As restrictions ease, Melbourne’s streets and laneways are slowly coming back to life. With this awakening and newfound freedom comes the return of some of our favourite events, including Melbourne Fashion Week. The M/FW 2020 program has officially launched and for the first time focuses on a 100 per cent free offering with both in-person and digital events.
In this week-long celebration of fashion – from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 November – runways and talks will go online, while other activations and pop-ups will take place around Melbourne as people return to the city post-lockdown.
The reimagined M/FW will not only provide Melbournians with much-needed entertainment and creative respite but has been designed to support the local retail, fashion and hospitality industries as they recover from COVID’s economic effects. Read on to learn more about this year’s fresh approach and Ticketek’s curated M/FW program highlights.
Introducing a fresh and seasonless approach
In a bold move, and perhaps a sign of changing times, designers participating in this year’s M/FW won’t be required to present new season collections. Instead, they’ll be encouraged to showcase classic, seasonless ranges that celebrate timeless fashion and a commitment to sustainable style.
Join the conversation
M/FW Conversations are presented by Creative Victoria and shine a spotlight on the industry’s most influential leaders and designers. From Monday 23 to Thursday November 29, the online series will unpack timely topics including celebrating innovation and diversity in indigenous fashion; the relationship between fashion and technology; the global movement towards ‘seasonless’ fashion and more. Reserve your digital ticket here
Sit front row
While this year’s event lineup features predominantly online events, traditional runways will once again return – but not quite as you know them. This year’s first in-person runway will take place among the lush surrounds of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The Arid Gardens Runway is set to be an intimate event, showcasing both established and emerging labels, with models meandering in and out of the pathways and flower beds.
To round things out, a quintessentially Melbourne street runway will be held at Meyers Place, celebrating the some of the city’s most directional labels and retailers. In addition to limited free tickets, foodies and fashion enthusiasts will be able to book into a local restaurant and sit back and watch the action from their street-side tables.
Tickets to both runways are strictly limited due to capacity restrictions. For a full designer lineup and to reserve your ticket, click here.
Shows go digital
The key focus of this year’s program is interactive, engaging and free digital programming. M/FW has worked with Melbourne’s top designers and retailers to re-imagine the runways and bring 24 digital shows direct to the homes of fashion enthusiasts.This offering will not only provide an antidote to the challenging times but an inclusive experience without the usual price tag. Every look featured in the shows will be available for purchase from local retailers – either online or safely in-person.
Eat local
Now more than ever, it’s essential to support the local hospitality industry – and treat yourself to some post-lockdown meals. Some of Melbourne’s top restaurants including Longrain, Supernormal, Cumulus Inc and Movida have teamed up with the event to pair exclusive food and beverage packages with on-demand M/FW Digital Shows. The M/FW Eats partnership aims to bring the full fashion week experience direct into audience’s homes and encourages Melbournians to eat and shop local.
See the city come to life
While in the city during M/FW there’s plenty of free things to see and do. Start your fashion journey at the Metro Tunnel and enjoy a free augmented reality experience. The Metro Tunnel Creative Program has teamed up with M/FW to commission an interactive artwork by Melbourne designer Nixi Killick at the City Square and Scott Alley sites. See artwork come to life with performances ahead of M/FW from Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November. As you continue your stroll around the city, look out for the free M/FW Pop-up Runways as well as seven Fashion Capsules. Each capsule is designed to spark intrigue and celebrate some of the industry’s most innovative creative talents including fashion designers, weavers, artisans, Aboriginal artists, stylists and more.
Melbourne Fashion Week is running from 23–29 November
