PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival took place recently and featured a variety of shows that embraced colour, glamour, indigenous design and themes such as sustainability. The event ran from February 24 – March 9 and marked a return to the runway for the Australian supermodel, Elle McPherson who last walked the catwalk 14 years earlier in Paris for Louis Vuitton.

A highlight of PPMFF was a standalone show by Athlileisure brand P.E. Nation, launched in in 2016 by Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning, the latter recently stepping away from the partnership. The brand showcased its upcoming transeasonal collection comprising 60 pieces. P.E. Nation took out the National Designer Award in 2018.

The Global Indigenous Runway – Ancestral bloodline showcased a variety of attire looks created by designers that fused diversity and heritage reflecting their ancestry. First nations designers included Jasmine Craciun, Corin Corcoran, Lycee Alkira, Delene Cockatoo-Collins, Wagan Metals, Solid Ochre, Yapa Mali, Gali and Kirrikin.

In a show called ‘F*** the Invisible Runway’ designers presented a selection of striking looks aimed at older women who often perceive that they are “invisible” from their 40’s onwards. Designers who took part included Gail Sorrondra, Julie Goodwin, Verner, Banded Together, Perple, Kara Barker and Viceta Wang.

Topical environmental issues were explored in the Thread Lightly Runway Show which highlighted fashion sustainability and carbon footprint, while also aiming to upcycle to minimise the impact on the environment. The show featured Goodbyes, Nevenka, Nobody Denim, Hyde & Stone, Joslin, Madre Natura and Yanggurdi.

Those who love couture and high fashion were impressed to see glamorous sculptural and elegant evening looks sashayed on the Glam Up Runway. Participating designers included Alin Le Kal, Jason Grech, Paul McCann, Mariam Seddiq, Capellazzo Couture, Asiyam and Paolo Sebastian.

Emerging fashion artisan talent was a focal point in the National Graduate Showcase which highlighted the designs of 10 graduate designers: Alexander Enticknap, Samuel D Raadt, Lina Wu, Leanne Choi, Abha Gupta and Cuiting Wu. The designers were selected by a panel of fashion experts in a nationwide section process.

The 15 day fashion event came to a close with a high energy Block Party Runway show that featured local and emerging brands. A variety of edgy ensembles were showcased in a street party style show aided by techno-visual effects. This year, the 2024 National Designer Award at PPMFF was won by Haulier.