Celebrating 30 years of Melbourne fashion

Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) is set to return from October 21 to 27, marking its 30th anniversary by spotlighting the city’s vibrant fashion community.

This year's theme, You’re Invited, celebrates the distinctive characteristics that define Melbourne's fashion landscape: individuality, community, and self-expression.

Adding to the enthusiasm, internationally acclaimed Melbourne-born artist G Flip has been named the 2024 ambassador, closing the festivities with a performance at Melbourne Town Hall as part of the Closing Showcase.

“I'm so excited to be part of M/FW this year. Melbourne is my home and I’m very honoured to be celebrating our city’s incredible local fashion and creative talent,” G Flip said.

Fashion has played a huge role in my life, especially when it came to exploring and finding my sexuality and gender identity.

Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to the return of beloved M/FW venues for its seven premium runway shows, including the Queen Victoria Market, Little Bourke Street, THE LUME Melbourne, Melbourne Town Hall, and the Melbourne Museum.

The program will also feature more than 300 designers and retailers, with more than 100 events and sessions planned for throughout the week.

“What started back in 1995 as just four runways, has evolved into an unmissable week of fashion – a staple in the events calendar of fashion-lovers everywhere,” Lord Mayor Nick Reece said.

“We’re expecting more than 100,000 people to join us at this year’s milestone Melbourne Fashion Week – driving the local economy through its runway-to-retail focus.”

This year's lineup of featured designers at Melbourne Fashion Week includes Aje, ALPHA60, Bec + Bridge, Clothing the Gaps, Erik Yvon, Grace Lillian Lee, INJURY, J’Aton, MAARA Collective, Mariam Seddiq, nevenka, Ngali, Oroton, Rebecca Vallance, and Reigner, among others.

In addition to showcasing established brands, the 2024 M/FW program also shines a spotlight on emerging and independent designers, continuing to promote sustainability, inclusivity, and the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, alongside other diverse influences within Australia’s fashion scene.

“This year’s program is a culmination of everything there is to love about Melbourne’s fashion and retail scene – with more than 100 showstopping free and ticketed events and sessions – and everyone’s invited,” Cr Reece said. •