The Australian Open’s on and off-court style is heading to the runway for the first time, as part of Melbourne Fashion Week.
The AO Edit presented by the Australian Open and styled by Jade Leung, will give audiences an early look at AO 2027 style – showcasing the premium lifestyle range alongside Australian Open partner New Balance and a first look at the ballkid uniforms by BOSS.
From signature AO blue performance wear and elevated courtside pieces to on-court uniforms for chair umpires and ballkids, the runway showcases how fashion has become an integral part of the Australia Open experience.
The initiative is the next step in cementing the Australian Open as one of Australia's most influential cultural stages, bringing together world-class tennis, global fashion and leading beauty brands to Melbourne Park.
Globally renowned fashion brand BOSS will bring its unmistakable blend of sharp tailoring and modern style to the AO as Official Lifestyle Outfitter.
More than 4000 AO staff, officials and ballkids will be decked out in BOSS designs, bringing a unified, contemporary look to the team delivering the event on and off the court.
"The Australian Open has become much more than a sporting event, it is a cultural phenomenon – it’s the place to see and be seen and is an unmissable event on the calendar," Director of Product and Customer Experience Amanda Del Prete said.
"It is a platform where sport, culture, fashion, beauty and entertainment come together, creating moments that resonate well beyond the tennis court."
Building on last summer's record-breaking debut, MECCA returns for AO 2027 with a new world of beauty. Expect all-new and the best of MECCA products, express services and touch-up stations, limited edition collectibles, and a custom-built space designed to be seen, felt and shared across two levels and three weeks of tennis.
MECCA COSMETICA continues as the Official SPF of the Australian Open. MECCA COSMETICA is looking to save the face of every guest that walks through the gates with a precinct-wide sunscreen sampling program, showcasing its luxurious, effective and protective SPF line-up.
With fashion credentials like no other sport, tennis is set to serve up a range of stylish looks at the first ever AO runway show at Melbourne Fashion Week on 24 October.
Held at the City Square in the CBD, the free event will celebrate the evolution of sports fashion and the role major sporting events play in shaping contemporary culture.
“Bringing the Australian Open to the Melbourne Fashion Week runway is a natural partnership for a city that leads the nation in both sport and fashion. It’s a celebration of the creativity, innovation and style that have become an increasingly important part of the Australian Open experience," Prete added.
One of the most recognisable traditions in world sport, the player walk-on experience, will continue to evolve as a showcase for athlete expression and personal style.
From headline-making fashion moments to social-first content that reaches audiences around the world, the walk-on has become an iconic part of the Australian Open experience.
As the Australian Open continues to evolve as a global sports and entertainment destination, AO 2027 will offer more opportunities than ever for fans to experience tennis, fashion, beauty and culture in one place.
Tickets for AO 2027 are on sale via Ticketmaster.