Country Racing Fashion Blogger is the festival's naming rights sponsor, while Bendigo Mazda, Balgownie wines, Jools for Jim, City of Greater Bendigo, the Bendigo Advertiser, 3BO and Sasi have also joined the ranks. 

Festival sponsorship and marketing manager Sue Opie said the committee was set to run the "biggest fashion week Bendigo had ever seen". 

"The fashion festival is about promoting local retail business and encouraging people to shop locally," she said.

"Over the years the event has grown bigger.

"In the future we hope to use it as a way to attract people to the region."

Now in its eighth year, the festival is from September 27 and October 17 and will consist of four main events - the launch, a millinery master class, a fashion high tea and fashion parade. 

Ms Opie said thanks to the support of the sponsors, the festival would be able to offer scholarships to young people looking to start their careers in the fashion industry. 

For more information about the festival, visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Bendigo_Fashion_Festival or fashionblog.countryracing.com.au