STYLEAID has been the WA AIDS Council’s major fundraiser for two decades, but tomorrow the fabulous fashion ball will be hosted for the last time.
The theme for the final bash is ICON, we asked Aly May and Mark Reid, the creative powerhouse behind the event, about their plans for this year’s soiree.
The theme for this year’s STYLEAID is ICON. Words like ‘icon’, ‘legend ‘and ‘classic’ get used quite liberally in the media nowadays. What makes a true icon?
AM: For me the word ‘Icon’ was used in the context of what was important an important message for the last event, looking at everything that symbolised what was STYLEAID… looking at the past and what we had achieved and taking elements of previous events to include in the 2017 event in a fresh and exciting way.
MR: A true ICON is someone who continuously sets the standard and is memorable on all levels.
Looking back over the last 20 years what have been the highlights of STYLEAID?
AM: Definitely the people I have met over the years. Designers, committee members, models, and more importantly the backstage crews and the dedication they give for such a worthy cause.
MR: There have really been so many highlights for me for the event. If I had to name a couple – the chance to see the growth in the West Australian Fashion Industry and to see the event move from showcasing designers from Australia and New Zealand to being exclusively all about WA Fashion. I think the work STYLEAID has done in nurturing new and emerging talent, be it young new designers or giving models their first time on the runway… but I think importantly recognising the work of the WA AIDS Council in such a significant way even when it moved off the agenda for many people. It reminds people that even in 2017 HIV is still something for people to be aware of.
How has the event changed over its history?
AM: It has got bigger in terms of production and more professionally run as more and more people became involved. Initiatives have been put in place such as the Creative Designer Award that has been sponsored by Zomp in the last few years, the WA Ballet and student project with students designing costumes for the ballet for their performance at STYLEAID, and the photographic exhibition – which has become its own standalone event.
Why should people snap up a ticket to the final STYLEAID?
MR: This will be night to remember. We are bringing back and re-imagining some of the most memorable moments from the past 20 years as well as giving our guests an amazing meal, great wine to enjoy and a night that they will not soon forget.
STYLEAID is at the Crown Ballroom on Friday 4 August, full details at 2017.styleaid.com.au
Image:- Ivan Shaw
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