Best of WA's fashion designers hit the catwalk

• WA's biggest fashion event will have more than 40 events

• State Government provides $1million over four years in support

• More than 130 WA fashion designers will have collections shown

Premier Colin Barnett tonight opened the Perth Fashion Festival, WA's biggest fashion event.

Mr Barnett congratulated festival organisers on the 2011 Festival Program, which will host more than 40 fashion events and activities, most which will be free for the Western Australian community to enjoy.

"The Perth Fashion Festival is not only our biggest fashion event, it's now the State's major social event of the year," he said.

"From 15,000 visitors in 2007, it's tripled in size with more than 46,000 visitors expected this year."

"The Western Australian Government is a strong and proud supporter of the Perth Fashion Festival.

"Through the Department of Culture and the Arts, EventsCorp and EPRA, the State Government has committed $1million to the festival over four years.

"With more than 90 West Australian models, 52 local designers and amazing venues, the festival is simply bigger and better than ever before."

The Premier also congratulated the festival organisers for building relationships into Asia with the links to the Singapore Fashion Festival.

"In a few weeks, the world's media will put the spotlight on Perth as CHOGM 2011 comes to town. The Perth Fashion Festival is the perfect lead in event," he said.

      Fact File

• The festival runs between September 21-27

• The opening of the Perth Fashion Festival features the 'Illumina' collection by internationally acclaimed WA Designer, Aurelio Costarella

• The full program can be found at the Perth Fashion Festival website

Premier's office - 9222 9475