15 years old and getting stronger
What will make this year's Perth Fashion Festival extra special?
We have an outstanding line-up of amazing design talent and more than 30 individual events, all awesome in their own right, but what makes this year extra special is that the festival celebrates its 15th anniversary.
It is a great achievement and one that WA's fashion industry will deservedly celebrate.
In 1999, Louis Vuitton was the only major international brand on King Street.
Today we have Gucci, Bally, Prada, Tiffany, Armani, Burberry and Chanel.
At the turn of the century, King Street was known as the grand old dame.
A little over a decade later, a plethora of major international fashion houses have King Street linking with Murray Street, really cool lanes and hip bars. Many WA designers now have flagship boutiques; some have stood the test of time while others found the global financial crisis a step too far.
In 1999, Myer and David Jones weren't stocking any WA designers - we now see Morrison and Aurelio Costarella in Myer, with Flannel and Antipodium in David Jones.
I am so proud of the part Perth Fashion Festival has played over the past 15 years in the growing success and development of WA's fashion industry.
The event has demonstrated itself to be a vital resource that benefits the State through providing marketing and promotional opportunities for local labels, as well positioning Perth as a creative hotspot.
The $49 million of media coverage achieved for the festival last year points to a successful, vibrant industry. It is also tangible recognition of the significant contribution the festival provides for the continuing development of the industry in WA.
Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan is Perth Fashion Festival director
