Melbourne Fashion Week opens with eye-catching runway debuts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 05:01 · Archive

Melbourne Fashion Week kicked off on Monday with an outdoor showcase featuring distinctive designs including a gown with a half cello.

Melbourne Fashion Week opened on Monday with an outdoor preview runway at Docklands, attracting fashionistas and expected to draw about 150,000 people to the consumer-focused event. The showcase presented designs ranging from inventive to wearable, with standout looks including an oversized sequin outfit and donut-shaped skirt from Amy Cottrell, a high-sheen gown from Sean Rentero, and a striking creation from up-and-coming designer Charleigh Hack.

Charleigh Hack's gown featured voluminous skirts with a music manuscript and, remarkably, a cello divided in half. The event took place in hot conditions, with one menswear model braving a quilted bomber jacket and beaver hat paired with shorts. Attendees themselves contributed to the spectacle, with fashion-conscious visitors often outshining looks on the runway itself.

Designer Maku Fenaroli wore a t-shirt dress from her Celestial Gardens collection paired with a green jacket from By Johnny. She told AAP: 'Every single print and garment starts as hand painted artwork, I'm an artist and our brand is the antidote to AI.' Social media influencer Ginger displayed Gucci pants from a Paris second-hand shop with a 1980s purple jacket.

Looking ahead, the 2026 opening night runway will be held at the National Gallery of Victoria for the first time, with other runways at the State Library and a newly developed city square.

How it is being reported

• With hot looks and half a cello, fashion week returnsFrom beaver hats in the baking sun, to a model wearing a cut-in-half cello, fashion week is back.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 04:31
• With hot looks and half a cello, fashion week returnsFrom beaver hats in the baking sun, to a model wearing a cut-in-half cello, fashion week is back.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 04:31

In this story: Melbourne Fashion Week · Amy Cottrell · Sean Rentero · Charleigh Hack · Maku Fenaroli · Melbourne · National Gallery of Victoria

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