Highlights from the Telstra Perth Fashion Festival in Australia

Fashion One brings you highlights of the Telstra Perth Fashion festival in western Australia.

We give you a look at everything from behind the scenes hair and makeup to exclusive VIP access and the fantastic runway shows.

Founder and festival director Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan told us just how proud she is of the 5 day event and the homegrown talent it celebrates.

The international runway stage saw a decadent collection from couture brand Ae’Ikemi, whose designer Alvin Fernandez credited Venitian gothic architecture as his main inspiration experimenting with form and ornamentation including feathers and beading. Dubai’s Michel Cinco showed his beautiful spring-colored gowns with transparent tulle and lace while Sebastian Gunawan’s bold and contemporary evening wear was apparently inspired by a 17th century still life painting.

The event saw a special luncheon event and fashion show by Australian department store Myer. Designer Alex Perry expressed his excitement to be there and involved in the thriving Perth scene. The following days included a wide selection of events and runway shows including Flannel, NOM*D, Morrison, One Fell Swoop, Wild Horses, Zhivargo and New Zealand brand Zambesi.

We had a quick chat with ‘Top Student Designer’ winner Jessica Muro who explained the concept of royalty and power behind her work. The festival also featured a stunning show of gowns by the late Perth born fashion designer Ruth Tarvydas which was a touching memorial to all those who loved her and her work.