Fashion Week unveils surprise lineup

Over 55 Australian designers have enlisted in the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) resort showcase.

The event's preliminary schedule was unveiled at Sydney's iconic Quay restaurant on March 23.

MBFWA will be the first centralised event focused exclusively on resort collections, in line with the international retail calendar.

IMG Asia Pacific executive Emily Weight said the event kicks off at the beginning of the lucrative resort sales window.

It will run from May 15 to 20, 2016.

“The new timing and resort offering reflects our work with the industry to maintain global relevance for the region’s leading fashion event.

"The move presents an exciting opportunity for Australian designers and global media and buyers alike.”

Dion Lee will return to the schedule alongside Rebecca Vallance, who will debut her first resort collection with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia.

Additionally, leading brands alice mcCALL, Camilla and Swarovski will host special events during the week as part of the official schedule.

Toni Maticevski will open the event as part of the Mercedes-Benz Presents runway series.

Other notable designers on the schedule include Bianca Spender, Christopher Esber, Ginger & Smart and Yeojin Bae.

MBFWA will showcase ready-to-wear collections on the first three days, followed by swimwear and emerging talent.