Three Paths, One Vision: Learning from Fashion’s New Leaders

At the Fashion InStyle Expo Hong Kong, I had the privilege of travelling alongside three remarkable women whose work exemplifies the breadth and future of the fashion industry: Alisa Christensen, Mary Argyropoulos and Xizhu Wu.

Each is forging her own path, demonstrating that sustainability, cultural heritage and digital innovation are reshaping the way we design, produce and communicate in fashion today.

Alisa Christensen: Bridging Innovation and Sustainability

With over 15 years in the fashion industry, Alisa has seen firsthand the evolving expectations around sustainability. As a key figure at State of Escape, she played a pivotal role in the brand's journey to achieving B Corp Certification, a significant milestone considering the brand's primary material, neoprene.

Beyond her sustainability leadership, Alisa occupies one of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, roles in fashion: the bridge between suppliers, material innovators, production teams and final product development. She is the connective tissue, ensuring that relationships are maintained, suppliers are respected and every product that carries the brand's name meets the highest standards. Her work reminds us that real sustainability happens not only in marketing but in the deep, daily work of supply chain care and long-term trust.

Mary Argyropoulos: Heritage and New Voices in Fashion

Currently completing her Honours year at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), emerging designer Mary Argyropoulos is creating a new visual language grounded in her rich Greek heritage. Her designs offer a fresh interpretation of the diaspora experience, blending traditional references with contemporary structures and materials.

Mary has spent the last 4 years collaborating with @iordanesspyridongogos x @mary.argy and in 2024, they collaborated to bring this beautiful piece to life for the 2024 Hautes Grecians Runway in Athens. Mary's works capture the essence of her Greek heritage, bringing a sophisticated, global sensibility to materials and shapes that are culturally inspired. She represents a new generation of Australian designers who are deeply connected to their cultural roots yet fearlessly forward-looking.

Xizhu Wu: Crafting Luxury Through Digital Mastery

Founder of Xi Wu Studio, Xizhu Wu has been recognised by the Australian Fashion Council as a winner of the 2023 Next Gen Runway, Xizhu’s emerging luxury label is exquisite in both concept and execution.

Her avant guarde designs are communicated through her exceptional command of digital technologies. She uses Clo3D not only for pattern making but for every stage of product visualisation, producing high quality imagery without access to expensive photographers, models or physical samples. Her mastery of virtual representation demonstrates how technology can democratise opportunities for young designers, enabling global reach and professional presentation from the very beginning.

Reflections on Collaboration and Friendship

Spending time with Alisa, Mary and Xizhu over the course of the Expo was an absolute delight. Their insights, kindness and commitment to their craft truly inspired me. They also reminded me that while the fashion industry often celebrates the individual, real innovation and resilience are born from communities of mutual respect, shared knowledge and collective ambition. I came away excited for them, energised and even more hopeful about the futures we can all build together.

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My participation at the Fashion InSTYLE Expo was made possible by the kind support of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
and through the Australian Fashion Council

Professor Angelina Russo, PHD, MBAHEM
I am the Designer and Founder of Fleurieu Made. I was an academic for many years and a designer for more. I continue to write to make sense of the world in between knitting and building the business. Contact me at angelina@fleurieumade.com

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