Melbourne’s biggest fashion and retail event is coming up! Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) is taking place from the 10th – 16th of October. The annual event is designed to cement Melbourne as the country’s fashion capital and attracts over 175, 000 attendees every year. M/FW celebrates diversity and sustainability in fashion, supporting emerging, independent and established fashion designers.
The events span multiple CBD locations and this year’s core program features fashion runways, pop-up runways, exhibitions capsules, retail events and partner events. The CAE hosts a range of fashion design and sewing short courses at our iconic city campus, located right next to Flinders Street Station in the CBD.
Due to our central location, we decided to put together a one-week guide for our favourite upcoming M/FW events, focused on retail, industry talks, sustainability and emerging and First Nations designers.
Mon 10 Oct: Wildlife Friendly Fashion Pop-Up
M/FW has teamed up with Collective Fashion Justice and World Animal Protection to showcase innovative wildlife-friendly fashion brands. This free event will feature attendee interviews about what a wildlife-free future in fashion means, and complimentary goody bags from ethical and animal-friendly brands.
Mon 10 – Sat 15 Oct: Wastefest Exhibition
Innovation and sustainability push the boundaries of fashion in this immersive and free event taking place at South Bank’s Future From Waste Lab (FFWL). Over the course of five days, attendees can watch four designers use commercial textile waste to create new garments, each one completing one head-to-toe look.
Tue 11 Oct: Pop Up Runway: Trading Blak
Don’t miss M/FW’s first pop-up runway event showcasing emerging and established Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander brands in collaboration with Trading Blak. Both sessions are free and will start at Federation Square and see models walk the city streets.
Wed 12 – Sat 15 Oct: Toi et Moi Jewellery Exhibition
The Toi et Moi, French for ‘You and Me’ exhibition features work from a collection of artists and jewellery designers paying homage to the iconic ring design by the same name. This style of ring has been interpreted in many different ways in this romantic group exhibition, tickets are free and sessions run until Saturday 15th of October.
Thu 13 Oct: Student Collections Runway
Get a sneak peek at Australia’s next generation of fashion designers at the student collections runway, featuring collections from the highly awarded Box Hill Institute and other leading Melbourne design schools. Expect bold and unconventional designs, plus the M/FW student award will be announced on the night.
Fri 14 Oct: Discussion Forum: COST – behind the seams
Join industry leaders in sustainable fashion during this free discussion forum, covering the environmental impacts of fast-fashion and climate change. Speakers will explore a future remade by natural fibres and reduced environmental impact.
Fri 14 Oct: Vault Upcycle initiative
Step into the grandiose halls of the Collins Street Block Arcade and delight in a free runway event, showcasing the VAULT’s collection of pre-loved clothing. The VAULT opened in 2019 in order to sell the National Trust’s large collection of vintage clothing. Melbourne-based designers were invited to upcycle garments from the VAULT for this one-off retail and runway event
Sat 15 Oct: Pop Up Runway: Comfortcore
Join the fashion evolution where comfort meets chic and watch this moving runway take place in the Collins Street precinct of the CBD. This event showcases top brands producing effortless looks that emphasise style and comfort.
Sat 15 Oct: Ganbu Marra Runway
Celebrate the next generation of First Nations designers at Melbourne’s heritage listed arts and event space the Meat Market in North Melbourne. Join talented First Nations designers from around the country, the event will begin with a Welcome to Country and include special performances.
Sunday 16 Oct: Collins Dome Closing Runway
The glamourous closing ceremony and runway for MF/W will take place in the iconic Victory Offices at 333 Collins Street. The former bank chamber is renowned for its domed architecture and will be the backdrop for M/FWs premiere event. Showcasing Australia’s top designers and their high-end collections, with a special guest performance from artist Thelma Plum.
Upcoming Courses at the CAE
Master Your Sewing Machine in a Day – CAE