Thrift retailer Savers has signed on as an official partner of the 2026 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, launching a runway event as part of the deal.
Savers will task a curated line-up of designers, including Cakey Sportsman, Pocket Money, Niamh Galea, Yanggurdi and Shiyo, to reimagine pre-loved garments.
The runway – titled ‘New again: Metamorphosis runway x Savers’ – will take place on the Festival’s final day, Saturday, February 28.
From conceptual streetwear to experimental couture, Savers noted that every piece will be crafted using garments sourced from Savers.
Savers Australia managing director Michael Fisher said the collaboration embraces the brand’s mission to help Australians express their individuality while making conscious, sustainable fashion choices.
“At Savers, we believe fashion doesn’t need to be new to be inspiring,” Fisher said. “This runway is about showcasing the creativity that can come from reimagining what already exists. It’s proof that secondhand can be bold, stylish and forward-thinking – and that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand on the runway.”
Fisher added that the campaign also strengthens the ‘Thrift Proud’ movement in Melbourne, where Savers Australia first opened its doors in Brunswick over 27 years ago.
“Melbourne has always embraced individuality and creativity, so it’s especially meaningful to celebrate that spirit where our Australian story began,” Fisher said. “New again: Metamorphosis runway x Savers reflects everything Savers stands for – giving garments a second life while inspiring people to see fashion through a more sustainable lens.”
The collaboration also comes as Melbourne Fashion Festival enters its 30th year of operation.
Festival CEO Caroline Ralphsmith said the milestone year will honour the diverse voices and evolving values of the Australian fashion community.
“As a true consumer event, PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival has the opportunity and responsibility to ensure we contribute to promoting a vibrant, creative and sustainable industry,” Ralphsmith said. “We are passionate about supporting fashion circularity and facilitating the work of designers and retailers who use circular economies and upcycling to minimise their impact on the planet.”
She added that partnering with Savers has allowed her and her team to evolve their New Again Runway into a different concept that demonstrates how pre-loved garments can be transformed into new masterpieces by experiential designers.