From First Nations Runways to the Evolution of Drag: The Best of Melbourne Fashion Week 2025

Far from being an exclusive event populated by celebrities and only the most connected of the fashion set, Melbourne Fashion Week’s vibrant runways, exhibitions, talks and more are open to the public – and include an excellent selection of events that will cost you nada. Here are six of the best to see at this year’s M/FW – but for those that are ticketed, get in quick because seats sell out in a flash.

Opening Night: ganbu marra Runway

If people-watching is your thing, opening night at Fashion Week provides the best vantage point for spotting fashion’s elite – and, luckily, ganbu marra is always one of the top highlights of the M/FW runway line-up. The frow will be on fire – and so will the talent in this now-annual celebration of emerging Blak creativity. This year, the catwalk features art in motion from names like Banbu, Gammin Threads and Yarrenyty Arltere Artists.
1 Hotel Melbourne, Monday October 20 at 8pm

Dining Runway at il Mercato Centrale

Fashion Week is bringing sartorial favourites like Atoir, Ngali, Gary Bigeni and more to one of the most anticipated food world openings of late – the mammoth il Mercato Centrale food hub, the first international outpost of the Florence-born concept. This novel dining-focused runway is always a hit, so if you’re planning on combining your taste for fashion and food, get those tickets now.
il Mercato Centrale, Tuesday October 21 at 5.30pm & 8pm

Wicked Wardrobes

Melburnians nab a special preview of this Australian-first exhibition showcasing the Oscar-winning costumes behind the much-loved characters Elphaba and Glinda from the Hollywood adaptation of Wicked. In preparation for the movie’s anticipated second instalment, Wicked: For Good , you’ll be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at celebrated costumier Paul Tazewell’s extraordinary designs. Best of all, it’s free.
Fed Square (in front of Transport Hotel), from Monday October 13

M/FW Conversations

Some of Australian fashion’s most influential faces can be spotted at this series of talks, which this year dive into big-picture topics around how the industry moves into the future. Speakers are yet to be announced, but keep an eye out for sessions on the business of fashion, inclusivity, sustainability and more.
530 Collins Street, Thursday October 23

Fashion x Music

Presented with Collarts, this runway show puts the limelight on the relationship between music and fashion, featuring different genres and influences from around the world. Grace Lillian Lee, J’Aton Couture, Social Studio and Collective Closets are just some of the designers taking part, with each collection paired with either a carefully curated soundscape or live performance. Expect to hear or watch the likes of Zipporah Corser-Anu, Sian Sharp, percussions, ballet dancers, contemporary dancers and more.
Melbourne Recital Centre, Wednesday October 22 at 6.30pm and 9pm.

The Evolution of Drag

Melbourne Fashion Week always delivers some fascinating fashion capsules. This year, they range from a First Nations showcase to an exhibition of costumes created for The Australian Ballet – but it’s a deep dive into the evolution of drag costuming that has caught our eye. Curated by Stuart Walford with Melbourne drag queen and designer Pashion Couture, Fashion Capsule 5 highlights the artistry and craftsmanship of local drag designers and celebrates drag as a vibrant form of self-expression. Held at Collins Place throughout the month, this one is definitely on our list of must-dos – and it’s yet another free event to pop in your calendar.
Fashion Capsules are located at Collins Square, 530 Collins Street, Emporium Melbourne, Melbourne Town Hall and Collins Place, now until October 26.

Melbourne Fashion Week 2025 runs from October 20–26. Tickets are available now from mfw.melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of Melbourne Fashion Week.