The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival has arrived to our fair city once again; and once again, the glitz and the glamour is tenfold. It’s quite easy to get overwhelmed by the number of fashion shows on, the pop-up events scattered throughout the city and the celeb after-parties that you heard about from a friend of a friends, of a friends. Yeah, it’s tough work navigating the fashion world.

However, here at Hidden City Secrets, we’ve selected the best of the best at this year’s VAMFF; the most exciting things to see, do and take part in. Oh, and did we mention that it’s all free!?

Grab Your Popcorn
Thursday 2^nd March, Federation Square
6:30pm to late

The combined trio of fashion, films and free popcorn is destined to be the Bermuda Triangle that will inevitably pull you into the midst of Fashion Week this March. Federation Square will feature a number of selected films chosen from The Australian and International Fashion Film Series entries. Pack your camping chairs (or portable hammocks if you really want to nestle in) and get ready for an epic night of fashion on the big (Fed Square) screen.

You can view the list of films being featured here.

Get Social with Ethical Enterprise – The Social Studio
Saturday 4^th March, Collingwood Arts Precinct
12pm – 6pm

The Social Studio was created to assist young Australian refugees and migrants immerse themselves into Australian culture, find jobs and learn valuable skills. They provide TAFE level training and ensure employability outcomes are high for those who really need it. The creative studio has expanded into areas like garment printing, retail and hospitality.

As part of VAMFF’s Arts Program, The Social Studio will be throwing a free ‘Block Party’ at the Collingwood Arts Precinct. Get ready for an amazing line-up of local singers and DJ’s including Ecca Vandal, Okenyo, Northside Records and more. Plus, there will be a local designers market, a fashion parade and of course, food, glorious food…they’ve got your Saturday covered.

For more info on The Social Studio’s Block Party, check out the Facebook event here.

For more info on The Social Studio and how they give back to the community, head here.

Let Leona Style You
Wednesday 1^st – Sunday 19^th March, The Emporium

Pop into the Leona Edmiston store in The Emporium (CBD) to have a private styling session for absolutely no cost whatsoever. Thanks Leona (we’re clearly on a first-name basis), you’re a gem!

Sessions can be booked from 10am – 3pm so make sure you book now by emailing emporium@leonaedmiston.com.

Girls Just Wanna Get Their Nails Done
Saturday 4^th –  5^th March, Chadstone Shopping Centre

Not that we should gender stereotype when it comes to females getting their nails done, but if you really are in need of a nail fixer-upper for FREE, then head to Alannah Hill in Chadstone for all your cuticle needs this Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 4pm.

The Plaza of All Things Free
Melbourne Museum Precinct

Lastly, the crème de la crème of all things free during VAMFF is at the The Plaza – not to be confused with The Plaza in New York, because we all know nothing there is free… Located in the Melbourne Museum Precinct is where you will find the true hub of fashion events, pop-up shops, wine gardens and even the odd celebrity or fashion designer sighting. The Plaza is where it’s at this month. Here’s a quick list of what you can expect to find there:

• 6Ft6 Wine Garden
• Priceline Pharmacy Pop-up (includes complimentary beauty touch-ups)
• Chandon S Bar
• The National Graduate Showcase Exhibition
• Mist Wood Tasting Bar (have a taste of their new gin-infused drink)

And heaps more.

All you in need in life are the three F’s – fashion, fun and free. Of course, there are still tickets available to a number of premium fashion shows featuring your favourite Aussie designers. Head on to the VAMFF website to find out more.

By Nora Omar

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