The fashion industry is abuzz as the 2017 Melbourne Fashion Week gears up to open in spectacular style. MFW now in its 23rd year, runs 1-8 September 2017. The week showcases fashion designers, premium runway shows, workshops, film, and exhibitions.
Sit back and enjoy The Plus Ones’ guide to MFW’s must-see events. Prepare yourself for a week of entertainment, eye candy, flashing cameras, champers and the inspiration that Melbourne Fashion Week is bound to provide!
MFW Official Opening (1 September, 5-10pm)
MFW has partnered with VOGUE to host the opening night event, ‘VOGUE American Express Fashion’s night out’ (VAEFNO). Little Bourke street will be magically transformed for the Emporium Melbourne open air runway whilst Bourke Street Mall will be a hive of activity with the official opening kicking off at 5pm. Hundreds of local retailers in the city’s retail precinct will be offering exclusive in store promotions, one night only specials, makeovers, food, drinks and freebies.
Collins place X Rokk Ebony (1 September, 5-10pm)
If bubbles and canapés are your thing (yes please) then head to Collins Place forecourt as they celebrate MFW opening night with a Brown Brothers prosecco pop up bar, runway show, complimentary 15 minute mini makeovers courtesy of Rokk Ebony and Rokk Man Barbers, live music and a performance by Melbourne Ballet Company. To top it off, esteemed Milliner Felicity Northeast will be on hand giving fashion tips and ideas for spring racing carnival. Giddyup!
Melbourne Town Hall (1-8 September)
The Town Hall will become a fashion and entertainment hub during the week long event. Featuring live performances from upcoming music stars, DJ sets, pop up shops and the MFW Bar, perfect for a cheeky cocktail pre and post show.
It will house The Creative Collective Exhibition – For Curious eyes only. A revolving exhibition that will feature Melbourne’s artists and independent designers covering sound, design, floristry, performance, jewellery, illustration and more. Displays will change regularly throughout the week. Presented by Creative Victoria, the exhibition is curated by stylist Virginia Dowzer and designed by Moth Design.
The Eternal Headonist – create a surrealist headpiece workshop (3 September, 1-4pm)
Inspired by surrealist fashion designer Elsa Schiaperelle, this not to be missed one off workshop is run by The Eternal Headonist in their flagship store. Milliner The Human Chameleon will guide you through the workshop as you create your own surrealist headpiece, perfect for upcoming Spring racing carnival. You can find The Eternal Headonist in Georges Arcade, 195 Little Collins St Melbourne.
Kinship – Rags to Runway (6 September, 7-9pm)
Kangan Institute partners with Australian Red Cross to present Kinship: The 2017 Rags to Runway fashion show. Celebrity stylist and Red Cross Ambassador Alex van Os is styling the runway show that will feature up-cycled garments, designed and created by Kangan Institute fashion students using fabric and recycled clothing provided by Red Cross stores. The runway will be located at 524 Flinders. General admission standing tickets include a beer or miniature bottle of sparkling wine $40 Gold seated tickets include free flowing beer / sparkling wine and light finger food $60
NGV The House of Dior – Seventy Years of Haute Couture (27 August – 7 Nov 2017)
The National Gallery of Victoria in collaboration with House of Dior presents a glamorous exhibition featuring more than 140 garments beautifully displayed in true Dior style. Friday nights the party kicks off with an impressive line up of Australian and International artists. NGV Friday Nights commences on 1 Sept – 4 Nov 17.
MFW Runway
MFW will feature 6 premium runway shows over the course of the week with Designer greats including Akira, Manning Cartel, Nicola Fennetti, Scanlan Theodore, Thurley, Carla Zampatti and many more presenting their 2017 Spring / Summer range. Student runway and Student runway collective will showcase works from students studying at Melbourne’s top design schools.
In true fashion week style, tickets are selling fast, so head to Melbourne Fashion Week to secure your spot at MFW’s hottest events!
– Tennille
Tennille Moore is a fashion loving, food obsessed, adventure seeking Melburnian, on a quest to find the hottest events throughout Victoria and beyond. You can find her at @travellingsoulsister.
Melbourne Fashion week runs 1 – 8 September 2017. View the full program.
