing strategy.
In this session you will gain a better understanding of the garment supply chain in China, including the strengths and weaknesses of small, medium and large exporters.
Mr Shan is from Ningbo, a garment manufacturing centre and home to thousands of clothing companies including producers of international brands like Uniqlo, as well as small to medium companies that serve boutiques and online stores.