About 150,000 people are expected to attend the consumer-focused event, which kicked off on Monday with an outdoor showcase on a Docklands sky deck.
Standout looks included an inventive outfit from Amy Cottrell featuring oversized sequins and a donut-shaped skirt, and a high-sheen gown from Sean Rentero.
Up-and-coming designer Charleigh Hack presented another gown with voluminous skirts featuring a music manuscript - and incredibly, a cello divided in half.
Fashionistas in the audience were feeling the heat as the sun beat down, but if it was hot for them, spare a thought for the menswear model walking the runway in a quilted bomber jacket and beaver hat.Â
At least it was paired with shorts.
As usual, those attending were sporting outfits that, at their best, outshone some of those on the runway.
Designer Maku Fenaroli wore a tshirt dress from her Celestial Gardens collection paired with a green jacket from By Johnny.
"Every single print and garment starts as hand painted artwork, I'm an artist and our brand is the antidote to AI," the designer told AAP.
Social media influencer Ginger showed off Gucci pants from a Paris second hand shop paired with a 1980s purple jacket.
With about 300,000 followers, her Instagram page features her idiosyncratic looks on the streets of the city, with taglines such as "embarrassment hates to see me coming", and "walking in slow motion, so more people can see my outfit".
In 2026 the opening night runway will be held at the National Gallery of Victoria for the first time, with other runways held at the State Library and the newly developed city square.
Fashion Week boosted the city's economy by an estimated $32 million in 2025, according to the City of Melbourne.
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