Telstra Perth Fashion Festival kicked off tonight for another year with an Opening night show featuring collections from demi-couture designers Michael Cinco, Aelkemi and Sebastian Gunawan. WA’s own Alvin Fernandez who is the Creative Director and Founder of Ae’lkemi Inc. showcased his ethereal, tonal gowns that came in white, nude and black with key features being feathers, sheer fabrics, tailoring and cut-outs also making an appearance on the runway.
Above: Michael Cinco with his cotton candy kaleidoscopic boys
Philippines born, Dubai based designer Michael Cinco caused some controversy a few days ago with the media picking up on the fact that he rejected some models due to the size of their hips. In turn, I was actually interviewed about the statements on ABC radio on Monday morning and defended the designer, saying based on the celebrities he has dressed – Beyonce, Rihanna, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Lopez and Tyra Banks – he clearly doesn’t have a problem with curvy women! He thanked me backstage and indeed confirmed my assumptions were true – samples need to be worn on the runway and thus models need to fit their specific measurements, it’s that simple. His collection was my favourite on the night – offering up pastel hues, endless encrusting, sparkles, sequins, beading and every kind of lace treatment one could imagine bringing about the most beautiful details.
Above: Nika Biggs wearing Ae’lkemi’s tailored feather combo
Gunawan who hails from Jakarta in Indonesia and whom everyone seemed to love backstage (several people came up to me just to explain how much of a kind man he was) – presented an eclectic mix of lazer-cut neoprene and lace variations with hot pink and black standing out as an obvious theme for the designer’s latest collection. Models were sent out with headpieces that were great to photograph and looked beautiful from certain angles but were more fascinator, than purposeful accessory. His collection was flattering and inventive but didn’t feel as fresh and fashion forward as the others. The quality of his construction, however was not to be overlooked.
Above: A stunning creation by Michael Cinco
A quick kiss of my girl, Jaime Lee Major who is in town for the week and after one glass of Champagne, I was off home to bring you this post and will be doing so for the next 7 nights – so stay tuned and ENJOY!
Above: Rachel Grasso who was the 2008 face of Perth Fashion Festival is finally back in Perth for the shows after a long stint living in Sydney and Melbourne and frankly kissing it. Rachel wears Sebastian Gunawan and a headpiece from Heliopolis Accessories
Something strange brushed over my camera lens but I am truly obsessed with this shot of Caitlin Lomax – very ethereal indeed, wearing Ae’lkemi backstage at Opening Night of Telstra Perth Fashion Festival
Alvin Fernandez backstage with Evelyn Leckie wearing one of his sheer designs
Amelia Brown about to walk onto the runway wearing the biggest dress I have ever seen from Aelkemi. It was then followed by an even bigger dress, worn by Dylann Cranswick which needed 3 people to help her walk down the runwy, by Michael Cinco – however it was my least favourite design of his collection, too Gypsy bride to make it onto SV
Michael Cinco working his magic on one of the most stunning looks from his collection worn by Miquela Vos
Oh the dress I was talking about above is featured in this image on the left behind Miquela – it took 3 people to help the model walk towards the runway in it
Hair for Sebastian Gunawan TPFF 14 Hair Director, Brad Ngata for L’Oreal Professionnel
This year it is very exciting to see the incredible Carol Mackie from MAC as Head Director of make-up for TPFF 14. Carol has just been promoted to Senior Make-up artist within the MAC brand and unfortunately will be moving to Sydney soon but my god she deserves it and we have been so lucky to have even had her here for so long. A true visionary. Just you wait and see the make-up this year! I’m so excited. Here is the look from under the fascinator for Sebastian Gunawan
Black, hot pink and neoprene lazer cuts at Sebastian Gunawan
Jess PW is a vision in white
The absolutely gorgeous, chiseled Stirling Caiulo
Grady and Gaby in Ae’lkemi
Simone Kerr wearing cut-outs like we’ve never seen before from Ae’lkemi
Famous since The Face AU on Foxtel, contestant Ruth Willmer looking as stunning as ever
Backstage giggle, a model with gorgeous braces wears Michael Cinco and below a design by the same label
Blue steel backstage wearing Michael Cinco
Chloe Park and friend wearing Ael’kemi
‘Til next time.
xxx SVxxx
