PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025: Everything We Know So Far

Get ready to strut into the new year because the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025 is serving up its most spectacular lineup yet, proving once again why Melbourne is Australia’s undisputed fashion capital.

Running from 22nd February to 8th March, this iconic event is a must for anyone who loves a good runway moment, cutting-edge style, and the buzz of a city dressed to impress.

This year’s programme is turning fashion into what the Festival calls a “spectator sport”, and honestly, we’re here for it. With 15 days of jaw-dropping runways, thought-provoking talks, and a vibrant block party to wrap it all up, the festival promises to be an knockout vibe for seasoned fashionistas and curious newcomers alike.

The Premium Runway Series will once again claim its throne at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building—a backdrop as breathtaking as the clothes themselves. From Opening Night’s double-header featuring Australia’s fashion royalty (think Aje, Romance Was Born, Viktoria & Woods) to brand-new concepts like Resort Glam and The Menswear Edit, each evening is poised to be a feast for the eyes.

But the standouts? We’re circling F* the Invisible Runway** (yes, that’s the name), celebrating bold, edgy fashion for women 50 and beyond, and New Again Runway, which gives new life to recycled and upcycled materials. Sustainable chic has never looked so good.

If glamour and rebellion had a love child, it would be Back in Blak Runway, showcasing the fierce designs of First Nations creatives and proving that Australian fashion is as diverse as it is extraordinary.

The Festival is doubling down on its commitment to emerging talent with a record number of designers in its National Designer Award x David Jones and National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne. For the first time, the prestigious Designer Award will take centre stage on a consumer runway, letting audiences witness the future of fashion up close.

These runways are always a festival highlight—previous winners include Aussie legends like Dion Lee and Toni Maticevski—so grabbing a ticket is quite simply a no-brainer.

Not a runway person? No worries. The Festival has so much more to offer. The Australian Fashion Business Lunch on 6 March will dive into how purpose-driven brands are shaping the industry, while Fashion Talks promises deep conversations around sustainability and local design.

For the cinephiles, the Fashion Film Awards will screen 12 stunning short films that celebrate the art of storytelling through style. And let’s not forget the fabulous Fashion Forecourt, where you can sip cocktails, soak up DJ beats, and people-watch your heart out.

The 2024 Festival saw record-breaking attendance and satisfaction, but 2025 is taking things up a notch. With more designers, innovative new concepts, and that unbeatable Melbourne energy, this is shaping up to be a fashion-lover’s paradise. Whether you're there for the glamour, the grit, or just to find your next statement piece, PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025 is your ticket to impeccable style.

So, mark your calendars, grab your tickets (from just $69!), and get ready to immerse yourself in a world where fashion isn’t just worn—it’s celebrated. See you on the runway!

Loved our guide to the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2025 programme? Now that your calendar is full of activities, why not book a restaurant in the CBD to eat at before or afterwards? Or, catch a post-work, pre-runway show happy hour.