Northbridge fashion takes over Perth
N *orthbridge *boutiques are among those that will "get a guernsey" at one of the biggest free fashion events to take over *Perth CBD *.
The Perth City Fashion Runway will feature Periscope and new player Ollie & Sons alongside bigger retailers such as Top Shop, Forever New and Politix at the blockbuster winter preview at 2.30pm on March 29 in *Forrest Place *.
"The fact is that we're featuring some city retailers that don't always get a guernsey in these kinds of programs," Perth Lord Mayor *Lisa Scaffidi *explained to _AAA _.
"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to encourage some of the less well-known retailers, but actually very important retailers in terms of the city economy, to get more exposure."
After 13 years on *King Street *, *Shantha Cokis *moved Periscope to *William Street *three years ago - a move she said was important for the success of her store.
"In the early days in King Street there was a real vibrancy that I can see here now," she said.
"The mix of galleries, restaurants, cafes and boutiques here is a really good mix - it brings people in and there's lots for people to do.
"It's not just high-end, you can hang out for an entire day."
Ollie & Sons owner *Chantal Leflohic *said she hoped the runway show would help remind people that boutiques added to the vibrancy of Northbridge, not just small bars and restaurants, and encourage people to do more shopping in-store instead of online.
"A lot of people forget about the fashion that's in Perth and how good Perth shopping is," she said.
"Often we get customers saying 'It's incredible, it's a Chapel Street vibe'."
Leflohic and Cokis hinted that the winter runway would feature lightweight coats and textured layers for women and luxe, detailed hoodies for men.
"We're seeing jackets coming through that are more trans-seasonal," Cokis said.
JILLIAN MCHUGH
'We're featuring some city retailers that don't always get a guernsey in these programs.' Lisa Scaffidi
