Fun Things to Do This Melbourne Fashion Week
Your guide to the best activities, runways, workshops, exhibitions and more.
One of the most exciting times in Australian fashion is upon us. On the third week of October, Melbourne transforms into a fashion haven, where Australian brands gather to showcase their latest and finest work.
Melbourne Fashion Week is upon us, and there's so much to do. From runways to exhibitions and workshops, plus free events, there's something for every fashion lover out there.
Here's our guide to Melbourne Fashion Week 2024 and all of the best things to do.
STRATEAS CARLUCCI X FREYJA: Taste of Estrangement
Step into a world where fashion meets flavour at STRATEAS CARLUCCI X FREYJA: Taste of Estrangement, an exclusive Melbourne Fashion Week dinner. Renowned Chef Jae Bang of FREYJA has curated a bold, imaginative menu inspired by the Estrange collection, where delicate and daring flavours intertwine to reflect the collection’s themes of beauty, pain, and transformation. Each dish is a poetic balance of pleasure and agony, pushing the boundaries of culinary and creative expression.
Make this Melbourne Fashion Week unforgettable with a sensory journey that seamlessly blends fashion, art, and taste into a singular, captivating experience.
$150
Thursday 24th October, 6pm to 9pm
Book here
477 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ganbu Marra Opening Night Runway
Melbourne Fashion Week 2024's opening night runway is all about showcasing Australia's First Nation's talent and designers. Brands including Amber Days, Baluchay, Clair Helen, Gammin Threads, Ihraa Swim, LORE, MumRed, Yanggurdi and Yarrenyty Arltere Artists will be showcasing their designs in the runway.
Not only is this runway special because it's opening Melbourne Fashion Week for its 30th year, there will also be hip hop artist, BARKAA, performing at both runway shows.
Monday 21st October, 8.00 to 8.30pm and 9.30 to 10.00pm
Secure tickets here
11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Fashion Rediscovered Styling Workshop
Unlock your personal style at this exciting Melbourne Fashion Week event led by fashion expert Thea Basiliou. With her rich experience as the founder of Blonde Venus and co-founder of The Outpost, Thea will guide you through a fun, interactive session focusing on body positivity, individual style, and self-expression. You'll gain wardrobe auditing tips and learn to reimagine pieces from your own closet. It’s the perfect chance to freshen up your look and embrace your unique fashion sense!
$20
Saturday 26th October, 10.30am to 12pm
Book here
Spring Place, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Fashion x Underground
Step into Melbourne’s underground fashion scene at Fashion x Underground, presented by Collarts. Held at Melbourne Town Hall, this immersive event breaks away from traditional runway norms, blending sustainability, inclusivity, and cutting-edge design.
Featuring bold creations from Byrn Costume, Club Venus, House of Darwin, and more, the showcase channels the rebellious spirit of Internet 1.0 and Melbourne’s subcultures. Expect surprise performances from artists like SOVBLKPSSY, Blu Jay, and Shyaire Ganglani.
A celebration of creativity and expression, Fashion x Underground promises a night of boundary-pushing fashion and art this Melbourne Fashion Week.
* This non-seated event will include rest and lounge areas for your comfort. Please note content warnings for photosensitivity and dynamic sounds.
$85 to $119
Friday 25th October
Book here
Melbourne Town Hall, Collins Street Entrance, 190 Collins Street, Melbourne
Pop-Up Runway: Slow Waves
Celebrate the future of sustainable fashion at Slow Waves Pop-Up Runway, where visionary designers reimagine style with conscious creativity. This immersive event highlights transformative movement and responsibility, showcasing how repurposing materials can reshape couture. Set against the streets of Melbourne, two walking routes guide attendees through iconic locations like Parliament Gardens and Block Arcade, with live performances throughout.
A celebration of mindful fashion, Slow Waves invites you to explore the beauty of innovative design that prioritises environmental impact.
Free event
Saturday 26th October
View sessions here
Parliament Gardens, Coles Fountain, Melbourne
Community Culture Pop-Up Runway
Celebrate Melbourne’s rich cultural diversity at the Community Culture Pop-Up Runway. This vibrant event showcases bold, colourful outfits from a range of multicultural designers, with models taking to the streets to bring fashion to life. Through fluid movement and striking design, this runway embodies the city’s dynamic landscape and harmonious community.
Set against Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, including Hosier Lane and the NGV, Community Culture offers a unique fashion experience that dances around the world.
Free event
Friday 25th October
Find out more here
Hosier Lane, Melbourne
Student Collections Runway at the LUME
The Student Collections Runway at MFW is always one of the most unique and interesting runways of the entire week. Held at the LUME, this runway will feature designs and collections from talented students studying at Box Hill Institute, Holmesglen Institute, LCI Melbourne, RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles and Whitehouse Institute of Design Australia.
Expect bold silhouettes, innovative designs and emerging artists in the fashion industry who aren't afraid to experiment and get creative.
Tuesday 22nd October, 8.00pm to 8.45pm
Secure tickets here
5 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Fashion Market Presented by Spring Place
Sustainability and slow fashion are also celebrated at Melbourne Fashion Week 2024, and one of the events doing so is the Fashion Market. Collarts, Revamp Clothing and Spring Place are all coming together to host a market with over 30 stalls, including a stall of upcycled garments curated by Collarts and thread Together. It's a great wya to shop with purpose and ethics in mind while celebrating Melbourne's week of fashion.
23rd to 25th October, 11.00am to 3.00pm
26th October, 10.00am to 4.00pm
Register to be a stallholder here
50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
M/FW Conversations: An Inclusive Fashion Future
Moderated by content creator, writer and podcaster, Maggie Zhou, An Inclusive Fashion Future delves into how the fashion industry can foster an inclusive landscape not only through culture, but also sustainable practices and a slow fashion ethos. Panelists include Co-founder of JAM The Label, Emma Clegg, First Nations and Pro Makeup Artist, owner of ITHINKSHEAFREAK, Kaydee Kyle-Taylor. After the panel discussion, there will be a roundtable hosted by hosted by Dr Ruth De Souza and Junie Baptiste Poitevien. It's an educational event that can benefit everyone who attends, gaining insight into the future of the industry.
Thursday 24th October, 3.30pm to 4.15pm, 4.30 to 5.15pm
Secure your tickets here
Level 2, 100 Queen Street, Melbourne, 3000
Little Bourke Street Runway Presented by Emporium Melbourne
This Melbourne Fashion Week runway is not only going to be an incredible show, it's also free to the public! Featuring Aje, Et Al Australia, Oroton, Rebecca Vallance, Sandro, and many more, this show will make its way down Little Bourke Street, transforming Emporium's shopping strip into a makeshift runway.
Free and open to the public, this runway will be filled with plenty of exciting new looks - both from the designers and the audience - and immaculate vibes all around.
After the runway, make sure you hang around EMporium, because they're throwing the ultimate house party! Think freshly shucked oysters, curated cocktails, live DJs and exclusive retail offers - all complimentary!
Thursday 24th October, 5.00pm to 5.25pm and 6.30pm to 6.55pm
Little Bourke Street, between Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street
Silent Dove Jewellery Design Workshop
Silent Dove is hosting a jewellery design workshop this Melbourne Fashion Week, allowing you to unleash your inner artist and get creative with beads. Learn how to upcycle and reuse in a unique way, creating and designing jewellery that's bespoke to you. Make sure you bring existing beads that you would like to repurpose.
Friday 25th October, 12.00pm tp 1.30pm
Free, register here
50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Trenches to Runway: Military Influences on Popular Fashion
Even The Shrine of Remembrance is getting involved in MFW! The exhibition Trenches to Runway: Military Influences on Popular Fashion is an exploration of how the military and fashion world are connected, and how military uniforms have influenced fashion trends throughout the years.
From the humble trench coat to military-issued Ray-Ban sunglasses, there is much to be explored at this exciting exhibition.
21st October to 27th October, 10.00am to 5.00pm Daily
Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Loved reading about all the fun things to do this Melbourne Fashion Week? You'll also enjoy browsing through our style edit, as well as the spring fashion trends we're jumping on board.
