10 free events happening at this year’s Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival
Image via Waiting Room
Pens out.
If you’ve already blown out your budget for the year on UberEats and overpriced scrunchies yet again, we’ve got you.
VAMFF isn’t just about the glitz and glam of the Premium Runways. There’s actually a host of free events happening which you won’t want to miss.
We’ve compiled some of the best right here in one handy little guide. You’re welcome.
1. Fashion Film Award at Federation Square
The Fashion Film Award is the leading platform for the recognition of creative talent in the Australian fashion film industries. For 2018, you can kick back under the open sky at Federation Square, and enjoy a screening of this year’s winning films.
Federation Square, Corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Street, Melbourne
Thursday March 15, 6pm
2. The Whispering Forest of Memories
A fully immersive installation using fashion, photography and floristry to create a ‘forest’ of memories. Step through draped canopies of printed fabric into the surreal world of photographer Pam Davison, stage director Cameron Menzies and National Design Award winner Tim Britten-Finschi. The exhibition will bring together couture and theatre in a powerful and collaborative body of work.
Ten Cubed, 1489 Malvern Road, Glen Iris
Thursday March 1 – Sunday March 18, 10am – 4pm
3. In Pink
In Pink offers a look at Australia’s underground fashion scene, with a focus on up-and-comers. The exhibit will explore art and fashion through a number of homegrown designers, as well as displaying unseen works by visual artist Musonga Mbogo.
Cage Me a Peacock, Nicholas Building, Level 7, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Thursday March 1 – Sunday March 11, 12pm – 5pm
4. Guo Pei
Anyone who is familiar with Guo Pei’s work will know this isn’t an exhibition for minimalists. The Chinese fashion designer created her Legend collection after being inspired by an 18th century cathedral in Switzerland. The result is breathtaking.
National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Saturday March 3, 1pm
5. 6Ft6 Wine Garden
You had us at wine. The 6Ft6 wine garden will take place at The Plaza for pick-me-ups in between runways. Enjoy cool climate drops from the silver bullet caravan bar, as well as FroVino to cool you down on extra hot days. Entry to The Plaza is free, but you’ll have to pay for your drop of choice.
Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Monday March 5 – Saturday March 10
6. Curated Pop-Up
The Australian Fashion Council is back with its pop-up for emerging local labels. Curated will allow you to meet and connect with the designers behind each brand, as well as shop their latest collections straight from VAMFF’s Plaza.
Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Monday March 5 – Saturday March 10
7. Ribbon Crafts & Batik Workshops
VAMFF isn’t all wine-guzzling and people-watching, you know. There’s still plenty of productive activities to take part in. Kontiki Cultural Women Empowerment is a not-for-profit group supporting women from Sierra Leone and African communities. Its Ribbon Crafts and Batik workshops allow you to experience the process of creating handmade accessories from Batik tie-dye and beads.
Lighthouse Foundation, 291 – 293 Sunshine Road, Tottenham
Tuesday March 13, 10am – 4pm
8. Hybrid Entities: Wearable Art Forms
This independent runway blurs the boundaries of art and fashion to present otherworldly designs that transcend time. Witness a coming together of vintage, electronic and organic forms on stage at LCI Melbourne’s heritage-listed campus.
LCI Melbourne, 180 Oxford Street, Collingwood
Wednesday March 14, 7pm – 9pm
9. Nobody Denim Laundry Tour
If you’ve always wanted to see the inner-workings of a heritage denim label, you’re in luck. For the first time in its 19-year history, Nobody Denim is inviting visitors to walk its factory floor and experience where jeans are washed, dyed, distressed and more. Hosted by founder John Condilis and wash developer Sara Fletcher, the tours will take place at Nobody Denim’s family-built Denim Laundry, the home of its action and experimentation.
Nobody Denim, 71 Leicester Street, Fitzroy
Saturday March 17
10. Fashion Weekend in Stonnington
Stonnington’s Fashion Weekend is back for a huge weekend in March, including exclusive shopping offers, in-store activities and runways from some of the area’s most fashionable spots. Expect events running across Chapel Street, High Street Armadale, Toorak Road and more. Participating retailers will be announced in February.
City of Stonnington
Saturday March 17 – Sunday March 18, 10am – 6pm
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