Originally published on Hussh.

Nail bars, styling sessions and film screenings are on offer.

The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival (VAMFF) is turning 21 this year and returns Wednesday 1st March to celebrate the best of established and upcoming fashion.

The VAMFF will honour Australian and international names including Toni Maticevski, Dion Lee, Manning Cartell and Yeojin Bae. A handful of offsite fashion shows by emerging designers are also taking place around the city.

As part of the 18-day festival, a number of free events will also be sprinkled around Melbourne. We’ve handpicked the ones worthy of going to.

Priceline Beauty Touch Ups

Priceline is setting up beauty camp at the VAMFF, recruiting a team of beauty advisors who are well versed with the latest runway trends and ready to make your face and hair over with their knowledge.

When: Tuesday 14th – Sunday 19th March, 5.30pm – 11.00pm
Where: Festival Plaza, Melbourne Museum Precinct

Alannah Hill Nail Bar

Now this has our fingers tingling. Alannah Hill’s Chadstone boutique is offering complimentary manicures to round off your look. Who else is giving free manicures? We dare you to find somewhere else…

When: Sunday 4th and 5th March, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Where: shop 413, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone

Leona Edmiston Styling Sessions

The Emporium’s Leona Edmiston store is offering styling sessions throughout the whole festival. If you’re fond of feminine fashion and expressive patterns, you can book a session by calling 9639 0398 or emailing emporium@leonaedmiston.com.

When: Wednesday 1st – Sunday 19th March, 10.00am – 3.00pm everyday
Where: shop 212, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Fashion Film Popcorn Screening

The best fashion films of the year are being showcased at Federation Square’s outdoor screening area. Grab some free popcorn and a deck chair (sometimes it’s a bit of a battle finding one) and tune into the festival judges’ curation of the best entries from the Australia and International Fashion Film series. A few titles on show include ‘The Making Of’ by Kuwaii, ‘SZN’ by Running Panda Films and ‘The Fencer’ by Zephyr Graham.

When: Thursday 2nd March, 6.30pm – late
Where: Federation Square

Autumn styling sessions at Assembly Label

In collaboration with Fashion Journal, Assembly Label is hosting in-store styling sessions for one day only. Each attendee will receive a glass of wine as well as a limited edition t-shirt for their desire to be on trend.

When: Saturday 4th March, 12.00pm – 1.00pm
Where: 1062 High Street, Armadale

The Social Studio Block Party

The Social Studio is teaming up with Melbourne-based contemporary artist Kate Beynon for a runway show and block party at the Collingwood Arts Precinct. There will be performances by local acts, alongside food and market stalls (all that fashion critiquing is bound to make you hungry).

When: Saturday 4th March, 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Where: Collingwood Arts Precinct, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood

Mist Wood Gin Tasting Bar

This Aussie-grown gin label is handing out samples of clever gin pairings at its pop-up bar this year. Find it at the heart of the VAMFF, the Festival Plaza, where there will be other food stalls and live entertainment.

When: Tuesday 14th – Sunday 19th March, 5:30pm – 11.00pm
Where: Festival Plaza, Melbourne Museum Precinct

Fashion Deli Necklace Workshop 

This one is for the kids (and aspiring jewellery designers). Kids’ clothing boutique Fashion Deli is hosting a necklace making workshop for kids over five, in its Toorak store. Head down to let those creative, tiny minds create something beautiful.

When: Saturday 18th March, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Where: 424 Toorak Road, Toorak

The VAMFF runs from Wednesday 1st – Sunday 19th March. See the full list of the VAMFF’s free events here.