Now in its 15th year, the Perth Fashion Festival is the biggest event on the WA fashion calendar. A celebration of homegrown talent both on the catwalk and in the cutting room, it draws guests from across the nation and around the globe.
This year – the crystal anniversary, if you’re keeping track – promises to be the biggest yet, outdoing last year’s record attendance of 35,000 couture-conscious bods. It all begins with the 15th Anniversary VIP opening, where designers including Ruth Tarvydas, Flannel, Morrison, Empire Rose, Zhivago and One Fell Swoop will offer their interpretations of the theme ‘crystal’ in honour of the festival having reached such a landmark.
As in previous years, Fashion Central in Forrest Place plays host to a wide variety of free events, including Fashionably Loud, where DJ duo The Faders will provide tasty tunes to soundtrack a display of the latest in bleeding edge streetwear.
The Business Behind The Glamour sees Marie Claire editor Jackie frank and IMG Fashion’s Elle Persson hold court over a two course lunch to discuss the commercial realities of the garment business, while An Evening with Camilla and Marc pairs the 2103 Suprematist collection with a heavenly three-course meal, all to raise awareness of the good work done by the McGrath Foundation.
Of course, it’s not all haute couture. Restyle sees seven of Perth’s top fashion bloggers show off their upcycled ensembles on the Forrest Place catwalk, demonstrating the perennial appeal of the op-shop experience. Finally, Ellery Closing, presented by Newmont sees a fine jewellery piece by Perth-born designer Ellery make its public debut.
The 2013 Perth Fashion Festival runs from September 11 – 16 at various locations. For the full programme, go to perthfashionfestival.com.au.
