60 Years of Business, Shaped Together

2026 marks Warwick’s 60th anniversary, a milestone that honours heritage and celebrates the humble Melbourne beginnings to today’s international presence in the furnishing textiles industry.

Founded on 13 September 1966 by Tom Warwick, ‘Thomas Warwick & Company’ began by supplying upholstery textiles and vinyl to the Australian furniture automotive industry. Tom’s brother Max joined the business in 1970, and by 1977 the company had become Australia’s largest importer of velvet.

The 1980s brought a new creative direction with the establishment of Warwick’s first in-house design studio, allowing the business to develop and print its own designs. International expansion soon followed, with Warwick Fabrics established in New Zealand in 1985 and the United Kingdom in 1988. In 1993, Warwick UK became the first Australian-owned company to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.

The past decade has brought another significant period of growth for Warwick. In 2016, we moved to our Somerton warehouse, marking an important milestone for the business. In 2018, we launched Weave and Linia, introduced Burano and brought our Sampling Department in-house. Hub Direct followed in 2019, with the Finished Goods division established in 2021, alongside continued investment in warehouses and showrooms across Australia, New Zealand and India.

Over each decade, Warwick has continued to evolve beyond textiles into categories such as leather, contract fabrics and homewares. Today, the business is much larger than its Melbourne beginnings, it’s an international operation throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, India, Asia and Dubai, supported by five purpose-built distribution facilities.

Now led by the second generation, Cameron and Leighton Warwick continue to build on the foundations established by Tom and Max. The recent appointment of long-standing employee Rachel Ferlazzo as CEO marks the next chapter in Warwick’s story.

Cameron Warwick shares:

“Rachel’s appointment is one that Tom Warwick, our dad and founder, would have been proud of. His vision was built on people, integrity and doing things the right way over the long term, values that continue to guide Warwick today and are reflected in this appointment.”

The Warwick story has never been shaped by milestones alone. It has also been defined by countless memories, stories, conversations and connections. By generations of employees, customers and suppliers who have grown alongside the business, and the designers, makers and partners who have contributed their creativity and expertise along the way.

Celebrating 60 years is about looking beyond the timeline to the people behind it. The relationships that have endured, the moments behind the scenes, the stories captured through the anniversary campaign, and the people and ideas that will shape Warwick’s next chapter.

The Relationships Behind 60 Years

Behind Warwick’s 60 years are relationships built over decades. Many employees have been part of the business for 10, 20, 30 years and beyond, bringing an extraordinary depth of experience, knowledge and connection.

That longevity is reflected in relationships with customers, suppliers and industry partners, many of which have also spanned decades and generations. Together, these longstanding connections have played an important role in shaping Warwick today.

Ezra Kumar, Head of Services, reflects on what first stood out to him when joining Warwick:

“What really sold me on the business was coming in, talking to people and hearing how long they’d been here, 30, 40, even 50 years. I’d never been part of a company with that kind of tenure before. It feels really personal. We have decades-long relationships with customers, suppliers and our team members at Warwick. Every interaction has that personal connection rather than a big corporate feel, and that’s something I really appreciate.”

Tim Maffey, National Sales Manager, has seen those relationships extend across generations:

“Warwick is a family business, and after so many years, our customers feel like part of that family too. I’ve had the privilege of working across two generations of Warwick, each with their own approach but the same values and passion for innovation and progress. I’ve also been fortunate to work with great people around the country and watch businesses grow across generations, from Kelvin and Nicki Body at Body Design to their son David beginning his own journey in furniture manufacturing, and from John at Bowen Upholstery to his son David at A Man and A Couch. It’s very satisfying to see the next generation coming through.”

For Rachel Ferlazzo, CEO, Warwick’s history brings with it both responsibility and opportunity:

“It’s quite daunting, in all honesty, because we’re here representing Tom Warwick and what he started all those years ago back in Box Hill. Tom was such an innovator, and when I look back at what Warwick has achieved in my time here, it’s pretty unbelievable. Sixty years is an incredible milestone, but it also feels like we’re just getting started.”

Tyrone Everett, Sales NSW, reflects on how the business has evolved:

“During my time at Warwick, I’ve seen the business evolve from being predominantly fabric-focused into a more diversified company offering an expanding range of finished products. Warwick continues to evolve and is always looking for better, more innovative ways to approach the market.”

Michael Virtue, State Manager QLD, reflects on 24 years of growth and change:

“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Warwick Fabrics and to be part of the Warwick family alongside Cam and Leighton. After 24 years, we’ve been a big part of each other’s lives and Warwick has given me so much. From day one, Cam trusted and supported me. Together, we’ve found new opportunities, customers and markets, remaining innovative and adaptable as the industry has changed.”

Thomas Brownlie, IT Manager, has witnessed more than 30 years of change:

“I started at Warwick Fabrics in my early 20s and so much has changed over the last 30-odd years. I’ve had the opportunity to travel internationally, work with both generations of the Warwick family and make many long-term friends along the way. 

The technological landscape has changed significantly too. When I started, we had around 10 PCs, dial-up internet and dot matrix printers. Now we have more than 150 PCs, cloud-based systems and we’re exploring the world of AI. Not bad for 30-odd years!”

Elaine Estanislao, Account Team Leader, reflects on growing alongside Warwick:

“My working life has been Warwick, it was my first and only full-time job. In many ways, I feel like I’ve grown up alongside it. Warwick has shaped me both professionally and personally, through the lessons I’ve learned, the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had along the way. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”

Partnerships Built Over Decades

Evan, EJP Furniture, recalls the early days of Warwick in New Zealand:

“My first memories of Warwick go right back to the beginning. I’ve been known, at midnight, to ride my bike along the waterfront with a roll of fabric over my shoulder to take home and cut out. We’ve been using Warwick fabrics for 45 years and gave them their very first order when they opened in Auckland.”

Tom, Workspace, reflects on a partnership built over decades:

“Warwick has been one of our best partners in the industry for 60 years. It’s not just their fantastic products, it’s their amazing service and their people. Their ability to help and partner with us has been part of our growth and our ability to service our customers.”

The People Behind the Years

The numbers themselves tell another part of the story. Across Warwick’s 150+ employees is over 1,330 years of experience, shaped by the knowledge, relationships and memories built along the way. Among them, we recognise those who have each been part of Warwick for 20 years or more:

51 years — Joe Manno, Operations Director
45 years — David Anderson, Shipping Manager
37 years — Toula Abela, Accounting Manager
37 years — Andrew Clay, Warehouse Driver
32 years — Glenn Everard, Operations Manager
32 years — Wendy Huynh, Customer Claims Manager
31 years — Alexander Luke, Warehouse
30 years — Thomas Brownlie, IT Manager
29 years — Tim Maffey, National Sales Manager
29 years — Hami Mese, Warehouse
24 years — Michael Virtue, State Manager QLD
23 years — Rachel Ferlazzo, CEO
21 years — Tyrone Everett, Sales NSW
20 years — Kerri Brighton, Sales QLD
20 years — Darren Wilson, Warehouse
20 years — Eva Reskakis, Weave Administration Manager
20 years — Steven Tennet, Cutting Supervisor
20 years — Elaine Estanislao, Account Team Leader

The Six Decades of Style Campaign

Capturing the people, partners and products behind Warwick, the 12-month campaign celebrates 60 years through a series of creative and reflective moments. From an exploration of design through the decades to conversations with longstanding customers and staff, the campaign culminates behind the scenes with a showcase of the warehouse and the people who keep it moving.

Marketing Manager Nicole Body reflects on the creative journey behind the campaign:

“This was a significant campaign for us, conceived and led by our incredible in-house marketing team. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase fabric, creativity, craftmanship, and passion while celebrating the people who make it all possible, our customers.”

The textiles industry has always been shaped by the moments, movements and trends of its time. As part of the campaign, Warwick worked with interior designer and stylist Jono Fleming to create six interior scenes within a single home, spanning the 1960s to today and exploring each era through the colours, patterns, textures and design influences that defined it.

Welcome to the 60s

Defined by optimism, leisure and bold self-expression, our 60s scene draws on poolside glamour and relaxed, resort-style living. 

Stripes, vibrant colour and pattern capture a time when design broke free and the future felt full of possibility.

Welcome to the 70s

Warmth, texture and individuality define the 70s, with layered pattern, rich colour and tactile materials. 

A vintage lounge reupholstered in our woven twill Delray retains its original seam detailing, while geometric pattern, amber glass, burnt orange and shag pile complete the mood.

Welcome to the 80s

Opulence, glamour and unapologetic excess take centre stage. Crushed velvets, tropical prints, stone surfaces and high-intensity colour create an expressive, layered interior.

Curved sofas bring softness to a scheme that celebrates everything iconic about 80s design.

Welcome to the 90s

A shift towards effortless minimalism, where clean lines and carefully chosen details create a refined yet inviting space. 

Chrome, graphic upholstery and tonal palettes are punctuated by bold red, while sheer drapery introduces softness and movement.

Welcome to the 2000s

Colour, pattern and self-expression return in full force. A modular sofa layers chenille, geometrics and statement stripes in full-colour maximalism. Different on their own, iconic together.

Welcome to the 2010s 

An era of calm, curated living. Blush and sage tones meet Scandi-inspired styling, while tactile upholstery and thoughtful layering create a softer approach to the home.

Functional, fresh and personal, interiors became a reflection of individual style.

Looking to the next 60 years

As Warwick enters its next chapter, the focus remains on continuing to evolve while preserving the qualities, relationships and personal approach that have shaped the business from the beginning.

Ezra Kumar, Head of Services, sees technology playing an important role in that next chapter:

“What I see in the next iteration of the business is how we invest in technology and make things better for our customers, without losing that personal experience.”

Cameron Warwick reflects on how he and Leighton Warwick have evolved the business and what comes next:

“We’ve evolved and consolidated our traditional areas, brought in new brands, strengthened our commercial division and really pioneered the export side of the business. Now we’re setting ourselves up for a new chapter, with a greater focus on finished goods and direct-to-market product.

It’s an exciting chapter ahead, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves over the next five to ten years. We’ve got a ripper team in place to take on that challenge.”

For Leighton Warwick, reaching 60 is both a moment to reflect and an opportunity to look forward:

“Sixty years ago, Dad started Warwick and when you think about how much has happened in that time, keeping a business going for 60 years is an amazing effort. There aren’t many businesses that have been around that long. With everything we’ve had to do along the way, I can’t quite believe we’re still here, but we are. Now it’s a great opportunity to take Warwick into its next stage.”

Through every chapter, our people and relationships have remained at the heart of Warwick. To our colleagues past and present, customers, suppliers, designers, makers, partners, family and friends, we wouldn’t be celebrating this milestone without you.

Here’s to 60 years of Warwick and to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Measured in metres, measured in moments, made together for 60 years.

And perhaps the most fitting final word belongs to Warwick’s founder, Tom:

“I relish the thought of my legacy’s continuation for generations to come.”

A big thank you to the following clients and contributors who supported our 60th anniversary campaign:

A Man and A Couch, All Suburbs Upholstery, BQ Design, Business and Pleasure, Creative Edge, EJP Furniture, Lounge Innovation, Reality Furniture, The Foam Booth, Workspace. Jono Fleming, Nonci Nyoni, Thick Heart Films - Phoebe Van Min and team.  

Download the 60th Campaign supplier list here...