Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) will return in November and will be set against a backdrop of iconic Melbourne locations.
As Melbourne slowly emerges from lengthy lockdowns, the event will bring people back into the city and will offer a boost to retail and hospitality venues.
M/FW will showcase a mix of emerging, independent and established designers and brands, with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the diversity of Australia’s fashion industry.
Over the course of the event, more than 250 designers and 300 retailers will feature across more than 100 different events and sessions.
Designers set to be featured throughout the event include Aje, Romance Was Born, Lee Matthews, Oroton, Scanlan Theodore, Maticevski, Rebecca Valance, Ngali, Camilla, Elk, Liandra Swim, Carla Zampatti and Maara Collective.
The event will be staged across 10 runways at nine unique locations, including the Plaza Ballroom, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the MCG, Fed Square, the Cathedral Room at Queen & Collins, and Rialto Melbourne.
Additionally, five other pop-up runways in the city's streets and laneways will showcase the looks of local designers.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Melbournians will be able to access half of the event for free.
"Melbourne is the fashion capital of Australia and Melbourne Fashion Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase local designers and creatives.
"We can’t wait to bring back the buzz through the colour, vibrancy and style of this iconic annual event.
"And Melburnians can access more than half of the program for free this year.
"We know great events like this entice people into our city, and provide a much-needed boost to local retail and hospitality businesses," she said.
The carbon-neutral event sees the return of the Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out (VAEFNO), while support for student and emerging designers is set to continue, with the return of the popular Student Collections Runway and Student Designer Award as part of the M/FW Student Program.
CBD retailers and hospitality venues will also be given a much-needed boost during the event, with special 'drink and dine' offers available for M/FW ticket holders at city venues and there will be opportunities to buy runway looks in city stores and online.
"We know Melbourne Fashion Week provides a significant boost to the local economy," Melbourne City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell said.
"Last year’s event brought $29 million into the city.
"The event will support our fashion and retail industries, as well as the city’s hospitality businesses, as the city bounces back from lockdowns and restrictions," she said.
Additionally, industry experts will unpack relevant topics through a series of M/FW Conversations events.
Other independent events will also form part of the program, including the Modest Fashion Runway and the Bella Unsigned Model Search.
M/FW will run from November 15 to 21, with tickets available from 11am tomorrow, October 20.
All ticketed runways will be available to view online after each event.
The full program is available to view now on the M/FW website.