Ragtrader Live Sydney returned to the stage this week as fashion industry leaders gathered to talk shop.
‘Fashion Uncut: How Big Ideas Come To Life’ featured a range of in-depth panels and presentations over a half-day conference on May 23.
Check out the gallery above and rediscover the program highlights below.
8.00am Registration
8.30am Opening Address
8.35am Opportunities in Adversity: How to transform your brand in challenging times
Marquee Retail Group chairman Bernie Brookes
Australian fashion retailers are bracing for economic headwinds after navigating a period of disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. But are tough times an opportunity to pursue great ideas? Under his newly formed Marquee Retail Group, Australian retail figurehead and former Myer CEO Bernie Brookes reveals how he purchased one of the country’s biggest accessory retailers during lockdown - and put it on a path to transformation.
8.55am Unlock the Future: How Data Fuels Big Brand Ideas
Country Road head of marketing Lina Cabai
Data is the backbone of many industries and often the key to unlocking insights that drive innovation and growth. However, data alone is not enough to fuel ideas. It needs to be analysed, understood and synthesised in a meaningful way to drive business outcomes for fashion retailers. In this presentation, Lina Cabai unlocks how data has inspired major brand plays and unpacks the journey across customer segments, loyalty, new channels and brand impact initiatives.
9.15am Fashion and Finance: The art of buying and building successful brands
Hotsprings CEO Wassim Gazal, Camilla CEO Jane McNally, Honey Birdette global director of product and marketing Francesca Anderson, ACTA Capital chairman Richard Facioni
The Australian fashion industry has recorded a number of major retail acquisitions and investment deals in recent years. But what do retail investors look for in a good idea and a solid business strategy? This two-part panel delves into what makes a successful fashion brand and investment strategy in Australia, as well as unearthing how two of the country’s most iconic labels are fast-tracking global expansion with new backing.
9.45am Morning Tea
10.15am Becoming B-Corp: Turning a sustainable fashion dream into reality
KMD Brands chief ESG officer Frances Blundell
As consumer expectations towards environmental and social responsibility shift, ESG has become an essential component of business strategy. This year, dual-listed $711 million KMD Brands made history in securing B Corp Certification for all three of its apparel subsidiaries. This session reveals the rigorous process involved to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency while sharing insights for brands starting their journey.
10.35am Sponsored Session: Kepler Analytics head of product Tony De Fazio
10.50am Rewrite the rulebook: New marketing strategies for success
David Jones CMO James Holloman, Rebel head of marketing Brock Coleman, Platypus head of marketing Briony Kent, Shopline country manager Jonathon Levy
The world of retail marketing is undergoing a period of transformation driven by technology, changing consumer behaviour and new economic realities. This panel of marketing leaders will explore the latest trends and strategies that businesses are deploying to stay ahead in a dynamic and fast-evolving landscape. From successful marketing campaigns to cut-through BAU initiatives for the bottom line, this discussion will tackle the full funnel.
11.20am Can a good idea last a lifetime? Inside the transformative journey of Bendon
Bendon Group CEO Anna Johnson
Founded in New Zealand in 1947, Bendon has positioned itself as a leader in the intimate apparel industry for over 70 years across both domestic and international borders. In this open-book presentation, Anna Johnson reveals how the brand has remained relevant to modern consumers and successfully navigated the changes and disruption that come with operating a retail business.
11.40am Closing Address