Attention all fashion lovers, grab your best clothes and charge your phone because Virgin Australia’s Melbourne Fashion Festival is back.

The 10-day event, which runs from March 1st to March 10th, is a celebration of fashion, culture, beauty, and creativity. It gives designers and creators the opportunity to showcase their talent and collections to the public.

Heading into its 23rd year, VAMFF is set to attract thousands of fashion lovers with over 15 runway events, workshops, and industry summits – where American plus-size model Ashley Graham headlines as a keynote speaker. 

But if you’re on the lookout for a unique and exciting show, look no further than the Global Indigenous Runway – Connection to Country catwalk. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

The show which is now heading into its 7th year will feature and celebrate Indigenous fashion, and their designers from around the world. Not only that, 50 Indigenous young people are set to hit the catwalk to model the designs for the first time.

Founder Tina Waru established the project in 2012 after running a make-up class for young Indigenous people. From this, the project expanded and Global Indigenous Management became the first international Indigenous enterprise of it’s kind.

“[Tina wanted] to develop an empowering Global Indigenous initiative. The concept was driven by her desire to empower Indigenous young people with confidence, motivation, and pride, the very qualities she lacked as a young woman.” – Global Indigenous Management

The runway will pay tribute to the theme Connection to Country by featuring delicate hand-woven, printed fabric, and haute-couture pieces that reflect and honour the natural beauty of Indigenous land and culture. The runway will present a modern interpretation of cultural identity among global Indigenous people.

“[It’s] more than just another runway, the designers will collaborate with artists and musicians to deliver a unique indigenous cultural spectacular honouring their fashion stories.” – Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

The Connection to Country runway will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, March 10th at 5 pm.

Click here to buy tickets and here to find out more information about the event.