Melbourne is known for having four seasons in one day, and finally it can say that about its September fashion week.

The City of Melbourne has dropped the ”spring” in its upcoming fashion week to reflect the shift to more tran-seasonal dressing, although spring racing and summer collections will still feature prominently.

The move has the strong support of designers such as Rosemary Masic​, of Nevenka, who said the blurring of the seasons in fashion was one of the reasons she opened her own store, in Howey Place, seven years ago.

Over seven days and nights, Melbourne Fashion Week will host more than 150 events, including many that are free to the public.

The event will centre around Melbourne Town Hall but events will also take place at key places around the city, including the opening night Emporium parade under the stars on Little Bourke Street.

Due to construction in the City Square for Melbourne Metro, the festival forecourt will see areas of the Town Hall play host to free DJs, live music, and hair and make-up stations.

The festival will also continue its focus on sustainable fashion, with many of the featured designers part of the ”slow fashion” movement.

Masic said although fashion weeks encourage consumers to buy new seasons’ clothing, it’s up to customers to invest responsibly in their wardrobes.

Despite the tough retail climate, Masic said Melbourne designers and stores have an opportunity to succeed by offering great customer service and a point of difference in their product.

The shift to an edgier image for Melbourne Fashion Week will also see the event host a gala dinner on September 2 that will showcase the work of Australian ex-pat designer Martin Grant. The event, to be created by the team behind Tasmania’s Dark Mofo festival, will have limited tickets available for purchase.