This March, the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is back, bringing the best of Australian fashion to the city. From February 22 to March 8, Melbourne will be alive with boundary-pushing runway shows, emerging design talent, and unmissable moments of creativity and self-expression.

As the house of Melbourne fashion, Emporium Melbourne is once again at the heart of the festival-championing the next generation of talent, celebrating bold self-expression, and showcasing the brands shaping the future of style. To guide you through the most exciting moments, we’ve curated a lineup of must-see events-starting with a reimagined National Graduate Showcase, where fashion’s future takes centre stage.

National Graduate Showcase x Emporium Melbourne

Tuesday, March 4 | The Royal Exhibition Building

A rare glimpse into the future of fashion, the National Graduate Showcase returns in 2025 with even greater ambition. Featuring 12 breakthrough designers, this premium runway event is a launchpad for the country’s most exciting new talent, each redefining fashion with sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation at the core.

This year, we’re making it bigger, bolder, and more inclusive. The Community Choice vote opens on February 14, giving you the power to choose your favourite emerging designer. For the first time, stunning pieces from three Community Choice finalists will be displayed in-centre at Emporium Melbourne, bringing the next wave of Australian fashion directly to you. Visit the display at the Lonsdale Street entrance to place your vote between 14th February – 23rd February. Plus have the chance to win 2 tickets to the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

And in an exciting first, Emporium Melbourne is investing in the future of fashion with the Graduate Sponsorship-a game-changing opportunity for one standout finalist. Because at Emporium Melbourne, we don’t just showcase the future-we shape it.

Opening Night Runway

Monday, March 3 | The Royal Exhibition Building

Fashion’s biggest fortnight kicks off in spectacular style with the Opening Night Runway-a night of powerhouse collections and contemporary design. Featuring two high-energy runway sessions, the night spotlights Australia’s leading designers, including Emporium Melbourne favourites Aje and Viktoria & Woods.

Expect a night of effortless luxury, modern silhouettes, and the kind of pieces that define Australian style.

Resort Glam Runway

Wednesday, March 5 | The Royal Exhibition Building

A brand-new concept designed for the chic jetsetter, Resort Glam Runway is all about balmy prints, sun-drenched hues, and effortless silhouettes that transcend seasons and hemispheres.

Expect lightweight fabrics, statement resort wear, and the kind of wardrobe that takes you from summer in Noosa to a European escape, all featuring collections from Australia’s most coveted brands, including Emporium Melbourne’s very own Oroton.

If your style is elevated, effortless, and always travel-ready, this is your runway.

F*** THE INVISIBLE RUNWAY

Friday, March 7 | The Royal Exhibition Building

An industry-first runway that rejects the notion that women become invisible as they age-this show is here to disrupt, inspire, and empower.

F*** The Invisible Runway is bold, edgy, sexy, and unapologetically visible, proving that style has no age limit. This runway is for those who defy convention, embrace self-expression, and dress however the f**** they want.

Featuring contemporary designers like Etal, this show is a celebration of confidence, strength, and creativity-designed for those who live life loud and proud.

At Emporium Melbourne, we don’t just follow fashion, we set the agenda. Join us as we champion the next generation, break boundaries, and celebrate the very best of style, culture, and community.

Book your tickets now and be part of the movement. Tickets — PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival