Australian couturier Steven Khalil has scored a key runway spot at the 2025 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Khalil will present a sixty-look collection at the Festival’s Grand Showcase on Friday, March 7 at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.
This marks the fashion designer’s first ever runway presentation in Victoria.
Each year, the Festival presents the Grand Showcase – the only solo designer show as part of the Premium Runway Series, commemorating a leading Australian designer or brand. Last year, the spot was awarded to P.E Nation.
PMFF CEO Caroline Ralphsmith said other notable brands featured in the Grand Showcase in previous years included Maticevski in 2020, Carla Zampatti in 2019 and Paolo Sebastian in 2023.
“We can’t wait to see the breathtaking beauty that Steven Khalil will bring to this year’s Grand Showcase for his first ever solo runway show in Melbourne,” Ralphsmith said.
“His international success, red carpet domination and loyal local following, all cultivated over the last 30 years, has cemented his place as an Australian fashion legend.”
This year’s Grand Showcase will feature a curation of gowns from Khalil’s most recent Bridal collection, a preview of looks from his upcoming collection launch at New York Bridal Market in April, alongside a selection of red-carpet couture collections.
“I’m so excited to be presenting my first show in Melbourne to celebrate over 30 years of my business, as part of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival,” Khalil said. “I’ll be showcasing a collection of my favourite archival pieces as well as new, never before seen looks.”
Khalil is passionate about reviving elements of a classical era of European couture, and has designed bespoke gowns for global celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Emily Ratajkowski, Rita Ora, Priyanka Chopra, Kylie Jenner and Paula Abdul.
The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival will take place from February 22 to March 8 this year, with tickets to the Premium Runways priced from $69.