Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival Premium Runway Series

Now in its 29th year, Australia’s largest fashion event, the Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival, is back for 15 days with a stacked program of runways, talks, workshops, exhibitions, screenings and performances – and it’s open for anyone to attend. The Premium Runway Series is at the centre of activities, spotlighting more than 90 emerging and established names in fashion across 12 shows.

Taking over Carlton’s Royal Exhibition Building, the official home of the festival, the schedule kicks off on March 3 with the Opening Night Runway, featuring beloved Aussie designers Aje, Bianca Spender, Gail Sorronda, MacGraw, Manning Cartell, Ngali, Romance Was Born and Viktoria & Woods.

On March 4, for the first time in the festival’s history, tickets to the National Designer Award x David Jones, supported by Australia Post, are available to the public. The prestigious fashion prize celebrates emerging designers in their first eight years of business; this year’s finalists include Alix Higgins, All is a Gentle Spring, Hyph-n, Liandra, Lovaan and more. On the same day, the National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne – ever a fan favourite – spotlights a new wave of innovative talent. Take a seat and see collections by 12 top graduates from Australia’s leading fashion design institutions.

A new addition to the schedule, the March 5 Resort Glam Runway is all about breezy silhouettes and beachside chic, featuring labels like Alin Le’ Kal, Mariam Seddiq, Van Der Kooij, Vivienna Lorikeet and Zhivago.

On March 6, the Back in Blak Runway is curated by First Nations creative agency Mob in Fashion, and embodies rich storytelling and connection to Country. It highlights collections from 10 First Nations designers, including Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, Weilwan designer Corin Corcoran, Bondi’s Gali Swimwear and bold streetwear label Take Pride Movement.

Elsewhere on the program, the Menswear Edit Runway ranges from streetwear to traditional tailoring, with designers like Chris Ran Lin, Christian Kimber and Godwin Charli; the F-- the Invisible runway champions self-expression at any age, encouraging older women to “dress however the f-- they want”; the Grand Showcase is a solo runway celebrating Aussie designer Steven Khalil’s couture silhouettes and bridalwear, seen on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Emily Ratajkowski; and the New Again Runway highlights designers that use recycled and reclaimed materials, including Amy Cottrell, Perple, Sabatucci and Toile Studios.

The Block Party Runway x Melbourne Every Bit Different rounds off the festivities on March 8 with glam, hedonistic vibes inspired by retro club scenes. Expect bold, irreverent pieces by some of Australia’s most exciting designers, including Gammin Threads, Gotham, Reigner and Wah Wah.

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Browse the full program and book tickets online.