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An infusion of fashion – PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is back
Where fashion plays.
The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is returning to its former glory, with the first post-lockdown festival being held from 3 – 11 March 2023. With over 100 fashion events held over 60 venues across Melbourne, this year’s festival is set to mark the fashion calendar as Melbourne’s biggest fashion event of the year.
The festival will include nine action-packed days as Australia’s largest and longest-running fashion event. The most significant events on the schedule are the signature world-class runways – the Premium Runway Series – which will showcase some of Australia’s favourite designers.
Fashion lovers are spoilt for choice with extensive offerings on top of the Premium Runway Series, including shopping events and experiences, styling and beauty workshops and industry seminars.
The Premium Runway series will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building, with a line-up of established designers alongside emerging talent from the likes of Lee Mathews, Bassike, Ngali and M.J Bale.
The most anticipated runways of the festival include the first runway of the premium series, Utopia. Utopia will showcase modern, feminine dressing, incorporating vintage references through a contemporary lens, featuring Leo Lin, Ginger & Smart, Aje., and Alice McCall.
Next would be the Envision Runway, showcasing a fresh and considered approach with a distinctive sustainability mindset. Expect a visual feast from artisans who prefer to work with natural and ethically sourced fabrics. This runway will feature Bianca Spender, Arnsdorf, Viktoria + woods, Anna Quan, Lee Matthews and more!
On March 10, the Suit Up Runway will showcase leading Australian designers in their exploration and reinvention of the suit – featuring designers such as M.J Bale, Dom Bagnato, Nobody Denim, Anna Cordell, Christian Kimber and more. Paying homage to the precision and excellence of Savile Row craftsmanship, expect exceptional tailoring, refined materials, and simple, structured details for those who like to dress with distinction.
One of the crowd’s favourites is always the National Graduate Showcase. The National Graduate features the top 10 designers hand-picked from Australia’s leading fashion institutions, selected from a nationwide selection process, and judged by a highly esteemed panel of some of Australia’s most well-regarded fashion industry icons. Often the Festival’s most whimsical and playful runway, it challenges fashion boundaries and inspires awe.
The runway series will wrap up before the final show, with the only solo designer runway with Paolo Sebastian, which will showcase a collection of feminine gowns. Founded by designer Paul Vasileff and based in South Australia, the label is known for its whimsical gowns and intricate details, honouring traditional methods of craftsmanship.
Lastly is the PayPal Pay In 4 Closing Runway. The grand finale of the festival and a celebration of designers who break through boundaries, The PayPal Pay in 4 Closing Runway is the closing runway you won’t want to miss – featuring some of Australia’s leading First Nations designers and those with penchants for eclectic accoutrements. You can witness the latest in streetwear, ready-to-wear and independent couture with diversity and inclusion at its heart. Experience this spectacular closing runway to complete your Melbourne Fashion Festival experience, featuring incredible designers such as Nagnata, JAM, Not a Man’s Dream, Stratgeas Carlucci, Paul McCann, Iordanes Spyridon Gogos & Ngali.
Tickets to the Premium Runway Series and all other events are available now via Ticketmaster.com.au – Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most incredible Melbourne Fashion Festivals yet.
