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Ae'lkemi thrives in hard time

As established designers fall by the wayside under financial strain of the fashion industry, Ae'lkemi's Alvin Fernandez has leapt from strength to strength.

After being the first Australian inducted into the prestigious Asian Couture Federation late last year, Fernandez now hopes for an accolade at Monday's 19th annual WA Fashion Awards.

The three-time winner faces off against Tindale's Shelly Tindale, One Fell Swoop's Daniel Romanin and Nikolina Ergic to be named City of Perth's Designer of the Year.

Over its 17 years, Ae'lkemi has become synonymous with high-end fashion on the likes of Dannii Minogue, Jennifer Hawkins and Jesinta Campbell but Fernandez still gets excited about peers recognising his work.

"It's a great honour because it's industry nominated, so it means a bit more to me because it shows people in the industry appreciate what you do," he said.

Chadwick's Perth model Grady Wulff, 20, nominated in the Runway Model of the Year category, will hit the red carpet in a bespoke gown Fernandez created especially for her.