PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is returning for 2023, here’s what we know so far

“Nine days of design, culture and creativity.”

Australia’s largest and longest-running fashion event is back. PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival (or PMFF) is officially returning for 2023, and we’re just a little excited. As local fashion enthusiasts and media partners of the event, the FJ team is thrilled to bring you all the details in the lead-up to nine days of design, culture and creativity.

Running from March 3 to 11, PMFF will once again be held at the Royal Exhibition Building (REB). “We are thrilled to be returning the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival to the beautiful and iconic Royal Exhibition Building after a two-year hiatus and give Australia’s most prestigious and up-and-coming designers the opportunity to showcase their creativity in such sensational surrounds,” says Caroline Ralphsmith, the PMFF CEO.

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Showcasing a dynamic mix of Australia’s leading and emerging designers, the ‘Fashion Forecourt’ – PMFF’s new social hub located at the REB – will offer new cultural experiences and immersive fashion and food pop-ups. As the festival celebrates its 27th year, the program (which is to be revealed in January) will feature a fusion of premium runways and independent events.

“Whilst Festival favourites will return even better than ever, guests can also expect the unexpected with exciting new programme elements and fashion experiences that have never been seen before at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival,” Caroline continues. “We can’t wait to welcome Australians from right across the nation back to the fashion capital to celebrate everything Melbourne has to offer.”

A David Jones runway will take place in the new Bourke Street Flagship store, while an independent Fashion Culture program will be spread across venues in Naarm and regional Victoria. Alongside the new PayPal Pay in 4 Bursary, Festival favourites will return like the National Designer Award (presented by David Jones), the National Graduate Showcase, the Fashion Film Awards and the Fashion Writing Program.

With a focus on retail-to-runway functionality, PayPal (the naming rights partner of the 2023 event) will allow customers to ‘buy now and pay later’ with its Pay in 4 feature. The festival’s digital addition, Shop the Runway, will also now be extended to video, so attendees can convert ready-to-wear pieces from the runway to their own online carts.

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