melbourne fashion week has arrived. here’s what we're keen to see

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for fashionable Melburnians. No, it’s not Christmas (yet) – it’s Melbourne Fashion Week! This year’s program – which runs from October 10th to 16th – is packed with runway shows, workshops, panel discussions and exhibitions that celebrate the city’s rad fashion community and delve into issues like sustainability and local manufacturing. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of the events we’re gearing up to attend.

BAABY X A SUSTAINABLE FASHION JOURNEY Local label Baaby (which we absolutely adore here at frankie) will host a panel discussion on fast-fashion, sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry today. After the talk, attendees will be able to spy Baaby’s upcoming collection, as well as an art installation by the label's designer, Amelia Mercoulia.

MAKE IT MELBOURNE Join our clever contributor Ashlynne McGhee, along with Margie Woods (of Viktoria & Woods), Julia Van Der Sommen (of Sample Room), Vicki Nicola (of Kangan Institute) and Kate Dillon (of She Lion) to celebrate the premiere of Make It Melbourne – a documentary series about four makers and brands that are supporting local manufacturing.  

POP-UP RUNWAYS If you happen to be out and about in the CBD this week, keep an eye out for four pop-up runways dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brands, LGBTQIA+ designers, comfy-but-cool looks, and disco glamour.

BRIDGERTON HIGH TEA If you’ve been wanting an excuse to dress up in Regency-era garb ever since you finished binge-watching season two of Bridgerton, here it is: the Bridgerton High Tea. Nibble, sip and listen to opera while sporting your fanciest outfit. Sounds dreamy, eh?

MINISKIRTS AND THE UNRAVELLING RAG TRADE Here’s one for the history buffs: presented by Pauline Hastings, this free online talk will look at how youth culture in the 1960s had a huge impact on Australian fashion, the fall of local clothing manufacturing, and more.

ORIGAMI HEADBAND WORKSHOP Gather round, crafty folk. Local milliner Louise Macdonald is hosting a nifty workshop on how to fold, twist and stitch your way to a swish ribbon headband.

FASHION CAPSULES Wander through the city streets and you’ll find seven ‘fashion capsules’ – public exhibition displays that celebrate some of Australia’s clever creatives, including fashion designers, stylists, artists and more.

DRESS TO IMPRESS This rad event (which includes a talk, a web portal launch, a runway and a DJ) aims to help women of colour find their personal style. Hosted by STEM Sisters, the event will also delve into issues around sustainability and building professional confidence.