Stop Chasing Trends with Rachel Ussher

What’s the difference between using a trend strategically and simply copying what every other brand is doing? This week, Millie sits down with fashion trend, colour and design strategist Rachel Ussher for a raw, gin-fuelled chat about fashion, creativity and building a brand people can recognise without even seeing the label. With more than 20 years of experience across fashion design, brand ownership, Cotton On Group and trend strategy, Rachel knows how to cut through the noise and turn global trends into products that actually make sense for your brand and your customer. They unpack why blindly following trends is one of the fastest ways to lose your brand identity, how to use data without killing your creativity, and why every decision should be filtered through your brand DNA. Rachel also shares what’s coming next in fashion, from ’80s-inspired silhouettes and unexpected colour combinations to the return of craftsmanship, artistry and intentional design. Plus, Millie gets honest about Kaarme’s wins, flops and the products she knew in her gut weren’t quite right. If you’re a founder, designer or creative trying to build something distinctive in a sea of sameness, this episode will remind you that your greatest advantage is your own creative fingerprint. ✨ Connect with Rachel ✨ Rachel Ussher: @rachel.ussher Website: https://www.rachelussher.com/ ✨ Connect with Kaarme ✨ Käärme Jewels: https://www.instagram.com/kaarmejewels In Real Time with Millie, the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/inrealtimewithmillie Millie: https://www.instagram.com/millie.kaarmejewels/ ✨ Wanting to scale your brand? ✨ Ecommerce Equation is where its at: https://ecommerceequation.com.au/inrealtimewithmillie Love the episode? Follow In Real Time, share it with a founder who needs to stop chasing every shiny new trend, and leave a review so we can keep bringing you more unfiltered conversations with incredible guests!