With all the focus on the impact of digital channels on traditional retail stores, it's very easy to think that this is all that fashion is about.
While the retail debate and future of bricks-and-mortar shopping continues, the fashion industry is looking ahead and transforming itself into a force that is technology enabled, performance driven and customer centred. While traditional perspectives on fashion have focused on personalisation and creativity in design of the product, the manufacturing processes have been all about averages and standardisation. With the advent of digital technologies, standardisation is taking second place to personalisation, and design is all about product for performance. Could fashion be all about looking good and having a competitive advantage that works specifically for you at the same time? And how much of a part do questions around sustainability really influence us when it's time to buy?
In this event, our panel will be sharing their insights on how technology is challenging our paradigm on what constitutes fashion including:
- What does hyper-personalisation look like
- Delivering an omni-channel experience - is it really all digital now
- The potential of big data and analytics
- Challenges in innovation - consumer, regulatory, technology
- Platforms and trends shaping the future
Presented as part of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Ideas Program.
Event Partner - Luminary
Panelists
Leila Naja Hibri - CEO, The Australian Fashion Council
Leila was appointed as CEO of The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) in February 2020, having been actively involved with the AFC since its inception, and invited to join its' Board of Directors in 2018.
Leila, who until recently, was the General Manager at Australian fashion accessories label Helen Kaminski and a Member of the Board of Directors of HKJC - a Tokyo based joint venture company, has a background in Economics and over 15 years’ experience in luxury and premium fashion brand management and development across APAC, Europe and North America. She has worked with organisations such as Arthur Anderson, The United Nations, Prada and Luxottica and led teams in Sydney, Auckland, London, New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Leila's expertise and passion lie in growing Australian brands in export markets while advocating for equal opportunity, sustainability and diversity in business. She looks forward to furthering the voice of Australian fashion both locally and globally, with the aim of creating a best practice industry.
Rob Fisher - Founder & Director, Tec.fit
Rob is an experienced start-up founder and company Director with a demonstrated history of working in the technology and retail industry. Rob has an extensive background in Sales, Digital Strategy, Account Management and Capital Raising.
Rob has co-founded various businesses, including his current business Tec.Fit where he oversees the execution of business wide strategies and operations. Rob has a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) majoring in Finance & Management from Monash University, Melbourne.
James Turner - Cape Bionics
James is CEO of both Qtec Systems and Coloured Lines and Co-Founder Cape Bionics. He is also investor and advisor to a range of high-growth B2B SaaS businesses.
Cape Bionics utilises the latest technology from the aerospace industry, coupled with latest medical research, fused with cutting edge sports science. Cape has created a new category of personal compression garments for the professional sports market that brings consistent and genuine benefits: BioCompression.
James has 30 years of experience in the technology industry with a background in capital raising, US market entry and sales strategies. Portfolio interests include intelligent virtual assistants, reg tech, sports tech and advanced voice services.
James has an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW.
Saskia Fairfull - Founder, IFAB
A rebel in fashion, Saskia is the founder of the global fashion tech community and new-retail consultancy - IFAB. On a mission to bring the fashion and tech industries together, she works with technology startups and challenger brands to clearly define their position and unique offering in the market.
An experienced marketing professional with a masterful angle on brand. The Midas touch with communications, social media, events, and community management. Saskia empowers people to harness new and emerging technologies in fashion.
Nate Orton - Cofounder, Ichpig
Ticket price includes drinks, light refreshments and a copy of the event report.
