A list of sustainable events happening at Melbourne Fashion Week

Keeping it green.

With Melbourne Fashion Week officially kicking off this weekend, we know you might be having trouble deciding which events to hit up.

One of the biggest topics in the fashion world right now is sustainability, and rightfully so.

Thankfully, MFW has come through with plenty of shows, talks and workshops to get more people thinking about the environment. And to top things off, MFW is the first Australian fashion week to be officially carbon neutral certified.

Whether you’re looking to join in on the discussion, learn something new or just support Aussie designers making a difference, here are our picks for the top eco-friendly events.

Care Repair Wear with A.BCH

One of the easiest ways to reduce your own waste is to stop throwing out clothes when they get a little banged up. To help you do that, A.BCH is hosting two workshop sessions where you can learn how to mend and revive old clothes. Just bring along a wardrobe favourite that’s seen better days and leave knowing how to sew on a button, repair a hole or fix a ripped hem. Tickets are $20, but the cost is fully redeemable at A.BCH’s pop-up at the AFC Curated Store.

Melbourne Town Hall
90 – 130 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC
Friday August 31

Tickets here.

The Illuminated Sea

This free exhibition is put together by The Sea Between Us – a collab effort between students and researchers from Melbourne’s RMIT University and Sao Paolo’s Anhembi Morumbi University. Looking at oceanic pollution, The Illuminated Sea recycles discarded plastics to create knitted, crocheted and lacelike fashion pieces.

Tasma Terrace
6 Parliament Place, East Melbourne VIC
August 31 – September 4
Friday 10am – 6.30pm
Monday – Tuesday, 10am – 5pm

Find out more here.

Natural Dyeing Demonstration with REMUSE

Featured Fashion Week label REMUSE is all about finding inspiration in your environment. In this free demonstration, designer Tamara Leacock takes that a step further. Over the course of an hour, she’ll teach you how to create unique designs using sustainable natural fabrics and plant-based dyes. There are only two sessions running, so don’t miss out.

Melbourne Town Hall
90 – 130 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC
Friday August 31

Find out more here.

Rags to Runway: Great Southern Style

This runway is all about innovative upcycling. Fashion students from Kangan Institute have put together collections made from recycled materials, donated by Red Cross shops. The resulting designs are all inspired by the Australian landscape, incorporating references to the country’s flora and fauna as well as iconic Aussie designers. As a bonus, tickets include a complimentary beverage before the show.

Meat Market
3 Blackwood Street, Melbourne VIC
Tuesday September 4, 6.30pm – 8pm

Tickets here.

Re-Fashion 

There are all kinds of ways to increase sustainability in fashion, as both a designer and a consumer. During this four-hour workshop, you’ll learn about concepts like upcycling, mending and zero-waste design. Box Hill Institute’s fashion teacher, Barbara Niglio, will run attendees through different upcycling techniques. But the real fun part is getting to try them out yourself, making something for you or your home out of leftover and recycled materials. There are two sessions running, with tickets at $30 a head.

Centre for Adult Education (CAE)
253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC
Saturday September 1

Tickets here.

Street Runway Two 

One of three street-based shows taking place during MFW, Street Runway Two focuses on two things: diversity and sustainability. The runway features labels Asiyam, Beekeeper Parade, Keegan, REMUSE, RKM, SZN and The Social Studio – all run by designers with varied backgrounds and a keen interest in sustainable practices. There’ll be two showings in Union Lane across one afternoon.

Union Lane, Melbourne VIC
Wednesday September 5

Find out more here.

Where Do My Clothes Come From?

Part of the MFW Conversations series, this panel-based talk looks at how clothing production and business management can be made more sustainable. The focus is on ethical design, consumer attitudes and the realities of Australia’s fashion industry. Facilitator Fabia Pryor is a sustainability strategy consultant, and the panel will include representatives from Elk, Outland Denim and Ethical Clothing Australia.

Deakin Edge
Federation Square, Melbourne VIC
Wednesday September 5, 5pm – 6pm

Tickets here.

mfw.melbourne.vic.gov.au