Perth celebrates 15 years of fashion festival

Tens of thousands of West Australians are expected to attend more than 30 events over the next six days as part of the 2013 Perth Fashion Festival.

  • Premier to launch 15th Perth Fashion Festival at WA Museum tonight

  • 2013 festival features more than 100 designers

  • Festival features more than 30 free and ticketed events

  • State Government supports festival through Eventscorp and Department of Culture and the Arts

Tens of thousands of West Australians are expected to attend more than 30 events over the next six days as part of the 2013 Perth Fashion Festival.

Premier Colin Barnett will launch the 15th Perth Fashion Festival tonight at the Western Australian Museum.

The opening will feature some of the WA's leading fashion brands, including Ruth Tarvydas, Zhivago, Morrison, One Fell Swoop, Empire Rose and Flannel.

Mr Barnett said the festival would showcase more than 100 designer labels during a range of free and ticketed events to be held across the city.

The Premier said the festival had grown to become one of Perth's favourite events, as well as providing a showcase for WA fashion designers.

"The Perth Fashion Festival was launched in 1999 and more than 240,000 people have attended festival events over the last 15 years," Mr Barnett said.

"The festival has played a significant role in promoting WA's fashion industry by profiling the collections of both emerging and established designers.

"Every year it grows and attracts more and more international acclaim.

"As well as supporting local talent, the festival brings a great buzz to our rapidly transforming city."

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said the Perth Fashion Festival had grown over recent years to become a feature of WA's diverse events calendar.

"The festival brings a great vibrancy to the city, showcasing Perth as an attractive place for visitors and locals," Mrs Harvey said.

"Importantly, it has promoted Perth and Western Australia through valuable media exposure at home and overseas."

The 2013 Perth Fashion Festival has received more than $600,000 in State Government funding through Eventscorp and the Department of Culture and the Arts.

Fact File

Premier's office - 6552 5000

Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5900