After almost six decades dressing Australian women, well-known fashion label Cue Clothing Co has collapsed.
The Sydney-based brand entered receivership on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. FTI Consulting, Cue’s receivers and managers, confirmed increased sales and other other improvements were not enough to offset overhead costs.
The business behind Cue has also collapsed its sister brand, Veronika Maine, which was founded in 1998. Both labels focused on tailored workwear for women, but Cue began in 1968 by Rod Levis as a boutique store in Sydney’s Strand Arcade. It was originally inspired by London’s modernists – young working-class people who loved Jazz and tailored European fashion. Veronika Maine offered a soft alternative to Cue’s sharp style.
Cue and Veronika have collective 51 stores across Australia, including nine discount outlets. After quickly becoming a household name in Australia, it began through major department stores like David Jones. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, in Cue’s heyday, it had 230 stores.
Sales weren’t Cue’s only complication. An all-out succession war was taken to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Justin Levis, the son of Cue founder, revealed he was suing his parents, seeking a constructive trust of up to 50 per cent of the Cue Clothing Company. The legal dispute began in April 2025 and is still ongoing.
The future of these classic Australian labels are unknown. Both are currently up for sale, but business is continuing somewhat as usual.
Stores will remain open but both brands are having major online promotions – presumably to shed stock – with Cue and Veronika Maine offering up to 50 percent off storewide.
However, David Jones are reportedly witholding stock from Cue unless they are paid with cash up front. The major department store is also struggling amid the tough retail conditions.
Cue, a family-owned business, was sold to UKs Hilco Capital in 2025. The Australian Financial Review recently revealed that Cue’s chief executive Melanie Remai resigned after less than 14 months in the position. This was shortly after the company’s chief financial officer quit.
“Our intention has always been to fund Cue to restore growth and profitability,” a Hilco spokesperson told the AFR, noting it has been a “disappointing outcome, but the only available course of action given the circumstances.”
“This appointment will now provide an opportunity for a new owner to carry the Cue and Veronika Maine brands forward.”
