So, what happened at Telstra Perth Fashion Festival this year?

Telstra Perth Fashion Festival is over for another year, and what an incredible week it was.

Two big tents, 10 ticketed events, countless free runway shows and large crowds night after night, I can safely say this was one of the best Perth fashion weeks I have attended! Perth might be a small and isolated city, but we are producing high quality designers, creative and models and our fashion events are headed towards that of our international fashion week counterparts.

Tweet Perth were front row at each night of this year’s TPFF and while every night had it’s highlights, I have narrowed down a few particular shows that stole the TPFF limelight.

 

 

Opening Night: Dilettante

 

Opening Nights are always something special, and when one of Perth’s top boutiques showcases one of Australia’s best designers, it is destined to be a highlight.

Dilettante presented Toni Mativeski’s creations which can only be described as breathtaking. Everything was glamourous – the fabrics, the draping and structural folding and the elegant simplicity of the gowns. You can read and view more about the Dilettante show in the Tweet Perth coverage here.

 

Empire Rose

 

My favourite type of runway shows are those that are a performance; telling the audience and story and leaving them with more than just images of beautiful pieces on a runway.

 

Titled ‘Love Wins’, models walked the runway as identical pairs underneath a chandelier backdrop, showcasing romantic androgynous pieces, feminine floral suits and flowing two piece outfits. The late Heath Ledger’s 11 year old nieces joined the runway for the final look as bridesmaid’s to a bride and groom pair – a fantastic, personal touch to what was my show of the week.

 

WA Designer Runway 2

 

There is some serious WA designer talent and this week, we were aptly given the chance to celebrate it across two nights.

My standout designer show was the WA Designer Runway 2, with my picks of the night including: Alexandra King and her whimsical white two pieces styled perfectly with straw hats and white flowers (soon to be my summer wardrobe staples), Megan Salmon’s intricate lace and tulle pieces showcased with girls in mouse and bunny ears, and Katherine Dunmill’s wild west inspired outfits.

Akira

 

Pulling Akira to this year’s TPFF is huge in itself – Akira Isogawa is quite literally, a creative genius. With whispers going around the front row (#FROW for those playing at home) that people had cried during this runway show at other Australian fashion weeks, we knew we were in for a treat.

This was one of the best runway shows I have ever seen – not only did we have the chance to see Isogawa’s incredible pieces, but we were made to feel his creations too. Japanese elements had been captured throughout, billowing fabrics were mixed with structured designs and neutral colours contrasted with vibrant reds and yellows.

 

 

Florals and greenery were incorporated as accessories to each model’s look, whether draped over their heads, dragged along behind or over their eyes.

 

Closing Night: A’elkemi and Steph Audino

 

The new venue of Ascot Racecourse was a nice change for those of us who had been along to all nights of TPFF, and also a fitting and beautiful location to showcase three of Perth’s finest designers.

While I was disappointed with the Wheels and Dollbaby show (save the runway appearance from Dita von Teese, because that was mighty cool), the other closing night favourites A’elkemi and Steph Audino really proved they deserved the closing night spot with incredible runway shows.

Alvin of Ae’lkemi once again showcased his romantic and elegant pieces, featuring sheer gowns, embellished jumpsuits and sequinned flared pants.

 

Steph Audino’s collection featured beautiful pinks and black/white combinations, with pieces made for an event ready wardrobe.

All in all, this year’s Telstra Perth Fashion Festival was one for the memory books. Not only were we treated to some incredible runway shows, but there was the opportunity to mingle with the industry’s best, meet many incredible creatives and of course, make plenty of new friends. Sitting front row with Bachelor Blake and Burgo from Wheel of Fortune also definitely made the highlights list.

A huge shoutout to the TPFF team, all the volunteers, beautiful models, talented designers and creatives working hard behind the scenes, DGPR for taking such good care of the media and bloggers throughout the week and always, and Telstra for the Samsung S6 Edge which is responsible for a TPFF Round Up Video coming soon.

Hope you enjoyed the coverage – until next year!