Another StyleAID has come to a close, proving to be a smashing success… yet again. As Perth’s biggest and best fashion fundraiser for HIV/AIDS research, StyleAID creates a night of memorable fashion. And while some felt the fashion parade might have been a bit long, others revelled in the opportunity to indulge in so many talented Perth designers. And the talent was certainly on display!
With the theme of WOW (White On White), the evening kicked off with an assortment of buff boys dressed by WA underwear label 2wink marching along to strains of The Village People’s In The Navy. From there an onslaught of no less than 14 designers took to the stage, among them Aurelio Costarella, Flannel, Ruth Tarvydas, One Fell Swoop and Stand International. Six emerging designers appeared on the catwalk too, including Garth Cook, Addam, Paper Skye and Almond Tree.
Alvin Fernandez’s Ae’lkemi and Ae’men menswear ranges were phenomenal. So European in its execution, they were collections that were stylish, slick and just a little whimsical, the cropped baby blue sports jacket which opened it simply superb… as was the floral lounge jacket worn by Tom Bull. Chrissie Caitling’s S2 summer range was fierce, elegant in its simplicity yet thoroughly bold and directional, her sense of line sublime. Out of all the women’s ranges, hers was possibly one of the most magnetic.
Alister Yiap has refined his drama, and superbly so, while newcomer Mandi Mac proved a hit with her garden-inspired parade. Rebecca Patterson’s twin labels of 33 Poets and Panache were sheer energy, a blistering onslaught of black one moment and then a celebration of summer ease the next. And finally United Construction delivered a range that was bold and a little bit brash, a range that conveyed an image of a strong modern woman.
Emerging designer Garth Cook took out the $5000 Development Award while M.A.C. Cosmetics donated over $28 000 dollars in cash and products toward HIV/AIDS research. Overall, the food was better and the fashion parade was significantly improved, particularly with the closing section of Student Designers. And one can’t mention this year’s StyleAID without mentioning the amazing job Event Coordinator Mark Reid has done over the years. It was Mark’s final StyleAID this year, and his farewell show was just exceptional.
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
