Some stories shimmer at the surface; others reveal their depth only when you listen closely.
Kellie Hush’s journey through Australian fashion has been anything but linear – from Canberra schoolgirl to magazine editor, retail founder, and now CEO of Australian Fashion Week 2025. She’s seen the glamour, the grind, and the grit behind an industry built on reinvention. In this episode, Kellie opens up about the power of resilience, the lessons hidden in failure, and the optimism that has carried her through every chapter.
Key Highlights
~ From outlier to insider. Growing up in Canberra, Kellie never quite fit in – a creative misfit who turned her difference into drive. That independence shaped her ambition and built the resilience that would define her leadership.
~ The making of a media powerhouse. From Who Weekly to InStyle to Harper’s Bazaar, Kellie built a career at the center of Australian fashion publishing, leading with clarity, curiosity, and commercial instinct during the golden era of magazines.
~ The humbling fall – and the rebuild. After leaving media to start her own accessories business, Kellie faced betrayal, burnout, and humiliation. What looked like failure became the turning point that redefined her sense of self and strength.
~ Reinvention through connection. Guided by mentors like Carla Zampatti and surrounded by a network she’d built with care, Kellie rebuilt her career as a consultant, eventually joining The Volte – a world-first fashion rental platform reshaping the circular economy.
~ Leadership with optimism. As CEO of Australian Fashion Week 2025, Kellie champions purpose over perfection. Her focus: celebrating Australian design, supporting emerging talent, and proving that optimism isn’t naivety – it’s discipline.
Kellie Hush reminds us that leadership isn’t about never falling. It’s about knowing when to stand back up, what to carry forward, and what to leave behind. Her story is a testament to clarity through chaos – and the quiet power of backing yourself when no one else does.
Connect with Kellie Hush: LinkedIn
Connect with The Volte: LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
This episode is brought to you by: Flagship
