Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF) has partnered with Kmart to introduce two new events to the schedule, including a business lunch and family runway show.
MFF CEO Caroline Ralphsmith said the joint venture is part of a bid to democratise fashion.
"PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival loves promoting our Australian designers in our premium runways and throughout the fashion culture program and we also facilitate the democratisation of fashion to ensure it is accessible to all consumers."
Kmart MD Ian Bailey will join three industry vendors in a panel discussion as part of the lunch, under the theme of 'Innovating to Secure the Future of Australian Fashion'.
Cotton Australia supply chain consultant Brooke Summers will discuss fabric sourcing, while BODD CEO Rob Fisher will discuss digital fit technology and Paypal GM of payments Andrew Toon will address digital payments and shopping.
The event will be held at Q Events by Metropolis in Melbourne CBD, as part of the Festival's 27th year in operation.
Bailey confirmed this is the first time Kmart Australia has partnered with the consumer event, alongside a broader program to improve its fashion offering.
“Our design, product development and sourcing teams work together in the quest to bring on-trend styles with sustainable attributes to all whilst respecting our planet and partners.
“Kmart’s products are designed by more than 50 Australian designers and the runway will feature sustainably sourced apparel at our everyday low prices. Our family runway, ‘Style your Way’, will unveil new season apparel across women, men and kids.
The free ticketed event for families will also include complimentary access to the Melbourne Museum on the day.
Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival will take place on March 3 - 11, with the Premium Runway Series returning to the Royal Exhibition Building, as well as over 100 events across 60 Melbourne venues.
Australian designer participants include Lee Matthews, Bassike, Ngali and M.J Bale.