In Loving Memory of Ruth Tarvydas

Ruth Tarvydas posing for Style Voyeur at the WA Fashion Awards in 2013.

Putting this post together has been a surreal experience for me. I have 5 years of WA fashion archives, so many fashion weeks, so many memories and Ruth a part of them all. It is hard to think of ‘Perth Fashion’ without her. She has shaped this industry like no one else and since 2008, Style Voyeur has been there to document all of it. Words really cannot describe my sadness in saying good bye.

I would like to share my condolences with Ruth’s family, those who loved her in the fashion industry and those who simply admired her and her work. This is a loving tribute to the original sparkle queen, a maverick, a visionary, a true original. A woman whose designs brought out the confidence in women and taught them to embrace their natural curves and enhance their inner sensuality through her jaw dropping creations. A woman who fostered creativity, helped talent grow and saw it where others could not see. A woman who inspired generations of budding young creatives, the likes of designers Aurelio Costarella and Ae’lkemi’s Alvin Fernandez and more recently, photographer Aaron McPolin and nurtured them as a generous mentor. A woman who taught WA fashion designers and creatives that it is possible to stay here, grow an empire and make waves internationally from little ‘ole Perth. A woman who not only started trends but practically founded an industry all unto herself through her sheer bravery, risk taking, enormous sense of fun and hard work. A women whose warm heart and soul touched each and every person she met. She was a legend and will always remain that way. Never to be forgotten, always missed.

The good die young.

Models backstage at Perth Fashion Week 2012 wearing Ruth Tarvydas creations

Pretty and feminine, models backstage at Perth Fashion Festival 2010

A model wearing Ruth Tarvydas backstage at Perth Fashion Festival 2008 with mannequin face painted by make-up director, Bobby Bujisic

Perth Fashion Week, April 2012 with model line-up including Miss Universe Australia’s Renae Ayris and Actress/Vivien’s model, Courtney Eaton

Sarah Pauley wearing a backless Ruth Tarvydas satin gown backstage at Perth Fashion Festival 2010, the year she was the face

Ayor Chuot backstage rocking some serious sparkles and cut outs at Perth Fashion Festival 2009

Emily Cattermole, Face of Perth Fashion Festival 2009 wearing Ruth Tarvydas and 80’s hair backstage in 2009

Hollywood star on the rise, Courtney Eaton wearing Ruth Tarvydas sequins backstage at Perth Fashion Week 2012

Ruth with model Bronx Whitehorn backstage before her show at Perth Fashion Week. I will never forget the hair that night, done by Kevin Murphy’s team. Truly original and magical in every way!

Brittany Nichols wearing Tarvydas backstage at Perth Fashion Week

Model Holly with Ruth backstage at Perth Fashion Week. The tulle on the model’s head was such a mystical effect, creating the appearance of smoke. Very original and effective for the runway

Regal sensuality ensues at Ruth Tarvydas SS12

Enough sequins to sink a ship! The original sparkle queen

This would have to be my favourite Ruth Tarvydas dress of all time – Spring/Summer 2012

Victoria’s Secret photographer Russel James with Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi looking stunning wearing Ruth Tarvydas at the Opening of Perth Fashion Festival in 2010, styled by me

A shoot featuring top model expat Tom Bull with girlfriend Tia Hayes for Style Voyeur story ‘Tom and Tia’s New York Dream’ posted in April 2013 and photographed by Victor Tortch. Tia is wearing a gown by Ruth Tarvydas in their apartment in New York City. Styled by Whitney Chalmers

A guest wearing one of Ruth’s famously sensual cut out dresses at the Times Square boutique opening in Claremont, December 2012

Ruth Tarvydas with photographer and protege, Aaron McPollin at her Times Square boutique Opening in December 2012. Ruth commissioned little known photographer, McPolin to shoot her latest campaign – seen pictured behind. That night Ruth was telling everyone she could what an amazing creative he was. She was truly an inspiration to many aspiring creative visionaries and clearly did everything she could to give opportunities to those she deemed talented. Ruth always aimed to help grow our industry and nurture young creatives and she did so for her entire career. She was a rare breed. A rare gem. A truly shining light on this earth and now a shining star in the sky.