Our Portrait series was created to capture the stories of the incredible women who inspire us. Kellie Hush stands as a powerful example – a formidable force in Australian fashion whose work continues to shape the industry’s future.
In our latest instalment of the Portrait series, we sit down with fashion leader, strategist, and changemaker Kellie Hush. From her editorial legacy at Harper’s BAZAAR to her pioneering work in circular fashion through The Volte and Australian Fashion Week, Kellie brings a rare depth of insight into both the creative and commercial sides of the industry.
To us, Kellie represents what it means to lead with purpose. Championing sustainability, spotlighting emerging voices, and evolving fashion for a new generation.
Scroll on to explore Kellie’s distinctive perspective on leadership, shaping legacy, and the future of Australian fashion.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
“I’ve lived about four careers already! Fashion editor, founder, board director, and now tech changemaker. I began in print journalism in the 90s, went on to become Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, and more recently, I co-founded The Volte, the world’s largest peer-to-peer designer rental and technology platform. Most recently, I stepped into the role of CEO of Australian Fashion Week 2025. The thread through it all? A love of fashion, storytelling, strategy and the power of style to shift culture. And a love for building things bigger than myself. I’m also the mother of two amazing young women Amelia, 19 and Lola, 17. My greatest achievements! I love watching them grow and follow their own paths. Sidenote: I was never a fashion mum who curated their wardrobes - I loathe “mini me” dressing!”
YOU’VE WORN MANY HATS IN YOUR CAREER – EDITOR, STRATEGIST, FOUNDER, CEO. WHAT HAS ANCHORED YOUR PURPOSE THROUGH SUCH A DYNAMIC JOURNEY IN FASHION?
“Impact. Whether I was choosing a magazine cover or building a tech platform, I’ve always asked: does this move the needle? Does it change how we consume, create, or connect? I’ve always wanted to be known not just for my style or position, but for my integrity, innovation and impact. Whether launching a magazine cover, pivoting into tech, or transforming fashion week, I’ve been anchored by the belief that real influence is about building something bigger than yourself, not being the product, but building the platform. I want to be known for building something that lasts, that evolves with culture, and that empowers others, especially women.”
YOU HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN CHAMPIONING AUSTRALIAN DESIGNERS THROUGHOUT THIS WORK. HOW DOES THIS SHAPE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE?
“Supporting and advocating for Australian designers has always been core to what I do from placing them on the pages of Harper’s BAZAAR, supporting them nationally and internationally as a co-founder of the Australian Fashion Council and as CEO of Australian Fashion Week, to now empowering them through The Volte’s rental-resale integration. Australian fashion has always punched above its weight creatively. I believe our local industry holds the blueprint and values for fashion’s future: agile, accessible, sustainably-minded, and lifestyle-focused. And as our voices grow louder on the world stage, we’re shaping a new kind of fame: one based on values, not just visuals.”
YOU’VE OFTEN SPOKEN ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGACY BRANDS EVOLVING. HOW DO YOU BALANCE INNOVATION WITH THE EMOTIONAL POWER OF HERITAGE IN FASHION?
“Legacy and innovation aren’t opposites, they’re partners. You just have to know when to evolve the story. I saw this firsthand at Harper’s BAZAAR when luxury brands started courting influencers and how traditional media continued to ignore the power of digital and social media. At first there was opposition but today we see how those early adopters won by being open to innovation and change. At The Volte, we’re now helping those same heritage brands transition into circular business models. It’s about honouring what made them iconic - craftsmanship, community, narrative - while helping them remain relevant in a world driven by access, not just ownership. When you let the consumer participate in a garment’s entire lifecycle- owning, renting, reselling- you’re not losing brand value, you’re multiplying it and also accessing incredible data about not only your first customer, but your second, third, fourth…”
AS LEADERS IN THIS INDUSTRY, WE BOTH FEEL A RESPONSIBILITY TO TREAD MORE LIGHTLY. WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE AUSTRALIAN FASHION PLAYING IN DRIVING GLOBAL CONVERSATIONS AROUND SUSTAINABILITY?
“Australia has always punched above its weight creatively, but now we’re doing the same in sustainability. What’s exciting is that we’re not just following global trends we’re shaping them. The Volte is proof of that. Our peer-to-peer model is disrupting traditional fashion consumption, and the recent UTS report confirms what we’ve long believed: rental can reduce fashion’s climate impact by up to 78%. That’s not a marginal gain, it’s a game-changer.
But this shift goes beyond The Volte. Across the country, we’re seeing Australian designers, like Bianca Spender, embed sustainability into their design DNA from recycled and regenerative materials to circular business models. What sets us apart is our willingness to collaborate brands, consumers, and platforms like ours coming together to rethink value, ownership, and waste. And I believe Australian fashion is showing the world that design-led, and tech-enabled solutions aren’t just possible, they’re profitable, scalable, and culturally powerful.”
AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK HAS ALWAYS BEEN A MIRROR OF THE MOMENT. AS ITS CEO, WHAT DID YOU SEE IN THE SPOTLIGHT IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM?
“This year we returned Australian Fashion Week to its roots - a true trade platform. While the influencer energy was still present, even from outside the tent, it was the designers and industry professionals that took centre stage. We showcased the strength of our creative economy, and the need for infrastructure, export support, and media amplification. Fashion is no longer just about the show, it’s also about what happens after the runway lights go down. I was recently in London and met with the British Fashion Council who commented on how much they loved what we were doing and the incredible fashion week images they saw across multiple media platforms. We create clothes women and men around the world want to wear and can wear.”
YOUR CAREER HAS CONSISTENTLY ELEVATED WOMEN’S VOICES AND CREATIVITY. WHO ARE THE WOMEN CURRENTLY INSPIRING YOU MOST IN FASHION, BUSINESS OR CULTURE?
“Throughout my career whether in media, at Australian Fashion Week or now at The Volte I’ve always seen it as my responsibility and privilege to champion women: to give them platforms, amplify their creativity, and back their vision. I’m especially inspired by women who carve their own paths and define success on their terms.
Bernadette Olivier, my co-founder at The Volte, is the perfect example. She’s relentless in the best way. She chased me for years until I finally said yes to building this business with her. Then there’s Bianca Spender, who designs with both beauty and purpose, proving that sustainability and style are not mutually exclusive. And Bianca has never lost her curiosity. She goes deep in every conversation every time I see her, which I love.
And more broadly, I’m energised by the women who are rejecting outdated systems but are instead building meaningful brands and communities. They’re not waiting for permission. They’re creating space for others, not just themselves. That’s the kind of leadership I admire and try to model.”
CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? WHAT DESIGN ELEMENTS ARE YOU DRAWN TO?
“My style is modern, minimal and intentional. I’ve always been drawn to clean lines and statement pieces, and I love dresses that feel both effortless and elevated. Functional elegance I call it - my wardrobe needs to support a full day! I don’t chase trends, but I do love fashion that feels directional, something with a point of view. I’ve spent my career championing Australian designers, so I wear local wherever I can and I’m a big believer in fashion as an investment. And unlike most fashion editors, I love colour. My wardrobe is definitely not all shades of black. And for clarity - I had my first bob haircut in kindergarten - it's not an Anna Wintour cut!”
WHAT ARE YOU DRAWN TO ABOUT THE BIANCA SPENDER BRAND?
“Bianca understands the joy of fashion - the team saw my face light up when I slipped into those amazing looks for this shoot! I felt amazing and a lot of that has to do with how Bianca understands the female form. Her work strikes that rare balance between restraint and power. Her pieces feel intelligent both in cut and concept. She’s a master of soft tailoring, and her commitment to sustainability aligns with the values I’ve built my business around. Her designs let the woman wear the clothes not the other way around. And in an industry that can often be noisy, that quiet confidence is everything.”
