Ascot to stage fashion stakes
The worlds of racing and fashion will collide next month when Telstra Perth Fashion Festival hosts two huge runway shows at Ascot Racecourse.
Featuring a spectacular 40m-long perspex runway, the venue will allow for the biggest audience in the festival's history, accommodating 770 fashion devotees at each show.
Presented by _The West Australian _, the September 19 showcase will start with Ruth Tarvydas - A Celebration, paying tribute to the local designer's contribution to the WA fashion industry.
Tarvydas' close friend and long-time fan Rebecca Judd will return to the runway for the tribute, which will feature dresses from the designer's illustrious 40-year career, including the plunging red frock Judd made famous at the 2004 Brownlow Medal count.
Galvanised - Ultimate Show-Stoppers will then follow. It will feature a group presentation boasting collections by designers such as Alex Perry, Zhivago, Manning Cartell, 33 Poets and Empire Rose.
Renowned for his glamorous gowns and red carpet showstoppers, Australia's "king of couture" Alex Perry is thrilled to be showing his latest collection in Perth.
"I am looking forward to being a part of this wonderful night celebrating Australian fashion and honouring one of WA's most iconic designers," he said.
Sydney sisters Vanessa and Gabrielle Manning are also eagerly anticipating the star-studded evening.
Racing and Wagering WA's general manager of marketing Alister Shennan said hosting the shows at Ascot was a "real privilege".
"Our new facilities at Perth Racing will allow for the biggest audience ever to attend a Festival event and be a part of this special occasion," he said.
Tickets for TPFF will go on sale when the full program is unveiled on Monday.
