Some of Australia’s most exciting designers and brands will showcase their wares against a backdrop of iconic city spaces, as part of this year’s Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW).
The week-long event starts today with the Secret Garden Runway at Royal Botanic Gardens, presented by Vogue Australia.
The intimate outdoor fashion showcase will transport attendees to a place of beauty and optimism, featuring 2021 National Indigenous Fashion Award winner, Ngali, alongside Aje, Akira, Helen O’Connor, MAARA Collective, Alemais, Leo Lin, nevenka, Ginger & Smart and Asiyam, styled by Carlos Mangubat.
As the sun sets on Melbourne, expect bold glamour and opulence for opening night at one of the Regent Theatre’s most striking spaces – the Plaza Ballroom. Rich colours, flowing fabrics and silhouettes fit for a party from designers including Acler, CAMILLA, Dom Bagnato, Jack London, JASONGRECH, MISHA and Nicola Finetti will be on display.
Other renowned venues playing host to M/FW shows include the deep-sea corridors of the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, the MCG Underground carpark and the Seafarers Bridge.
Melbourne Fashion Week will run from 15 to 21 November and will feature more than 250 designers and 300 retailers across more than 100 different events and sessions.
The M/FW 2021 program includes a mix of emerging, independent and established designers and brands, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the diversity of Australia’s fashion industry.
The program includes pop-up runways showcasing the looks of local designers, eight fashion capsules showcasing the work of dozens of designers and artists scattered across the city, online M/FW Conversation events that will see industry experts unpack relevant topics and a suite of independent events.
Support for student and emerging designers will continue, with the return of the popular Student Collections Runway and Student Designer Award as part of the M/FW Student Program.
The City of Melbourne and Vogue Australia have joined forces again this year, with the return of Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out to shoppers and the city.
In what will provide a much-needed boost for retail and hospitality businesses, exclusive ‘drink and dine’ offers will be available for M/FW ticket holders at city venues including Bar Bambi, Longrain, Chancery Lane, Calia Emporium and Bar Lourinhã, and there will be opportunities to buy runway looks in city stores and online.
More than half of the Melbourne Fashion Week program is free, and all ticketed runways will be available to view online after each event.
Melbourne Fashion Week is a carbon neutral certified event. M/FW was the first event of its kind in Australia to be certified under the Federal Government Climate Active Program in 2018.
Melbourne Fashion Week thanks major partners including Creative Victoria, KEVIN.MURPHY, Marriott Bonvoy, TAC, Morphe, and Mitchelton.
For the full program and to purchase tickets, visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/mfw.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp:
“We’re thrilled to deliver Melbourne Fashion Week and celebrate the best of the city’s renowned fashion, retail, art, food and culture.
“We’re taking the runways to some of the city’s hottest venues, like the Plaza Ballroom at the Regent Theatre and the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, to reignite the city and support as many local business owners as possible.
“Last year’s event enticed nearly 150,000 people to the city for in-person events, and an additional 500,000 made the most of online events.
“Now’s the time to support Melbourne’s renowned fashion industry by shopping local – whether it’s a new outfit for all those upcoming nights out or a Christmas present for a loved one.”
Quotes attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell:
“We know Melbourne Fashion Week provides a significant boost to the local economy. Last year’s event brought $29 million into the city.
“The event will support our fashion and retail industries, with significant flow on effects to other city businesses who’ll benefit from increased visitation and spend.”
Quotes attributable to M/FW Opening Night stylist Deni Todorovic:
“This M/FW Plaza Ballroom Runway is my love letter to Melbourne. After the doom and gloom of the pandemic and lockdowns, we are ready to party and dial up the glamour.”
