Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival 2018: David Jones parade on opening night

MELBURNIANS are being encouraged to defy their dependence on black this winter as the glamour opening show of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival explodes with colour tonight.

MELBURNIANS are being encouraged to defy their dependence on black this winter as the glamour opening show of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival explodes with colour tonight.

The Gala Runway, presented by David Jones for the 10th year in a row, showcased an array of the hottest trends for the new season featuring ambassador Jessica Gomes and Melbourne model Montana Cox making her return to the VAMFF runway after three years.

MORE VAMFF: Montana Cox to return to David Jones runway

Models to ‘take a leap’ on Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival runway

Montana Cox at the 2018 David Jones VAMFF parade. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I love Melbourne, it really is the fashion capital of Australia,” Gomes says.

“The energy and vibe of VAMFF is amazing. And I’m so excited to have Montana back.”

Cox says she’s thrilled to be home and to walk in Australia’s biggest consumer fashion festival.

Models at the 2018 David Jones VAMFF parade. Picture: Mark Stewart

Jessica Gomes at the 2018 David Jones VAMFF parade. Picture: Mark Stewart

Jessica Gomes at the 2018 David Jones VAMFF parade. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I’ll always be a part of the David Jones family, it’s great to be back in my hometown,” she says.

Consumers were treated to a world class showcase of almost 200 new-season looks spanning Australian, international, denim and young designer, with Gomes opening the show in a beautiful jade green figure hugging dress from Scanlan Theodore, followed closely by Cox and her model squad in eye popping pink.

VIP guests sitting front row included VAMFF ambassador Kassandra Clementi, Nadia Bartel, Carrie Bickmore and Rebecca Harding.