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6 things to do at Melbourne Fashion Week that aren’t runways

Plenty to see and do.

This may be a revelation to some, but Melbourne Fashion Week isn’t all about runways.

While yes, Melbourne Town Hall and its surrounding carparks will play host to various fashion showcases, there are still plenty of activities happening around the city. And they don’t involve sitting in first, second or third row.

Here’s our roundup of the best.

Yohji Yamamoto: Dressmaker

Dressmaker is a new documentary on the life and work of legendary fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. Directed by Ngo The Chau, Dressmaker explores Yamamoto’s most private and intimate thoughts and feelings. It sheds light on Yamamoto’s artistic approach and working processes, contrasting them with his opinions on the direction of the fashion industry today. The man is one of the most influential designers of the past 40 years, and this is just about the closest look you’ll get at his life. As an added bonus, ACMI will also be hosting a panel discussion on Yamamoto, presented by ACMI film programmer James Nolen. Grab your tickets here.

Where: ACMI at Federation Square
When: Friday September 1 – Friday September 8

Dialogues in Ethical Fashion

MFW is aiming to further the conversation around sustainable fashion by hosting a free panel discussion. For one night, leaders in the industry will present their findings from the most recent Ethical Fashion Report, while local fashion labels will share stories on ethical design practices. The impressive lineup includes speakers from Etiko, World Baptist Australia, local label A.BCH and more. Mark this one down as super important and register here.

Where: Council of Adult Education, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
When: Wednesday September 6, 6pm-7.30pm

Imagined

Imagined is an exhibition showcasing the works of emerging student designers from FashionMasters, a design institute based in Melbourne and Sydney. Far more than just a collection preview, the exhibition will feature multimedia footage, interviews, and works on paper. It will delve into the deeper side of designer concepts, techniques and processes behind the students’ thought-provoking collections. For more information, head here.

Where: FashionMasters, 185 Spring Street, Melbourne
When: Monday September 4 – Friday September 8

Fun with Colour featuring Linda Jackson

Linda Jackson is an Australian fashion pioneer. She’s worked as an artist, retailer and fashion designer, and has exhibited in London and at the NGV. The designer has played a fundamental role in the development of Australian iconography in fashion design and this workshop will allow you to learn from her. Fun with Colour will revolve around Linda’s design processes during her 40-year career, while also including a free exhibit on selected archival pieces from her collection. To head along, all you have to do is register your interest here.

Where: Holmesglen Institute – City Campus
When: Friday September 1 – Saturday September 2

Australian Fashion Film Awards 2017

For those who prefer to watch than do, the Australian Fashion Film Awards (AFFA) presents a screening of the best Australian and international fashion films. You can vote for your favourite film in the People’s Choice Award, and also go in the running to win a number of prizes on the night. Previous winners have included films from Chanel, Gucci, Vogue, Sass & Bide and more. Tickets are available here.

Where: Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria
When: Thursday September 7, 6.30pm-8pm

Tomorrowland

The fashion industry is going through a time of immense change. Whether it’s speeding up, slowing down or moving online altogether, this seminar aims to understand where the industry is headed. A team of industry panellists will explore the future of bricks-and-mortar retail versus online, consumer trends and pathways to success. Following the discussion, attendees can also walk through Foy’s Arcade and learn about its high-tech innovation lab. Get your tickets here.

Where: Foy’s Arcade, Level 6, 246 Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne
When: Friday September 8, 8.30am-10.30am

For more information on any of these events, head here.

melbourne.vic.gov.au/mfw

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