Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival has announced the opening of applications for the event's 2026 First Nations Engagement Programme.
The Programme provides a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, fashion designers, artists, performers and professionals to showcase their talent, build their careers and connect with larger audiences.
The initiative is designed to provide employment pathways within the fashion industry supporting First Nations self determination, and to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of their rich cultural heritage - all in collaboration and consultation with First Nations communities.
With the support of Architectus, Slattery and Godfrey Hirst x Dreamtime Flooring, the programme includes a First Nations runway, designer integration, exposure to ongoing career progression, pathways and more.
A central element of the FNEP is the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival x Mob in Fashion Pathways Programme, which creates paid placements for First Nations creatives and event professionals across the festival.
Participants of the Pathways Programme will be instrumental in delivering one of 2026's most powerful shows in our Premium Runway Series - the Beyond Blak Runway curated by Mob in Fashion.
"Supporting First Nations designers has been the highlight of our four-year partnership with the Festival, and the Back in Blak runway is a firm favourite on our yearly calendar," said Architectus Principal Ruth Wilson.
Curated by Mob in Fashion, the 2025 Back In Blak runway event showcased 10 innovative designers including Corin Corcoran, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, and Miimi & Jiinda, blending contemporary design with tradition.
Participating in the festival's 2025 all-Indigenous Back In Blak runway, Cockatoo-Collins said the opportunity resembled somewhat of a big embrace with all First Nations creatives joining forces to showcase their designs on the runway, supporting both culture and craft.
"I love being part of something that is greater than what I make through the runway with other First Nations designers and artists. It feels like one big embrace," she said.
"Our partnership with the Festival's First Nations Engagement Programme reflects the spirit driving Dreamtime Flooring x Godfrey Hirst: collaboration, respect and breakthrough visibility. We're honoured to amplify First Nations creativity, support employment pathways in fashion and design, and help more people experience the power of Country-informed storytelling," said Godfrey Hirst (GH Commercial) National Sales Manager, Joel Williamson.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to visit the Melbourne Fashion Festival website for more details.
Applications are now open for 2026 and close on 12th January 2026.
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