WA Fashion Week 2000 launched

25/8/00
Western Australian fashion will be in the spotlight with a week-long celebration of the State's vibrant industry.
Launched today at the Sheraton Perth Hotel by the Minister for Employment and Training and the Arts, Mike Board, the Smales Jewellers' 2000 WA Fashion Week will feature a range of events and exhibitions, including the prestigious WA Fashion Design Awards.
"This week is an opportunity to showcase WA's world-class fashion designers and industry workers in their home State," Mr Board said.
"As well as our designers, the event will highlight and celebrate fashion photographers, models and, importantly, students.
"The State Government, through the TAFE sector, makes a significant financial commitment to training for the fashion industry - in the past year, we have spent almost $1.6 million on clothing and textiles training and almost $500,000 in the area of fashion design.
"The work of some of these students will be seen at the WA Fashion Design Awards, which this year have attracted 166 student entries."
At today's launch, Mr Board also announced the 2000 Fashion Walk of Fame recipient, Elle Boutique owner Wendy Marshall, whose name will join last year's inductee Liz Davenport on a foot stone in King Street, Perth.
Fashion Week activities include the Raymond Weil Pink Ball, Sunday Times Model of the Year, WA Fashion Photographers Favourite Image Exhibition, Smales Jeweller's WA Fashion Design Awards and several free fashion parades, including Spring in the City at Forrest Place.
"The local fashion industry and the talented individuals involved in that industry play a significant role in making Perth the fashionable, cosmopolitan city that it has become," Mr Board said.
Media contact: Tamatha Smith, 9222 9211