What to Attend at M/FW 2021
There’s an exciting feeling in the air in Melbourne. The city streets have come alive with flashes of colour against the usual army of black. Laneways are filled with beautifully dressed runway revellers slipping between events. Photographers are stopping mid-walk to catch the action as the city comes back to life for Melbourne Fashion Week.
Running from 15-21 of November, Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) isn’t just a gathering to celebrate fashionable clothes. It’s a week-long series of online and in-person events that dive into the industry’s rich history, offer guidance on how we can create a more sustainable fashion future and releasing the latest trends to excite us. So whether you want to know the colour of the season or what the deal is with textile recycling, read on for the top picks from M/FW that you won’t want to miss.
The Runways
Itching to see those models strut their stuff? This year’s runways offer a kaleidoscope of choices and out team these are our top picks.
Get transported to a secret garden on this flower-filled runway hidden away in the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Featuring: Alémais, Aje, Akira, Asiyam, Ginger & Smart, LEO & LIN, Helen O’Connor, MAARA Collective, nevenka and Ngali.
Want a runway to catch something on your lunch break? Then head along to one of these pop up runways that are winding themselves throughout the CBD. They’re always our favourite kind of runway, with their authentic street style flavour.
Featuring: Reborn by Homie, Gammin Threads, Neuw Denim, Hew, Erik Yvon, Oncewas, Anna Thomas, Nique, Uniek, Ginny’s Girl Gang, Jarin Street and more.
The iconic meeting point of Melbourne is playing host to a lineup that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers. The runway is styled by a proud Yorta Yorta man and one to watch, Rhys Ripper.
Featuring: Amber days, House of Darwin, Kirrikin, Liandra Swim and Nungala Creative.
Start a Conversation
Satisfy your curiosity and take a deep dive into the fashion industry, by participating in an informative seminar with some heavy-hitters. There’s so much to choose from and clichés aside, definitely something for everyone. Take a look at some of our best picks…
Is a change for the better happening on the runways? Take part in this important discussion on diversity with leading change-makers from across the fashion industry.
Panel Members: Grace Dlabik (Founder of Be. One Creative), Chelsea Bonner (Bella Management), Deni Todorovic (LGBTIQ+ activist and stylist), Jarin Baigent (Trading Blak), Lisa Cox (model and accessibility advocate) and Tarik Houchar (Modest Fashion Runways).
This one’s the perfect event for those who love fashion, but hate waste. This discussion is hosted by Collarts (The Australian College of the Arts) and dissects the role that upcycling plays in the fashion industry. Voices from industry representatives join together to discuss the opportunities in textile recycling.
Panel Members: Hosts Rachel Matthews and Debbie Pratt are joined by Australian fashion experts Thea Speechely (RawAssembly), Meg Parry (Meg Parry Studio), Aleasha McCallion, Michael Elias (Upparel) and Ben Kaminsky (Textile Recyclers Australia).
How can we sort the companies that are true change-makers from the ones just jumping on the bandwagon? Learn to detect the truly sustainable brands with this in-depth discussion around greenwashing in the fashion industry.
Panel Members: Clare Press moderates a panel full of experts including Eloise Bishop Country Road’s Head of Sustainability, Genevieve Smart of Ginger and Smart and Courtney Holm of A.BCH.
Exhibitions
Not enough time in your day to catch a runway show? Then pop along to one of these week-long, stand-alone exhibitions.
The individual Fashion Capsules are the perfect way to fill the downtime between runways or entertain yourself on a lunch break. Grab a coffee and meander between laneways and iconic Melbourne landmarks for a fashionable treasure hunt.
Featuring: Post Sole Studios, VERNER, Screenwear Studio, Ngali, P.A.M., Poppy Lissiman, Remuse, SZN, Kalaurie, Melissa Jackson, MNDATORY, Anna Cordell and more.
Hause of Dizzy Meets Gammin Threads
Get ready for some statement-making artwork bought to you by Aboriginal designers, Hause of Dizzy and Gammin Threads. Both designers will also have a pop-up shop at Melbourne Central Lower Ground floor from 5 November.
Sharing, Wearing and Repairing
The amazing students at Collarts have designed this exhibition that focuses on reducing our clothing’s environmental impact with four themes in mind – Sharing, Wearing, Repairing and Caring. Get inspired by the ideas from these inspirational students.
Workshops
Get involved and learn how to repair, create and upcycle your wardrobe with these hands-on workshops.
Make sure all eyes are on you with this unique workshop run by milliner Louise Macdonald. Once you have created your own Ribbon Halo Headpiece, you will be ready for your own fashion week!
There is no better time to learn how to mend those socks than right now! Bring along some clothes that need some mending love and learn how to DIY with the experts from Second Stitch. Can’t catch this event in time, but have a wardrobe full of repairs? Check out our Clothing Repairs Near You Guide.
Sick of buying hats season after season? Learn to repair them! Bring along a straw or felt hat to this workshop and get the skill to revive it from drab to fab. A win for your sustainable wardrobe.
Shop the Pop-Ups
It wouldn’t be fashion week without a little spot of (mindful) shopping, would it! Luckily M/FW has your well dressed back.
Show that you support your favourite Aboriginal brand or and find a new one by popping along to this perfect little pop-up. Featuring wares from Take Pride Movement, Nungala Creative, Jarin Street, Kakadu Tinie tots and a whole lot more.
This pop up features a powerful collection of local artisans and garment makers who value the sustainable side of fashion.
Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out
If you can’t resist a bargain, now is the time. If there is something that has been catching your eye, then jump on it during the discount filled night of Vogue American Express Fashion’s Night Out (VAEFNO). An iconic celebration featuring discounts, giveaways, bubbles and entertainment for which Melbourne is known.
This is just a small selection of events about which we’re excited. Dive into the full program to experience all that Melbourne Fashion week has to offer.
To see M/FW’s past, see Melbourne Fashion Week 2020
M/FW Digital Runways 2020
M/FW 2019 Trends from the Runway
