Street Style: The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2026's Opening Night
The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival is celebrating its third decade with a vibrant and bold approach. Last night's opening night runways showcased two unique themes that set the tone for the week's schedule.
The Joywear runway was a spectacle of maximalism and color, featuring designs from Camilla, Fool, Gary Bigeni, By Josh Deane, Linda Jackson, Leo Lin, Nixi Killick, Reigner, Romance Was Born, Six x Pam, Vincent Li, and Youkhanabring. These designers brought a burst of energy and creativity, with their collections ranging from bold and vibrant to subtle and nuanced.
In contrast, the Melbourne Noir runway embraced Melbourne's love for black attire. Designers Akira, Blair Archibald, Con Ilio, Et Al, Gail Sorronda, Hyphn, Joteo, Nicol & Ford, and Strateas Carlucci x AFL presented elegant and sophisticated pieces, showcasing the versatility of black in fashion.
On the fashion forecourt, festival-goers mirrored these themes. Some attendees embraced the maximalist and colorful looks, playing with clashing patterns and oversized silhouettes. Others opted for a more understated approach, letting their subtle details and accessories speak for themselves.
The event was captured by Broadsheet photographer Meaghan Coles, who will share more street style shots tomorrow. Stay tuned for a glimpse into the festival's vibrant and diverse fashion scene!
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