Fernandez is Perth's style king
Alvin Fernandez confirmed his title as Perth's sartorial king at last night's 17th Annual WA Fashion Awards.
Fernandez's label Ae'lkemi walked away with the top prize for the third time at the event which saw BHP Billiton's usually bustling corporate foyer in the CBD transformed into a glitzy social venue.
Perth Fashion Festival founder and co-director Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan said Fernandez's win for Most Innovative Designer was not a surprise given the high regard he and his brand were treated with in the local fashion industry.
"WAFAs voters are respectful of the fact that he is a long-standing member of the local fashion industry, in a tough business where longevity is hard to maintain," Ms Harvey-Hanrahan said.
Designer Shane Newton's Zsadar label was a surprise winner of the Designer of Tomorrow award, given the limited field of local menswear designers.
"I think Zsadar's win is reflective of menswear taking a more prominent position in the WA market. Demand is increasing for unique, wearable pieces," Ms Harvey-Hanrahan said. "Shane recognised this demand and saw a niche in the market which he has cleverly and successfully filled."
The hotly anticipated modelling categories were split between three rising Chadwick's Perth models, with Gabrielle Sullivan (Runway Model of the Year), Nicole Harrison (Photographic Model of the Year) and Grady Wulff (Hot New Model Talent) landing awards.
