A list of free events you can attend at Melbourne Fashion Week

Help me, I’m poor.

Whether you’re strapped for cash or just not into spending 50 bucks on a runway show, Melbourne Fashion Week has not forgotten about you. There’s a whole heap of free events on offer so all Melburnians can get involved in the festivities.

To help you live your best (free) fashion life, we’ve compiled a rundown of our top picks. 

MCQUEEN at the Kino Cinema

If you didn’t get to see MCQUEEN at the Forum Theatre earlier this month, you’re still in with another chance. The documentary takes us through the extraordinary life of Alexander McQueen and will be showing at The Kino cinema for one night only. You need to register for tickets, so be quick before they’re all gone.

The Kino Cinema
45 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC
Tuesday September 4, 6.30pm

Register here.

Fashion Capsules

The Fashion Capsules are technically six different events, but they’re all part of Creative Victoria’s exhibition showcasing local artists and designers. Fashion designers, digital and video artists, jewellers and film-makers will all display their works in different parts of the city. Locations include Bourke Street Mall, Arts Centre, 101 Collins Street, Collins Square, Campbell Arcade and Emporium Melbourne. The capsules will be running during the entire festival, open during various times each day. Check them out below.

Capsule 1 –  Arts Centre
Capsule 2 – Campbell Arcade
Capsule 3 – Collins Square
Capsule 4 –  101 Collins Street
Capsule 5 – Bourke Street Mall
Capsule 6 – Emporium Melbourne

Runway Deconstructed

If you’re interested in what it takes to produce a runway show, then head to the City Library for this behind-the-scenes exhibition. Brought to you by The Masters Institute of Creative Education, a collection of photographs and videos will be on display showcasing what goes into each look. There will also be mood boards taking you through the stages of how a fashion show comes together. The exhibition will run throughout MFW, with opening times varying each day.

City Library
253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC

Find out more here.

Street Runways

If you’re keen to see a runway show but aren’t so keen on the ticket price, MFW will be hosting three different street runways across the week. For new collections from well-known brands, head to Street Runway One on Union Lane. Or, if you’re more interested in seeing a multicultural show with a focus on sustainability, check out Street Runway Two. If independent and emerging Australian labels are more your thing, head to Section 8 in Tattersalls Lane to watch Street Runway Three. 

RMIT Student Designer Showcase

The Bachelor of Fashion Design students from RMIT will be exhibiting their work in a showcase in partnership with Melbourne Central. The exhibition features various material techniques, methods and approaches through a range of interactive sessions, performances and fashion films. The exhibition will be open all day, every day.

Melbourne Central
Corner of Latrobe and Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC
August 31 to September 7

Find out more here.

Pop-Ups

During the week, a range of impromptu pop-up fashion moments will be happening all over the city. Showcasing a range of brands – from emerging to well-known – the pop-ups will span womenswear, menswear, ready-to-wear and streetwear. Check them out below.

Ready-To-Wear Pop-Up
Street Wear Pop-Up
Collins Pop-Up
Laneways Pop-Up
Carlton Pop-Up
Docklands Pop-Up
Federation Square Pop-Up
Menswear Pop-Up

mfw.melbourne.vic.gov.au