The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle, today announced the face and ambassador of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, due to kick off in just five weeks.

Sophie Van Den Akker, of Australia’s Next Top Model fame, is the face the festival and will open and close the evening runway shows.

Dannii Minogue has been named ambassador in a major coup for the festival. With her own clothing line and media interests, Dannii is a brilliant choice to fly the flag for Melbourne on the international fashion scene. Her husband, Kris Smith, is also very fashionable and a Myer ambassador.

Sophie Van Der Akker (Courtesy Herald Sun)

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week showcases the very best in local talent and this year will feature more than 150 individual events.

Highlights of the week include 26 runway shows, 26 workshops, 18 exhibitions, 22 films, 12 parties, 4 markets, 22 special events, 3 seminars and 48 in-store activities.

Featured designers include Rachel Gilbert, Dhini, Gorman, LIFEwithBIRD, Megan Park, Obus, Jack London, Gwendolynne, Thurley, Nevenka, ALPHA60, Kuwaii, Limedrop, Carly Hunter, Alexi Freeman, Aurelio Costarella, Christine, Yeojin Bae and more accessible brands Decjuba, Target and ts 14+.

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week runs September 5 til 11. Tickets are on sale now via ticketek. For more information and to subscribe to the newsletter, visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/msfw