M/FW CONVERSATIONS: INVEST IN YOUR FASHION BUSINESS

PRESENTED BY COLLARTS Featuring Athena Saavas, Oliver Smith and Vonne Yang. Moderator: Sally Mackinnon. Join our panel of industry experts for an insightful conversation on how to build a resilient, future-focused fashion business. Explore topics such as brand growth, sustainability, consumer expectations and the value of collaboration in a session offering practical insights for emerging and established professionals alike. Following the discussion, interactive workshops invite participants to refine their business strategies, strengthen customer connections and unlock new opportunities for long-term success in an ever-changing industry. Workshop #1 The Fashion Startup Challenge: Map It, Invest In It, Market It hosted by Vonne Yang and Collarts Fashion Education team. Workshop #2 Learn how to connect the authentic value of your product with a feeling customers want to buy into with brand expert Oliver Smith. Panellists Athena Savvas (Sustainability and Impact Manager) As the Sustainability and Impact Manager at fashion brand DISSH, Athena Savvas has strong belief in the power of business as a force for good. She was previously the Sustainability and Projects Manager at M.J. Bale and spent over 6 years working in Cambodia doing humanitarian aid. Oliver Smith (Brand Strategist) Oli Smith is a brand strategist with more than a decade of experience building campaigns for some of the world’s most recognised companies, including Samsung, Shell, McLaren and Deloitte. Vonne Yang (Collarts Lecturer, Entrepreneur) Vonne Yang is a multidisciplinary creative with a background in fashion, wellness, hospitality, tourism and architecture. As the founder of Inro, Inrocation, Soiree On Smith, and Babines, she brings entrepreneurial experience across circular fashion and down-to-earth hospitality. Moderator Sally Mackinnon (Style Thought Leader) Sally Mackinnon (@styledbysally) is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced personal stylists. Sally is the author of Styled, a timeless and practical guide to personal style published by Penguin and is resident stylist on ABC News Breakfast.