Everything the Fashion Journal team wore to this year’s Melbourne Fashion Week

Local labels, op shop finds and years-old favourites.

Everyone approaches fashion week dressing differently. Some plan outfits months in advance, carefully crafting Pinterest boards and hand-making their own accessories. Others might start putting their mind towards outfits a week or so before, scouting the racks of their local Savers or meeting up with their favourites designers to borrow a piece on their wish list.

And inevitably, some will wait until minutes before leaving only to pull together an amazing outfit from pieces lurking in the back of their wardrobes. Sometimes, the best looks are the ones flung together in the heat of the moment.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

Dressing for fashion events as media can be a difficult line to toe. As a media partner for Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW), we were seated at every show, waiting outside to capture street style, interviewing attendees and writing up runway reviews. And given most days we were headed straight from the office to the event, our goal was mostly all the same: feel good, support local and of course, make sure it’s comfortable.

Holly Villagra, branded content and production coordinator

Tuesday

On Tuesday, Purple designer Huiliana Chandra-Curry kindly lent me this luscious shawl jacket in buttery velvet, paired with the Maru Nami Bag. I styled it with Graedance jewellery, including an amazing sculptural ear cuff I’d wear every day if I could, plus silk pants I found at Savers and heels from Studio Amelia to tie it all together.

Wednesday

As a plus-sized girl, it’s not always easy to find designer brands that truly cater to your size. On Wednesday, I was lucky enough to wear Cakey Sportsman, a size-inclusive label I’ve been obsessed with. I wore the Embody top and pants, crafted from deadstock lace. To match my chrome nails, I added bangles from Dinosaur Designs and earrings from the LO Collections x Alex and Trahanas collaboration. Keeping with the polka-dot theme, I finished the look with the Reina bag from Melbourne-based brand Khaira and boots from Alias Mae.

@hollyvillagra

Daisy Henry, assistant editor

Tuesday

Aside from the media preview on Monday, St. Agni’s off schedule runway in Armadale marked the official start of my M/FW week. Considering I’ve had a love affair with this brand for almost 10 years, I was pinching myself at the chance to see its Resort ’26 collection. The dress code was all black (which aligned with me on a spiritual level), so I wore my years-old St Agni knit pants and clogs with a new dress that unbuttoned on each side. I paired this with a black, beaded Vermeer necklace and earrings (another brand I’ve loved for years) and a small Steve Madden clutch.

Thursday

The Emerging Artist Collective runway marked my third show for the week. Though my outfit was fairly minimal – I opted for a pair of tailored Wynn Hamlyn shorts, a black St. Agni T-shirt and red bag, and Roc Racer Boots – the runway was wonderfully maximalist, full of creative and conceptual designs.

Friday

I was particularly excited for Friday night. Both for the Student Showcase (an absolute feast for the eyes), but also because I got to wear this divine set, borrowed from Australian label Courtney Zheng. It was the Hendrix Raw Edge Wool Crop Top and Hedi Double Belted Raw Edge Wool Maxi Skirt (if anyone’s asking). I styled this with the silver jewellery, including an Agmes Wishbone Pendant and bangle from Sunday Social. I swished around in it all night.

Sunday

Sunday night started with a slight wardrobe meltdown. The weather was classic Melbourne, sunny one minute and thunderstorms the next. At the last minute, I ended up settling on my favourite black Baserange long-sleeve, a green Venroy skirt, Dal1992 tights and my faithful Maison Margiela tabis. I paired it with jewellery from Vermeer and Cleopatra’s Bling and ran out the door, praying for no more rain.

@daisyhenry_

Lara Daly, senior editor

Monday

I felt like I accidentally dressed to match the vague Western theme at the ganbu marra runway, which featured cactus props, hay bales and models in cowboy hats. I wore the Oreston Blazer by Acler with contrast stitching and tie details, a fringed Karlaidlaw bag and a pearl bolo tie-esque necklace. I also have on a thrifted black mini skirt from Fugu, knee-high Tony Bianco boots and a Paloma Wool T-shirt – an outfit that says ‘I’m here to work, not to be photographed’ – my general mission statement for planning M/FW outfits this week.

Wednesday

Deciding what to wear to Kahe’s rooftop runway on Wednesday night during a storm was challenging. I’ve been a fan of designer Kacy Heywood’s pieces for years, especially her denim, so I kept it simple, pairing my Kahe back buckle jeans with a Wynn Hamlyn silk mesh tank top and my trusty Sonia Rykiel bag. Thong kitten heels were wildly inappropriate for the rain but you live and you learn!

Thursday

For the Emerging Artists Collective runway, I wore a full look by local designer Jess Grindell, one of my favourite emerging artists. I met Jess when I lived in Auckland a few years ago and like her, I feel my best in an all-black, tailored ensemble. These stretch satin trousers are so flattering and comfortable, and I love the drama and structure of the matching shirt. I wore them with silver slingbacks I found at the op shop.

Friday

I was in a rush to get ready for the Student Designer showcase but sometimes a short time frame is a blessing! Tonight I wore the Haniya Skirt from Karlaidlaw over bike shorts and a Lucinda Babi lilies mesh long-sleeve over a Paris Georgia bustier. I added a black patent Georgia Jay bag, thong heels again, and with five minutes to spare, a slate grey and purple eyeshadow moment to match the outfit.

Sunday

Wearing more Karlaidlaw tonight! Fitting for the Closing Runway, where Karla will be showcasing her new collection alongside a stacked line-up of incredible local designers. Orange isn’t a colour I’d usually go for but I fell in love with the Lulu Dress and its cute matching garter detail. I wore it with Miista boots and silver spiked earrings by Niicole, an Aotearoa-based jeweller.

@lara.daly

Ariana Rigazzi, intern

Tuesday

I went to the Opulent Tastes runway straight from the office, so I threw over this sheer strapless dress I thrifted from Trashomondo over the grey suit pants I wore throughout the work day. I absolutely adore the ruched bodice of the dress and the tiny little bows dotting the top of the neckline. My very pointy kitten heels are from Savers and might be one of my top ten op shop finds!

Wednesday

I didn’t mean to go entirely monochrome for Fashion Week but I’ll pretend it’s an ode to the Melbournian stereotype. For the Emporium Little Bourke Street Runway, I decided to push the layering and slipped a thrifted lace skirt from Goodbyes over my Uniqlo baggy jeans (their complimentary hemming service is my hack for the short girls). Both shirts are also pre-loved finds – my shirt is from Goodbyes and the polka dot tee is Trashomondo.

@arianarigazzi

Maryel Sousa, staff writer

Thursday

On Thursday, I tagged along to the Emerging Artists Collective show. I wore my (absolute, complete, eternal) favourite ribbed kimono top from Sydney-based label Itadaki over a vintage Ralph Lauren skirt I’ve upcycled into a dress. To protect my legs from the chill, I shopped my closet for a pair of ancient Reformation black denim jeans that I wore with equally ancient Docs. Finally, I toted the Telfar bag I managed to score just before the brand blew up in 2020.

Find more coverage of Melbourne Fashion Week here.