“I’m a risk-taker”: Kellie Hush on her pivotal career moves

You’ve had a remarkable journey — from fashion media to tech entrepreneur to CEO of Australian Fashion Week. What drove your first big career pivot from editorial to business?

I was working in the media during a challenging time. The industry had been significantly disrupted, first by global economic pressures which affected advertising dollars in the luxury sector, and later by the rise of social media and online platforms. With diminishing budgets, it became hard to stay motivated in an industry where there was no money to spend.

We were expected to do more with less and it was difficult to offer staff decent pay when companies weren’t giving pay rises. I realised I didn’t want to be a publisher or CEO of a media company because the industry had changed so much since I first joined. 

I always wanted to apply the skills I’d learned in media to other areas. I’d been encouraged by a mentor to launch a retail business, but I felt I had more to offer.

Have you experienced self-doubt in your career, either during a professional challenge or experience of failure?

When I left the media, I launched a fashion retail business, an accessories brand and I partnered with someone to bring it to life. My vision was to offer affordable, on-trend accessories for fashion-conscious women who couldn’t afford upmarket labels.

But once the business took off, it became clear my business partner had a different vision. As the majority shareholder, he wanted a more commercial, sexier brand, whereas I aimed for something more elevated. We couldn’t align creatively, so I left the business. It was incredibly hard, my first real failure. I felt publicly humiliated when it was written about in the press.

I also had invested a significant amount of money, so I had to take legal action to recover it. It was stressful and, at the time, I felt I’d let myself down. I also struggled with unemployment for the first time in my life, having left a top role in publishing to pursue this venture. Eventually, I picked myself up and started collaborating with a friend, which led to new opportunities just before the COVID pandemic hit.

That experience taught me resilience. It made me realise that failure is part of the journey and I could move forward from it.

How would you describe your leadership style and how has it developed throughout your career?

When I started, I was hesitant to ask questions, but over time, I became comfortable with it, realising others might feel the same way. I am a lot more vocal now.

“I’m a risk-taker; learning from failure has made me more resilient and less risk-averse.”
- Kellie Hush, CEO, Australian Fashion Week

I prefer empowering my team rather than micromanaging, giving direct feedback when needed. Collaboration is key, especially in creative fields like fashion, where working with designers, photographers, stylists and models is essential for success.

What attracted you to the CEO role at Australian Fashion Week and how did you achieve your goals with the event approaching quickly in May?

“I thrive on challenges and high-pressure environments. The prospect of delivering something quickly excites me, which is why stepping into the role of CEO for Australian Fashion Week in January was a great fit. After discussing it with my family, I took the opportunity.”
- Kellie Hush, CEO, Australian Fashion Week

The main challenge was raising sponsorship money, but securing the right designers was crucial. When some brands couldn’t join, I focused on those who were committed. Positivity and quick action helped drive progress, and despite late support from CommBank, their partnership proved invaluable. The event was a success, and the brands that backed us were thrilled.

How did you convince sponsors and stakeholders of Australian Fashion Week’s importance and the benefits of supporting it with such a tight turnaround?

“I positioned Australian Fashion Week as an opportunity to be part of a new era, focusing on Australian fashion rather than entertainment. It wasn’t about creating a circus; it was about elevating the industry and celebrating quality fashion.”
- Kellie Hush, CEO, Australian Fashion Week

This idea of being part of something new and impactful was appealing to many brands. With 25 years in the industry, I had the trust of my network. I know many of the people in the fashion world and they felt confident with me leading the charge. The media coverage was also a major draw, thanks to my network and that of Edwina McCann at Vogue. Our collaborative, collegiate approach ensured we would deliver something exceptional.

That’s a powerful image — peers and rivals coming together to support the industry.

It’s funny, when I started at Harper’s Bazaar, it was a challenging time. Edwina McCann had been poached by Vogue and there was media coverage that painted us as rivals, even enemies. It was tough, especially when a lot of Bazaar’s staff went to Vogue and I was left with limited resources. I focused a lot on what Vogue was doing, which felt overwhelming.

A mutual friend, who knew both of us, reminded me that Edwina respected me as a leader and an editor. That was great advice, it shifted my focus back to rebuilding Bazaar. I realised that while it’s important to be aware of the competition, the key is to focus on what you can control and do well.

Today, Edwina and I are great friends and incredibly supportive of each other. She cheered me on during Fashion Week and I do the same for her. That early lesson taught me the value of focusing on my own path while respecting the competition.

What do you consider the power in Australia’s fashion identity and how should local designers position themselves globally?

I recently hosted a breakfast in London where Lisa Armstrong from The Telegraph was present. It was interesting to hear her perspective on Australian fashion. She loved how Australian fashion is fresh and accessible, truly representing our lifestyle.

Unlike London Fashion Week, where a dress might cost £5,000 and be out of reach for most, Australian designers like Lee Mathews or Aje offer high-quality pieces at price points that are more attainable. You can actually walk into a store like David Jones or an Australian boutique and purchase something from the runway. That accessibility is part of our fashion identity.

Australian fashion exudes a positive energy and optimism, much like our actors — great to work with, down-to-earth and always up for a laugh. Our fashion represents that same spirit. For me, every piece of work at Australian Fashion Week had to reflect that optimism, whether through imagery or the overall feel. I want everything we do to convey colour, light and energy. I believe that’s what makes Australian fashion stand out.

“Australian fashion exudes a positive energy and optimism, much like our actors — great to work with, down-to-earth and always up for a laugh. Our fashion represents that same spirit.”
- Kellie Hush, CEO, Australian Fashion Week

Tell me a bit more about The Volte, how it came together, and what you’re hoping to achieve with it in the mid to long term as a platform.

The Volte started as a peer-to-peer rental marketplace, but we’ve since added an exciting feature called Seamlist. This API integration with brands allows customers to upload items like a Bianca Spender dress for rent or resale directly after purchase, streamlining the process.

We’ve partnered with eBay Australia to enable this functionality and have expanded The Volte platform to the UK. Our long-term goal is to champion the global circular fashion economy, making it easier for people to participate in sustainable fashion by removing barriers like time-consuming uploads.

“Our long-term goal [at The Volte] is to champion the global circular fashion economy, making it easier for people to participate in sustainable fashion by removing barriers like time-consuming uploads.”
- Kellie Hush, CEO, Australian Fashion Week

What are the industry trends you’re observing as a former fashion editor? Where do you think the corridors of influence are now?

As a former fashion editor, I’ve seen the shift from a "fashion dictatorship" to a more community-driven model. Our super lenders at The Volte are the true business leaders, influencing trends on our platform. Social media now reflects this, with consumers moving away from dictated, head-to-toe luxury looks and embracing individuality.

The rise of influencers, often everyday people with style, has disrupted the old system. Platforms like TikTok are replacing Instagram’s polished images with more authentic, relatable content, highlighting the importance of realness and community in shaping trends today.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.