The L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival was launched in style on Sunday with an exclusive party at Government House.  

The opulent surrounds provided a fitting backdrop for the 400 guests, including top Australian models Megan Gale and Kirsty Hinze as well as a few politicians and the odd sporting personality.

Festival ambassador, Miranda Otto, turned heads in a stunning pillar-box red Nicola Finetti dress. Otto makes a fitting choice for fashion ambassador considering her starring role in Channel Nine's Cashmere Mafia, a show dubbed the new Sex and the City, in which clothes are every bit as important as plot lines.

While yesterday's event was a strictly invite only affair, the coming week is all about making the fashion world accessible to the public. According to Festival Director, Karen Webster, the week-long event aims to get the public "excited about fashion".

GALLERY - LMFF Launch Party

GALLERY - LMFF Paris Runway 1

GALLERY - LMFF Myer Runway Red Carpet

GALLERY - LMFF Myer Autumn Collection