Australia’s largest major fashion event, Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival returns for a fortnight of bold fashion curation and celebration. Hitting a 30 year milestone, the festival, which runs from 14 – 28
February 2026, is ready to take things up a notch – heading into full party mode for their runway, workshop, shopping, and installation offering.
The festival which champions the cutting-edge, artistic, enduring and gritty fabric of Melbourne’s fashion industry by creating a world-class destination to view, experience and engage with makers and designers has expanded its remit for 2026, earmarking Geelong as a fashion-forward regional capital.
Adding to their already expansive program, Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival has introduced Geelong Fashion Fortnight – two weeks of fashion and textile-led experiences across the region.
The full program has been dropped, featuring world-class exhibitions, installations, performances, and hands-on workshops with some of the regions finest makers and champions of all things textiles.
Explore the full program below.
When: 14 – 28 February 2026
Where: Across multiple venues in Geelong
Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.
View this post on Instagram
When: 14 – 28 FEB
Where: National Wool Museum
What: Exhibition
Textiles are deeply associated with the body for protection and comfort. It is due to this proximity to the body that we have such intimate and personal associations with textiles and often use these as our primary form of self-expression. Although fashion is also mostly implied to mean clothing, this term has multiple meanings and interpretations, including adornment, identity and cultural critique.
Presented in partnership with the Australian Tapestry Workshop, Interwoven: Fibre Art and Fashion celebrates makers working in all forms of fashion and textiles, including dress, jewellery, photography and fibre art. The common thread within this exhibition is exactly that – all works have been created, and rely upon, thread of some form. Connecting them all is their shared experience as artists in residence at the Australian Tapestry Workshop.
The Australian Tapestry Workshop offers artists and craftspeople working with textiles the chance to broaden their practice in their world-renowned residency program. Each year, Artists in Residence immerse themselves in their vibrant studio – exchanging knowledge and skills with their tapestry weavers and engaging with local communities through the exhibition of their works, artist talks and workshops.
Buy tickets here.
When: 2 FEB – 1 MAR
Where: Westfield Geelong
What: Exhibition
In celebration of Geelong Fashion Fortnight, Westfield Geelong will showcase colour and inspiration through fashion installations in centre.
Recognising Westfield’s 30 year partnership with PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, fashion moments from Murran and the National Graduate Showcase will be featured, supporting new and established designers.
Buy tickets here.
When: 21 FEB
Where: Creative Geelong – Centrepoint Arcade
What: Shopping
Creative Geelong Makers Market held every third Saturday of the month showcases our diverse range of members from illustrators to clothing designs. The February Market will have a clothing focus from local designs to vintage themes. In addition Creative Geelong Resident studios will also be opened for the monthly makers market
Creative Geelong hosts monthly markets undercover within Centrepoint Arcade every third Saturday of the Month.
A great chance to pick up a unique gift and support locally made products.
Buy tickets here.
When: 21 FEB
Where: Little Malop Street
What: Runway
KUBU STUDIO proudly presents a collection of local Geelong fashion designers with an international collaboration with FUTURE LOUNDRY based in Bali Indonesia. We are providing a platform for local and international fashion designers to showcase their talent on a runway within the Geelong Arts & Hospitality precinct in Little Malop Street. Highlighting our indigenous and multicultural communities that Geelong is renowned for this Fashion Runway is exactly what Geelong the UNESCO City of Design need in 2026.
Find out more here.
When: 19 FEB
Where: National Wool Museum
What: Tour
An exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Wool Museum’s textile collection. Led by our Curatorial Team, view select objects that tell the story of Australia’s wool, fibre and textile history.
The National Wool Museum Collection focuses on the cultural life of Australians as told through the wool, fibre, and textile story. The Collection is Australia’s most expansive wool focussed heritage collection.
The Museum’s Collection features an extensive array of objects that explores Australia’s unique fashion perspective. From a fragment of cloth from MacArthur’s first clip to sample books from Geelong’s woollen mills, hand-sewn quilts and waggas to knitwear and contemporary Ceremonial Cloaks by Wadawurrung artist Dr Deanne Gilson.
Buy tickets here.
When: 21 FEB
Where: National Wool Museum
What: Workshop
Join Wadawurrung artist and textile designer Dr. Deanne Gilson for a contemporary jewellery making workshop. Learn about Dr Gilson’s art practice, which is centred on her connection to Country.
In this hands-on workshop you will use the artist’s range of unique textile designs, that incorporate traditional and contemporary mark making, to create your own unique jewellery. Spaces for this workshop are limited!
Buy tickets here.
Explore all things fashion, beauty, shopping and lifestyle here.
When: 14 – 28 FEB
Where: Murran First Nations Hub
What: Installation
Fall in love with the immersive installation; a time capsule of our finest fashion designers in admiration of the colours, textures and intricate adornments synonymous with the high-end craftmanship surrounding the runway.
Come and experience the rare opportunity to enjoy a celebration of the depth, diversity and brilliance behind Blak talent.
Designer lineup: Marra, Liandra, Yangurrdi, Ngali, Mumred
Buy tickets here.
When: 14 – 28 FEB
Where: Yarra Street Window Gallery – City of Greater Geelong
What: Exhibition
The Yarra Street Window Gallery brings Geelong’s fashion scene to the streets with Dressing Geelong, proudly presented by the City of Greater Geelong.
This exhibition transforms the Market Square display windows into a runway, spotlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of local contemporary fashion designers. Featuring distinctive hand-made and locally designed pieces, the gallery invites passers-by to discover the bold ideas, personal stories and innovative design practices shaping fashion in our region.
By placing fashion at the heart of the city, the Yarra Street Window Gallery celebrates Geelong’s vibrant style culture and the talented makers who call Geelong home.
Find out more here.
When: 20 FEB
Where: Pearls and Roses Bridal, 390 Latrobe Terrace
What: Runway
Join us for a relaxed fashion parade highlighting our bridal and mother-of-the-bride collection. See the gowns up close as they’re styled and worn on the runway, and get inspired by elegant designs created for weddings and special celebrations.
Buy tickets here.
When: 21 FEB
Where: Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances, Rutland Street
What: Workshop
Unlock your creativity and embark on a journey into the world of modern perfumery with Aysha Hansen. In this immersive two hour workshop, you’ll craft a bespoke fragrance that is uniquely yours.
Explore a curated selection of 70 premium ingredients, including natural extracts, aroma chemicals and classic accords. Learn the delicate balance of top, middle, and base notes to create a scent that tells your story.
• A guided 2 hour fragrance creation workshop
• Access to 70 premium perfume ingredients
• Your own 30ml Eau De Toilette (valued at $135)
• Secure storage of your custom formula for effortless reordering
• Exclusive reorder service to recreate your signature scent anytime
Buy tickets here.
When: 21 FEB
Where: Geelong Regional Library and Heritage Centre
What: Exhibition
Fantasy or Fashion, sometimes hats are made to a theme and have a story to tell, what better place to see and read their stories than under The Dome of the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre in Geelong in itself a masterpiece of architectural design
Experience an Installation of Millinery Art & Fashion Hats featuring the creative and colourful works of Millinery Australia Members.
This is an opportunity to experience a closeup view of Hats usually only seen on Catwalks, in Art Galleries, Fashions on the Field and Millinery Competitions, experience the workmanship and inspiration that goes into the design of a hat and headpiece.
Millinery was once one of the most significant trades and continues to hold importance in contemporary high-fashion circles. The tradition also includes a long-standing relationship with haute couture fashion houses, as seen in collaborations between designers and milliners.
The exhibition will also include a step-by-step exhibit of How a Hat is Made, Books, magazines on hand relating to Millinery will be available to peruse.
Find out more here.
When: 18 FEB
Where: Mr Brown’s Menswear, 162 Pakington Street
What: Performance
From Brushstroke to Bespoke invites you inside a remarkable creative journey. Hear Indigenous artists tell the stories within their artworks while we reveal how their designs became exclusive textiles and a custom-made suit. A Geelong Fashion Fortnight event celebrating culture, collaboration, and the craft of modern tailoring.
Find out more here.
When: 18 FEB
Where: Shortlist Shop, 200A Pakington Street
What: Workshop
Master the art of travel dressing! In this workshop you will learn how to create a compact, mix & match wardrobe that works day to night. We’ll show you easy outfit building with fabrics that travel well. Travel light, look fabulous!
Find out more here.
When: 22 FEB
Where: National Wool Museum
What: Workshop
Join textile artist Heather Thomas for a hands-on workshop on natural dyeing. Discover the art of creating vibrant colours using natural materials which you can forage, grow, or buy.
Immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere as you explore the world of natural dyes. Learn how to extract colours from plants, flowers, and other organic sources, and apply them to various wool yarn and fabrics. Create a sample card of fabric and yarns to take home, along with notes and recipes.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is suitable for all skill levels. Expand your artistic horizons and leave with newfound knowledge and inspiration.
All materials and supplies will be provided.
Buy tickets here.
When: 1 – 28 FEB
Where: Yarra Street Window Gallery
What: Exhibition
Large scale installation of recycled deconstructed t-shirts. Each t-shirt has been meticulously de-threaded by hand to reveal the masses of fabric in a single garment. The intricate web of warp and weft within the jersey knit weave is complex and beautiful.
Find out more here.
When: 14 – 28 FEB
Where: Murran First Nations Hub
What: Exhibition
A curated collection of First Nations textiles and fashion – from interactive/free-to-feel possum skins to viewing-only weavings, bush dye fabrics, and possum skin cloaks. This installation aims to echo past and present fashions of the land.
Find out more here.
Explore the full Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival Program, and buy tickets to all of your favourite events here.
The current most read stories on Forte
21 April 2026
For eight decades, Maton Guitars have been synonymous with Australian craftsmanship and musical excellence, gracing the hands of icons from…
20 April 2026
Are you a lover of the arts? Do you want to be part of a major annual exploration of the…
17 April 2026
From the South Coast of New South Wales to all corners of the country, book lovers across the nation are…
17 April 2026
Poetry on the Surf Coast is shedding its clichés and embracing spontaneity with the return of No Berets Needed, an…
14 April 2026
YIRRAMBOI has announced four major new commissions, ushering in the next chapter for a festival that has firmly established itself…
14 April 2026
Melbourne is poised to come alive this winter as RISING, the city’s premier festival of music, art, and performance, unveils…
13 April 2026
Are you after something to do this school holidays? Bellarine Arts Centre has a production perfect for the kids, offering…
10 April 2026
As the chill starts to creep back in across Melbourne, the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton will once again transform…
