Melbourne Fashion Week is back, and it’s bigger than ever. The 2026 program promises a week of fashion, creativity, and community, with over 300 local designers and retailers showcasing their talent across more than 100 events.
Running from October 19 to 25, the event will feature seven premium runways at iconic locations, including the National Gallery of Victoria and State Library Victoria.
A week of fashion and creativity
This year’s theme, ‘Wear the Moment’, celebrates the individuals who make Melbourne’s fashion scene so unique. The program includes a mix of free and ticketed events, with something for everyone.
The opening night’s ganbu marra runway at the NGV will showcase First Nations designers and creatives, including National Indigenous Fashion Award winner Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.
Other highlights include The Cult Status runway at State Library Victoria, featuring emerging designers like Club Venus and Gotham, and The Edit runway at Younghusband, celebrating modern femininity with collections from Bianca Spender and Clea.
New venues and exciting additions
One of the most exciting developments is the takeover of the NGV for the first time, with the Great Hall hosting the opening night’s runway. The return of City Square is also a welcome addition, with two daytime runways on October 24.
The Fashion Capsules program has a new addition: a world-exclusive presentation of couture bridal collections by Vivienne Westwood, in collaboration with Raffaele Ciuca.
The Student Collections runway on Friday night is always a highlight, featuring raw and experimental fashion from Australia’s top design institutions. The Student Designer Award winner will be announced on the night.
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The week will close with the Wear the Moment runway at 1 Hotel Melbourne, featuring designers like Grace Lillian Lee and Lucinda Babi, alongside live performance and music.
For a full list of events and to purchase tickets, visit the Melbourne Fashion Week website.
Visitor Guides and City Experiences
For visitors to Melbourne, curated guides are available to explore the city’s offerings beyond the runways. These include recommendations for hair salons, massage studios, vintage shopping, and date night spots. The guides aim to enhance the visitor experience, providing opportunities to discover local favorites and unique activities during their stay.
Conversations and Independent Events
Melbourne Fashion Week 2026 offers more than just runways. The M/FW Conversations series, presented by Collarts, will feature panel discussions at State Library Victoria on October 20. Topics include investing in fashion businesses and the underrepresentation of women over 50 in fashion.
Over 30 independent events complement the official program. Highlights include the Emerging Artists Collective, a fashion and dining experience at Pastuso, and a sustainability discussion with the United Nations Association of Australia.
Fashion Capsules and Exhibitions
Running from September 28 to October 25, the Fashion Capsules program features five curated exhibitions. Sisterhood and Spear Grass highlights First Nations designers, while Fashion Futures showcases student work from Melbourne’s top design schools. Sustainable City, curated by The Social Studio, focuses on local production and circularity.
At Emporium Melbourne, The Capsule 4: The Collection merges all three fashion capsules. Love Letters at Melbourne Town Hall celebrates 70 years of Raffaele Ciuca’s bridal excellence, featuring Vivienne Westwood couture.
Tickets for Melbourne Fashion Week 2026 are now on sale, offering access to exclusive offers and hospitality specials. Visit the Melbourne Fashion Week website for the full program.