The city is once again exploding with fashion and style as Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival returns for its 29th year. Running across two weeks from February 22 to March 8, this year’s program features 80 unique events such as runways, panel discussions, workshops and performances.

Get around the main event hub at the official home of the festival at the Royal Exhibition Building, with a buzz of activity in the surrounding Fashion Forecourt, supported by City of Melbourne. And creativity isn’t just spotlighted on the runway – the street style is just as cool, with spiffy citizens descending in their best fits. It’s also a chance to pay attention to and celebrate Melbourne’s diverse creative communities.

If you’re thinking of heading into the city to catch the action or flying in from across the country (and making a trip out of the whole experience), we’ve rounded up the top five events not to miss.

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National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne

There’s a reason the National Graduate Showcase is a fan favourite year after year. Arguably one of the most exciting runways on the bill, it offers a look at boundary-pushing style from the next generation of designers. See collections from the top 12 graduates across Australia’s leading fashion design institutions, chosen by a judging panel of industry leaders. It’s a playful and electric runway spotlighting fresh talent and creativity.

Back in Blak Runway

Curated by First Nations creative agency Mob in Fashion, the Back in Blak Runway features collections and one-off pieces from 10 First Nations designers selected after an open call. Designs embody rich storytelling and connection to Country through contemporary takes on traditional artistry. On the schedule: Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, a North Stradbroke Island artist handmaking ready-to-wear pieces with local materials; Corin Corcoran’s intricate wearable art pieces; Bondi-based Gali Swimwear; and bold streetwear label Take Pride Movement.

New Again Runway

Proving not all that’s fashionable has to be brand-new, the innovative New Again Runway gives recycled and reclaimed materials a stylish second life, highlighting designers dedicated to sustainable practice and a more circular industry. Catch Amy Cottrell’s whimsical lace-forward designs using deadstock fabrics; Melbourne-based label Toile Studios’ multifunctional garments; Sabatucci’s playful and innovative oversized silhouettes; and made-to-order label Perple. Also part of the runway: pre-loved fashion resellers Swop and Mutual Muse.

Fit Check: Accessibility and Inclusivity in Fashion Talk

Inclusivity has been a hot topic over the last few years but how much change are we actually seeing? How far have we truly come? Who is still being excluded? And what are the barriers? These important questions will be unpacked and challenged at this choose-what-you-pay panel discussion as part of the Independent Programme, between writer and editor Emma Do, A Plus Market founder Sam van Zweden, and Broadsheet fashion editor-at-large and co-host of the Culture Club podcast Maggie Zhou. Hosted by curator and writer Sabina McKenna – who’s behind local photo series Where are you from? – the talk will explore the many angles of accessibility and inclusivity, from sizing and high price points to sustainable consumption.

Block Party Runway x Melbourne Every Bit Different

This year’s festival finale returns as the Block Party Runway – and the vibes will be pumping. A tribute to the retro club scene of the noughties and before, expect to see strong colours, bold styling and high-octane designs by some of Australia’s most daring and cool designers. First Nations label Gammin Threads’ colourful and graphic designs will walk the runway along with sci-fi and fantasy-inspired silhouettes by Melbourne womenswear label Gotham; Lucinda Babi’s experimental pieces drawing from historic British influences; maximalist knitwear brand Wah Wah; and more from Fool, Homie, Nixi Killick, House of Campbell and Reigner.

Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival runs from February 22 to March 8. Browse the full program and book tickets at melbournefashionfestival.com.au.

Broadsheet is a proud media partner of Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival.