Milk Bar’s Guide to Melbourne Spring Fashion Week

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) is back for its 17th year this week, and as always there is plenty to see and do at the week-long fashion fest. These are our picks of the pretty, pouty bunch:

Designer Series Runway Shows
The highlight of MSFW, there are four Designer Series runway shows at Melbourne Town Hall this year: Gala, Boutique, Work and Play and Senso Uniquo. Gala is a nod to the world of high fashion and will feature gowns worthy of any red carpet. Boutique is the pick of the bunch, with its focus on independent designers and retailers. Work and Play, one for the boys, showcases party attire, swimwear and resort wear while Senso Uniquo promises to capture the way Melbournians dress. Details here.

The Up and Comers Fashion Market and Worn Wild — The Alternative Designers Market
The Up and Comers Fashion Market will be held at 1000 £ Bend and gives emerging designers the opportunity to show their work to the public. At the Worn Wild Market, held at the Royal Melbourne Hotel, you’ll find work by alternative fashion designers and a runway parade featuring Alt-Design Exhibition and Awards winners and finalists. Details here.

Lady Petrova Prom
Lady Petrova is not only fashion designer Patricia Hammond’s nickname, but the name of her lovely boutique on Flinders Lane. True to Lady Petrova style, a prom will be held at The Buffalo Club to give everyone the perfect excuse to dress up. What is sure to be a babin’ affair, the night will also see Lady Petrova launch her new collection. Details here.

Spotlight Emerging Designer Exhibition
A new addition to the festival, MSFW’s Creative Director Connel Chiang has selected 12 emerging local designers to exhibit their Spring/Summer ’11 collections at 1000 £ Bend. This rare opportunity allows the designers to gain exposure and hopefully get their foot in the door of the fashion industry, so go along and show them some support. Details here.

Look. Stop. Shop.
One thing definitely worth checking out are the window displays and in-store installations happening at various retail stores around the city as part of Look. Stop. Shop. The theme this year is ‘taking a journey’ and a full list of participating stores can be found here. There are also Look. Stop. Shop tours if you’re unsure of what to see or want an insider’s guide to all of the window displays and in-store installations.

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week runs September 5-11.
For full program and ticketing information click here.