The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to be the first regional centre to host the PayPal Australian Fashion Festival with the Bendigo Series launching this Saturday, September 12 to 20.
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the major event was an exciting collaboration for the City and Visit Victoria with the freshly rebranded PayPal Australian Fashion Festival.
“As one of Australia’s leading arts and cultural destinations, Bendigo provides the perfect setting for the festival’s first Fashion Series and preparations are underway,” Cr Thomas said.
“Residents and visitors can choose from an inspiring lineup of exhibitions and demonstrations, thought-provoking talks with leading designers and emerging talent, engaging industry discussions, a fascinating historic walking tour, and hands-on workshops led by top creatives in the heart of the city centre.
“To complement the festival, discover First Nations culture, exceptional food, and wine experiences from Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, a thriving arts scene, rich gold rush heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re a local or visiting the region for a few days, the Bendigo Fashion Series is a unique opportunity to experience the best of fashion, creativity, and regional culture.
“The Bendigo Fashion Series features 31 unique events, with many free or low-cost events that will appeal to a wide of fashion lovers and creatives of all ages.”
The City’s exciting range of events for the Bendigo Series include:
Helena Richards-Collins: Llanvair.H.R.Fashion and Art Exhibition celebrating a locally created collection of unique garments featuring Italian wools, finest merino and pure silk velvets and paintings featuring Australian and European landscapes. Free entry 10am-2pm at The Capital foyer from September 12-20. Free entry.
Bushfoods & In Conversation – join acclaimed Indigenous food expert, fashion designer and artist Cassie Leatham who shares her knowledge, experiences, and passion for connecting people with Country through food. Enjoy an evening of conversation accompanied by a five-course curated menu showcasing local bush ingredients at The Woodhouse Bar & Grill on September 17 from 6.30pm-10pm. Booking required.
Plastics Reimagined: From Waste to Wearable – join Cesar from Aoracreo and discover how to upcycle plastic bags into stylish and useful bags and pouches at Dudley House on September 13. The first workshop from 10am-12pm is suitable for 8-12-year-olds and the second is suitable for anyone 13 years and over from 1pm-3pm. Booking required.
Discover Indonesia – BAIK Bendigo Australia Indonesian Klub Cultural Celebration on September 12 showcasing fashion, music, dance, and food in Hargreaves Street Mall from 10am to 3pm. Free entry.
Gallery Giggles – Fashion Fun brings fun-filled and hands-on adventure for babies to five-year-olds and their parents/carers at 9.30am on Thursday September 17 and Friday September 18. The two workshops explore fashion pieces from the Bendigo Art Gallery collection and use play to discover fashion as self-expression. These are free events at Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub, 95-229 Lyttleton Terrace Bendigo. Booking required.
Malamiya Mang Then & Now Exhibition – 10am to 2pm from September 17 to October 3 in Hargreaves Street Mall showcases the thriving cultural expressions and artist creative talents of Dja Dja Wurrung’s artists and makers. This is a free event, no booking required.
Cocktails and Couture – Fashion designer Estelle Michaelides in conversation with Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager Lauren Ellis, exploring the realities of designing and creating for high profile clients and fashion influencers. Enjoy two cocktails and nibbles at Terrae Wine Bar from 4.30pm on Sunday September 20. Booking required.
Festival runway screening – highlights from previous Festival runways come to the big screen in Hargreaves Street Mall featuring some of Australia’s leading designers, 11am-2pm daily throughout the festival. There is also an outdoor gallery in the Mall featuring Allan Doney’s Photographic Collection in partnership with the Bendigo Historical Society.
PayPal Australian Fashion Festival presents a dynamic Every Bit Different program for its Bendigo Series:
In conversation with Liz Sunshine at Mackenzie Quarters at 5pm on September 12 – Liz Sunshine is widely regarded as the first and most well-known photographer in Australia to capture street style both at fashion events and organically on the streets, with work regularly featured in Vogue Australia. Join her for an in-conversation at the elegant Mackenzie Quarters with a glass of sparkling on arrival included in the ticket price. Booking required.
An Afternoon with Sonia Cappellazzo at 2.30pm-4pm on September 20 at Mackenzie Hall – in conversation with this leading Australian designer accompanied by a live presentation of her modern couture collections. Joined by a selection of models, Sonia will talk about the inspirations behind her designs. A glass of sparking is included in the ticket prize. Booking required.
Amy Lawrance: First Five Years Book Launch on September 19 at 12pm at Omari – Amy Lawrance is an award-winning Australian designer from Bendigo whose intricate gowns combine a sense of historicism with futuristic sci-fi. Celebrate the evolution of Amy Lawrance’s distinctive, award-winning design practice with her latest collection on display and conversation with model Yvette Lanfranca.
Bracelet-Making Workshop and Earring Making Workshop on September 19 – hosted by Djaara multi-disciplinary First Nations artist and master weaver, Cassie Leatham. This workshop will demonstrate how to use native grasses and traditional weaving techniques. Both events will be at The Beehive. All material supplied. Booking required.
Liz Sunshine Exhibition – How Fashion Makes Me Feel on September 12, 13 and 19 at The Beehive presents documentary fashion and portrait photographer Liz Sunshine’s visual musings on our relationship with clothes through her camera lens and collected notes.
Pageant Exhibition: A Retrospective (2010-2025) at the Living Arts Space draws on 15 years of friendship to offer behind-the-scenes insights on Pageant’s creative partnership and process for the acclaimed fashion label. The free exhibition is open from September 12 to October 31 (9am to 4.30pm). The designers will be presenting a guided tour of the exhibition at 11am on September 13. Booking required for tour.
Bendigo Fashion Walking Tour, 11am-12pm on September 12 – join Professor Robert Crawford for a fashion walking tour of Bendigo. Discover the history of iconic retail precincts including the Beehive and journey through time to discover the unique beginning of the Myer emporium. Booking required.
Fashion Illustration Workshop, 10am-3pm on September 13 – join designer and illustrator Estelle Michaelides for an intimate workshop in the art of fashion illustration. In the workshop, Estelle will guide you to create your own unique designs to take home. Bookings required.
