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Your guide to PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Independent Programme

photography by Dan Castano

words by Daisy Henry and Sai-Wai Foo

According to its curator.

PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is quickly approaching, officially kicking off on February 22. Marking the event’s 29th year, the 15-day festival is packed full of exciting runways, talks, workshops and film screenings. With a range of ticketed and free events, it’s a chance to celebrate Australian fashion, take part in interactive events and of course, dress up.

The Independent Programme is a highlight of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival. It features a suite of events that explore the diversity of contemporary fashion practices, running throughout the festival from February 22 to March 2. However, there are over 80 unique events, which can make it tricky when planning your schedule.


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


If there’s anyone who knows their way around PayPal’s Melbourne Fashion Festival, it’s programming and events executive, Sai‑Wai Foo​​​​. Leading the Independent Programme, Sai-Wai is responsible for curating the line-up and building relationships with both creatives and organisations.

“[My role is] partially about nurturing emerging talent and those who haven’t run their own events before, as well as encouraging big ideas, problem-solving, playing matchmaker for participants and event spaces, and even being a bit of a counsellor when things aren’t going smoothly,” she explains. “It’s also a lot of online and in-person stalking  – but not in a creepy way. Just so I know who is doing what in the creative space.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the festival – you can go as a group, or opt to go alone and make friends there. As for the dress code, Sai-Wai’s advice is to wear what makes you happy. Part of the fun is planning your look and the FJ team has already started deliberating and swapping outfit ideas in preparation.

As a proud media partner for the event, we will be sharing stories, designer profiles, videos and interviews over the next coming weeks, but for now, Sai-Wei is here to take you through her standouts for the highly anticipated Independent Programme.

Runway: Cakey Sportsman Vol 1

When: February 26, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: Abbotsford Convent, Magdalen Laundry, 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

Designer Matea Gluscevic is known for her amazing footwear and is at the top of every creative stylist’s speed dial. Most recently, her bespoke footwear was worn by Julia Fox at the NGV gala.

In this iteration, Matea is showcasing a series of handcrafted outfits for an intimate runway under a new label called Cakey Sportsman. An all-encompassing brand, Cakey Sportsman will feature garments, footwear and accessories. It’s going to be creative, playful and energetic and all runway items will be launched in a made-to-order format on the night of the runway, with ready-to-wear options becoming available within two months.

Find more information here.

Exhibition: Past, Present and Future Threads: 10 Years of NXK

When: February 20 – March 16
Where: Library at The Dock Gallery, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands

This exhibition celebrates a decade of Nixi Killick’s innovative fusion of fashion, art, and technology. Nixi is a unique voice in the industry and is thrilled to be sharing iconic runway pieces, hand-painted designs and augmented reality garments that redefine wearable art. NXK’s colour tribe is a fixture on the rave party scene and a global community.

In this exhibition, you’ll be able to explore her creative process through original sketches, prototypes and sculptural designs including laser-cut, 3D-printed, and LED-illuminated creations, including pieces worn by Lady Gaga. The exhibition also showcases footage from runway shows, photoshoots and rare archival content.

Find more information here.

Runway: Attend To It

When: February 27, 7.00pm – 11.00pm
Where: Temperance Hall, Napier Street, South Melbourne

Attend To It is a runway performance that showcases emerging local designers who prioritise sustainability and unique design. Featuring designers Annienoka, It’s My Roommates, Not Sew New, Moira Rodriguez, Hunter Salabanzi, Pocket Money and Sly. It will be a platform for innovative talent to showcase their work. There are plenty of ones to watch in this offering.

Find more information here.

Runway: Baaqiy collection launch: Fashion Runway X Life Drawing

When: February 28, first session 2.00pm – 3.30pm; second session: 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Where: Coates Community Arts, Collins St, Melbourne

Baaqiy sits between fashion and art. It is presenting its first ready-to-wear collection through a fashion runway combined with a life-drawing class. The format encourages guests to appreciate the artistry of the garments. You also get to flex your creative muscles and take home your sketch.

Find more information here.

Talks: Wouldn’t be caught dead in it!

When: February 25, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: The Altar Electric, 299 Johnston Street, Abbotsford

Wouldn’t Be Caught Dead In It! is a new podcast that will launch at the event, taking the question of “What to wear?” and flipping it into a deeper, more meaningful conversation about life and death. Hosted by practitioners and academics Pia Interlandi and Peta Murray, it explores what we hope to wear for our last big event.

It’s going to be held at Altar Electric, with an incredible lineup of guests including Hini Hanara, takataapui human and ‘Decolonising Death Daddy’ from the Queer as Death Collective and Maree Clarke, a Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung woman who revives Aboriginal mourning practices.

Find more information here.

Shopping: The Grand Biannual Object Merchant

When: February 28 – March 2
Where: Meat Market, 3 Blackwood Streer, North Melbourne

Object Merchant is a curated retail event series by fashion designer and owner of clothing label Be Right Back, Bella Redman-Brown. Known for its studio pop-up events, Object Merchant is taking this concept to a grand scale, bringing together makers from the community to create unique, multi-sensory experiences.

It will showcase the talent of the local Melbourne arts and fashion scene in a beautifully curated setting and provide valuable connections between those in the local community. The opening party will be a hot ticket and the market day will be an opportunity to connect with makers.

Find more information here.

Shopping: Mind: The Regenerative Fashion Store

When: February 28 – March 8
Where: Smith and Gertrude Gallery, 73 Smith Street, Fitzroy

The brainchild of Poppy Somers, this shopping experience will showcase local fashion designers and makers who create high-end pieces and apply circular fashion practices in their work. These designers push the boundaries of ways in which textile waste can be transformed into your next favourite garment. This gives people a chance to get up close to the items and meet the makers.

Find more information here.

Talks: Fit Check: Accessibility and Inclusivity In Fashion

When: March 1, 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Where: The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

‘Fit Check’ is a panel comprised of journalist Emma Do, A Plus Market founder Sam van Zweden and writer and podcast host Maggie Zhou, moderated by cultural commentator Sabina McKenna. It will address pressing issues in fashion, from size inclusivity and high price points to ethical production and sustainable consumption. It is a dialogue about diversity, social changes, how the industry can better serve the customer and the impact on the future of fashion.

Find more information here.

Get your tickets to the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival Programme here.

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