More on the Perth Fashion Festival...

So Friday September 4 saw the launch of the Perth Fashion Festival for 2009. At 5.30am a few of the girls and I who are doing placements with the festival were on our way to the offices to help set up the Style Oasis which is a temporary lifestyle space that is accompanied by Popsicle! Popsicle! Is a vintage bus that is filled with items to purchase from WA designers which follows the Style Oasis around the city each day to its various locations. The launch was held in Wolf Lane in the city. Once we were set up and guests started to arrive we invited them to browse the retailers that were part of the Style Oasis and the Popsicle bus.

After most guests were taking care of and shown into the new Wolfe Lane Bar it was time for three of us to slip away to Fashion Paramount to begin setting up for the launch that night. Fashion Paramount is situated in the old Gasworks building on Wellington Street in the city. It has been transformed into a wonderful space were many carefully crafted garments have been on display. The venue has been left to have that urban feel with many of the walls covered in graffiti and various art pieces. A purpose built bar was added which is used for pre-show drinks and a few after parties.

Setting up for the launch was a major task. I am part of the backstage team and that meant that we had to get the backstage area ready for when the garments would be delivered later in the day. As the building is an old warehouse the floor is very uneven and extremely dusty. This meant that we needed to take measures to protect the shoes and the garments that are on loan. Our solution was to carpet the floor. This was an easier said than done task but we got there in the end with the help of a lot of gaffer tape! Once this was done we were able to set up the area so that we would be able to run our backstage smoothly during a show.

There are many things that need doing before a show and although they don’t necessarily relate to public relations they are in the best interests of the client and the public. All the garments that are showcased during the festival are on loan to us from the particular retailers or the designers. We have to ensure that all garments are kept in pristine condition in order to protect and develop the relationship with that designer or retailer.

So West End Haute was the launch show on Friday 4th September. This was an invitation only event which showcased the new season collections from the retailers located on the famous King Street. This show included jewellery from Kailis, ball gowns from Ruth Tarvydas, rock and roll chic from Wheels and Dollbaby and new season garments from retailers such as Wasteland, Subway DC, Zekka and Dilettante.

The show went off smoothly which is a reflection on all the time and preparation that went into the show not only on the day but also form all the planning and work that many people put into it.

Next blog will be on the WA Designer Collections and what a crazy show it was!!!

Till next blog…