The PayPal Australian Fashion Festival is taking its runway beyond Melbourne, with Bendigo and Shepparton set to host their own fashion-packed programs this spring.
Formerly known as the Melbourne Fashion Festival, PAFF will present the Bendigo Fashion Series from 12 to 20 September, followed by the Shepparton Fashion Series from 3 to 11 October, marking a major step in its push to become a year-round fashion platform across Victoria.
Bendigo will get 31 events across nine days, with tickets already on sale, while Shepparton will host more than 20 events, with tickets going live on August 27.
The expansion follows the success of Geelong Fashion Fortnight, which formed part of the 2026 annual Festival and attracted more than 150,000 attendees.
PayPal Australian Fashion Festival executive director Prue Mahar said the regional events would create opportunities for local designers, makers and creatives while bringing fashion to new audiences.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Visit Victoria, City of Greater Bendigo and Greater Shepparton City Council and an incredible network of local partners to bring this programme to life,” Mahar said.
Held on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, the Bendigo series will feature talks, workshops, exhibitions, screenings, tours and performances, with many events free or low-cost. There will also be live demonstrations, First Nations cultural experiences, hands-on creative workshops and a heritage walking tour.
Victoria’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Natalie Suleyman, said the events would bring visitors into regional Victoria.
“These two new series will draw visitors into the regions, fill local hotels and restaurants, and put Bendigo and Shepparton on the map for fashion lovers from around the world,” Suleyman said.
Shepparton’s program will feature designers and creatives including Richard Nylon, Josh Deane, Jordan Drysdale and Stieg Persson, with the full program released in the coming weeks.
More information and tickets are available here.
