All aboard for L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2012 (VIDEO | 4 PHOTOS)

A models helps launch the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

MODELS in floaty, flirty and feminine gowns stopped traffic outside Flinders Street Station this morning.

The striking fashion plates stepped out at the official program launch of the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, which runs March 8-15.

Passers-by, including Bec Hewitt, former soapie star and wife of Australian tennis star Lleyton, were treated to a sneak peek of some of the hot new looks for autumn/winter.

In a jam-packed schedule of events, highlights of the festival include the L’Oreal Paris runway shows featuring Australia’s top design talent, and the business seminars which have attracted top international delegates.

For the first time this year the festival kicks off with a huge block party at Central Pier Docklands, which will see consumers mix with the fashion industry elite.

Festival CEO Graeme Lewsey said more than 3000 people will attend the gala opening night celebration, which takes the place of the VIP-only Government house cocktail party of previous years.

“The opening night concept this year is something to behold," he said.

“Consumers will literally be rubbing shoulders with the fashion industry, designers, celebrities and models."

Other highlights include the supporting cultural program of more 80 events across the city, the Grace Kelly exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery and the National Designer Award, which has been a springboard for some of the country’s top emerging designers.