WIN: Melbourne Fashion Week is offering $30,000 in prizes for shopping local

Save those receipts! Retail therapy comes with rewards.

In case you haven’t heard, Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) is returning next week from October 21 to 27, marking its 30th anniversary by spotlighting the city’s vibrant and diverse fashion community.

As a media partner again this year, we’re breaking down the stacked seven-day program to help you decide what runways to see, what events (free and ticketed) you shouldn’t miss, the designers to look out for and what’s new this year.

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

Speaking of, to celebrate turning 30 (it’s a big deal), M/FW is giving consumers the chance to win a share of $30,000 in prizes, just by shopping locally. 

The new Shop to Win initiative will run for two weeks, from October 21 to November 3. Anyone can enter, you just need to spend a minimum of $30 in a single purchase on fashion or beauty items from select retailers in the City of Melbourne  – that includes independent stores (hello, Saloon and Reina) and all the big centres, from Emporium to South Wharf DFO, District at Docklands, Melbourne Central and more. Just be sure to keep those receipts!

Some of the incredible rewards up for grabs include six prize packs worth $5000, which each include a two-night stay at Rydges Melbourne in a King Room, two tickets to The Lume, a $400 Midas Shoes voucher, a $400 voucher for Davroe CBD hair salon, $2000 to spend on more shopping (via WAIVPAY), a $100 voucher for Queen Victoria Market, plus more to be announced. 

In light of this announcement, the Fashion Journal team is planning some strategic retail therapy sessions both next week – in preparation for the shows – and the following week, once we’ve seen the runways and made notes of our favourite pieces. Here are some of the items on our wishlist, all of which qualify for a spot in the draw:

Picked by Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager

The M/FW giveaway is the perfect excuse to splurge on something you have had your eyes on, so now might be the time for me to jump on these Prada sunnies from Sunglass Hut. Summer has peeked its head out and I love the simple elegance of the Decjuba Maddie linen midi dress in black. Finally, it’s not a terrible time to stock up on some slightly luxurious staples, so I’ll also be picking up my favourite Kiehls Rare Earth face mask, perfect for pre M/FW skin.

Picked by Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor

I’ve been scared of bold lipstick for far too long but with M/FW quickly approaching, I figure what better time to experiment and have a little bit of fun? The Nars Explicit lipstick has great reviews and ‘Take it Off’ is the exact shade I’m after. I’ve also been eyeing off the Tony Bianco Tores black boots and the Country Road Palazzo pleat pants for a while, so I figure the MF/W giveaway is the perfect excuse to stop dreaming and invest in these wishlist pieces.

Picked by Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor

I’ve had a belt on my wishlist for years and am still unsure why I’ve not yet jumped. I’ll be heading to R.M. Williams’ iconic location at Melbourne Central to pick up the Margot belt next week. More purchases means more chances to win, so I’ll also be restocking my Ere Perez carrot colour pot from Mecca and finally upgrading my denim shorts to this pair from Neuw, available at General Pants. 

Picked by Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor

I’m feeling pretty good about the outfits I have planned to wear to M/FW, however, I’m in need of shoes. Specifically, some classic loafers and a cool pair of sneakers. I have my eye on the Ganni Feminine buckle loafers in black, I love the oversized hardware. I’ll also be heading to Emporium to cop a pair of Onitsuka Tiger sneakers in the silver and black colourway. The other frivolous (and painfully expensive) purchase I’ve been putting off for a while is a fresh bottle of my favourite fragrance, Frapin 1270, from Lore Perfumery in Fitzroy.

To enter, visit the Shop to Win portal here.

For further details, including prizes and terms & conditions, head here.