Championing Mental Wellness in Fashion: The Inspiring Journey of Jude Kingston
- Britta Cabanos
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
In today’s fast-paced fashion and retail industries, where creativity meets relentless demand, conversations around mental wellness have never been more urgent. Few individuals have dedicated their careers to bridging the gap between business innovation and human wellbeing as passionately as Jude Kingston. With over 30 years of experience across Australia and the global retail landscape, Jude has become a trusted voice for both industry excellence and cultural change.
A Career Built on Global Expertise
Jude’s career spans some of the world’s most influential brands and retail organizations. As a fashion buyer, stylist, consultant, and mentor, she has worked on the front lines of the fashion industry, shaping trends and guiding businesses toward sustainable growth.
Her journey has taken her from the Australian fashion scene to the global stage, where she has collaborated with teams in New York, Milan, and beyond. Jude's unique blend of strategic business acumen and creative vision has not only positioned her as a sought-after advisor to key stakeholders worldwide, but also as a mentor to the next generation of designers, and a recognized expert in the retail and fashion industry.
Career Highlights
Serving as Fashion Buyer & Manager for leading global brands.
Styling for Eurovision, one of the world’s most-watched entertainment events.
Contributing thought leadership to Inside Retail Magazine and other top industry publications.
Appearing on television and radio as a recognized retail and fashion expert.
Collaborating with fashion weeks in New York and Milan.
Speaking and mentoring at RMIT, TAFE, QUT, and Zonta events worldwide.
Through these diverse experiences, Jude has cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of retail and fashion today.
Founding Mind Your Fashion
Perhaps Jude’s most meaningful achievement is her work as the Founding Director of Mind Your Fashion, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing mental health in the fashion and creative sectors.
Mind Your Fashion was born from Jude’s firsthand understanding of the intense pressures faced by designers, models, retail workers, and other professionals in the industry. With burnout and mental health crises on the rise, Jude recognized the urgent need for cultural change, making her work more important than ever.
Through initiatives like the Mind Your Fashion Mental Wellness Program, Jude and her team create safe spaces for dialogue, education, and support. Their mission is simple yet transformative: to foster an industry where creativity thrives without compromising wellbeing.
Driving Cultural Change Through Education and Advocacy
As a speaker and mentor, Jude regularly engages with audiences at fashion shows, industry events, and educational institutions, sparking conversations about mental health, innovation, and the future of the retail industry.
Her workshops and mentorship programs empower emerging designers and retail professionals to:
Build sustainable business practices that prioritize people as much as profits.
Develop personal resilience and wellness strategies to navigate industry pressures.
Create brands rooted in authentic storytelling and conscious values.
By blending her extensive retail expertise with her passion for mental wellness, Jude has become a guiding light for those seeking balance in an often turbulent and demanding industry.
Join Jude at the Inside Fashion Design NYFW Event
We are thrilled to announce that Jude Kingston will be a featured guest speaker at our upcoming New York Fashion Week event: NYFW FREE Event: Mind Your Fashion: The Transformative Power Of Storytelling - To Build Your Brand, Too!
This inspiring morning gathering will bring together fashion professionals, creatives, and advocates to explore mental wellness in the fashion industry. Jude will share her insights on how to navigate industry challenges, build healthier workplaces, and create cultural shifts that support both creativity and wellbeing.
Attendees will also enjoy:
Four powerful speakers addressing mental health and conscious fashion.
A fashion presentation, featuring designs by ethical and sustainable brands.
Networking opportunities and a continental breakfast.
Step-and-repeat photo moments to commemorate the day.
✨ Date: September 2025, during New York Fashion Week
✨ Location: Upper East Side, NYC
✨ Tickets: Reserve Your Spot on Luma
This event is your chance to be part of a transformative conversation that the fashion industry desperately needs.
A Legacy of Impact
Jude Kingston’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of fashion. She has not only shaped products and brands, but also reshaped the very conversations happening within the industry, making her a figure of influence and change.
At a time when fashion is undergoing rapid transformation—driven by technology, sustainability, and shifting consumer expectations—leaders like Jude are essential. Her work reminds us that behind every runway show, retail display, or trend forecast are real people whose health and happiness matter.
Through Mind Your Fashion, mentorship, and her global collaborations, Jude continues to champion a future where fashion is stylish, supportive, and deeply human.
Join the Movement
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Jude Kingston speak live and join a community of fashion professionals committed to creating a healthier, more conscious industry. Your participation is crucial in building a future of fashion with purpose.
🎟️ Reserve your ticket today and take the first step toward building a future of fashion with purpose.