Iconic city venues will be transformed into spectacular runways and experiences as Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) spills onto the streets – bringing colour, energy and vibrancy to the city this October.
Award-winning Indigenous Australian singer, songwriter and musician, Thelma Plum, will take her talent to the runway, as M/FW 2022 ambassador.
The ‘Better in Blak’ artist is set to perform under the spectacular Collins Dome, as part of the M/FW Closing Runway.
M/FW will feature more than 600 celebrated and emerging designers and retailers across more than 100 events and sessions from 10 – 16 October, including 10 premium runways and fashion experiences at eight unique city locations:
- Under the majestic dome at 333 Collins
- The bustling Dairy Hall in the Queen Victoria Market precinct
- Breathtaking spaces throughout State Library Victoria
- A hidden location at Emporium Melbourne
- A sprawling urban garden at Wesley Place
- Melbourne’s iconic Meat Market
- The industrial Shed 21 in Docklands, against a stunning city backdrop
- Amongst the hustle and bustle of Walker Lane in Collins Square
Four pop up runways will bring colour and style to city streets throughout the week, as well as seven Fashion Capsule exhibits presented by Creative Victoria – showcasing the creative works of more than 70 local designers, weavers, artisans, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists and stylists.
This year’s program will shine a light on the renewed ganbu marra runway (First Nations Runway) and also see the hugely popular Modest Fashion Runway join the core runway program for the first time.
Support for student and breakout designers is also set to continue with the return of the popular Student Collections Runway and Student Designer Award.
The City of Melbourne will again partner with Vogue Australia to deliver festival favourite, Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out (VAEFNO). From Friday 14 October until Sunday 16 October, the city will come alive with exciting in-store experiences, exclusive discounts, roving entertainment, and giveaways.
More than 30 independent events will also take place – including makeup masterclasses with Morphe, an upcycled vintage runway, Trading Blak pop up store, the Bella Unsigned Model Search and more.
Melburnians will also get to hear industry experts unpack topics such as the circular fashion economy, Australian fashion trademarking and local manufacturing, as part of the M/FW Conversations series presented by Creative Victoria in collaboration with the Australian Fashion Council.
Those heading into the city for M/FW can make the most of their visit by enjoying some of the city’s most delectable restaurants, cafes and bars, with special ‘dine and dine’ offers available for ticket holders.
The week-long festival will champion local talent – with more than 85 per cent of participating designers, stylists, models, students and retailers from Melbourne, including J’Aton, Viktoria & Woods, Ngali, búl, JASONGRECH, A.BCH, EveryHuman, MAARA Collective, KUWAII, Harrolds and Arnsdorf.
M/FW will showcase a dynamic mix of emerging, independent and established designers and brands. The bustling program is a celebration of sustainability and inclusivity, highlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and Australia’s diverse fashion industry.
Tickets are on sale from 12pm on Thursday 8 September through Ticketek. For the full program and to purchase tickets, visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/mfw.
The event will again be carbon neutral certified under the Federal Government Climate Active Program.
Melbourne Fashion Week thanks major partners including Creative Victoria, Emporium Melbourne, KEVIN.MURPHY (celebrating 20 years as a M/FW partner), and Morphe.
Event partners include American Express, Collarts, Dann Event Hire, Mitchelton Wines, QT Melbourne and RCYCL. Venue partners: Collins Square, State Library Victoria and Wesley Place, and media partners: Fashion Journal, Network 10 and Vogue Australia.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Melbourne Fashion Week is a showstopping celebration of our brilliant local designers and creatives who help to cement Melbourne as Australia’s fashion capital.”
“A key element of Melbourne Fashion Week is its runway-to-retail focus – you can walk out of an event and into a local store and buy a fabulous outfit while supporting Melbourne businesses.”
“In the past seven years, Melbourne Fashion Week has grown exponentially – from $4 million in economic impact in 2015, to a staggering $41.7 million in 2021 and supporting countless jobs in the process.”
“This week has become a staple on fashion-lovers calendars, we know that last year, $27.8 million was spent by visitors to the city. Attendees also took advantage of our Drink and Dine program, resulting in more than 300 direct bookings at our fabulous restaurants and bars.”
Quotes attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
“We know Melbourne Fashion Week delivers a significant boost to our local economy. Last year’s event brought $41.7 million into the city, and this year we are expecting more than 150,000 attendees across the week.”
“This unmissable program provides valuable support to our fashion and retail industries, as well as the city’s hospitality sector – giving people more reasons to shop the city.”
Quotes attributable to M/FW 2022 Ambassador Thelma Plum
“I am so excited to be part of Melbourne Fashion Week this year and help shine a light on the incredible local fashion talent in beautiful Melbourne.”
“Whether it’s been my destination or my home, Melbourne’s heart has always beat to a drum of music, art, fashion and food. It’s exciting to be involved with Melbourne Fashion Week, one of the country’s top fashion events.”
“I’m really looking forward to the buzz the event brings to the city, checking out some of the shows – particularly the First Nations runway – and performing on closing night.”
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