PFF 2013: WA Designer Collections [Highlights]

A gown from Monster Alphabets

WA Designer Collections is always a highly anticipated show due to the sheer amount of Perth's fresh talent it showcases.  This year was no exception, with 13 promising local designers showing a snippet of their current collections.

On the runway were:
Monster Alphabets
Catini
Augustus
Anna Excell
Jonté
Daniella Caputi
Jessica Bratich
Jessica Martino
Yan Zion
Little Gracie
Jomay Cao
Lisa Marjanovich
Dyspnea

In terms of wearability, workmanship and style, I'd say Anna Excell was a personal highlight.  Her modern and elegant take on silk separates did not go unnoticed, nor did her foray into buttery leather!

Click through to see our edit of this show's highlights.
See here for hair & makeup details.

Monster Alphabets presented an intricately textured collection in their signature black, but went out with a bang in the form of the most magnificent red maxi dress.

Catini Designs had some very original geometric cuts in their pieces, mostly in beige, red and black.  The simple two-strap shoes, by Betts, complimented the details well.

Augustus is a label unknown to us at LeFanch, but the show provided some insight into the attention to detail and original silhouettes that are clearly part of this designer's aesthetic.

Anna Excell, as mentioned above, was a personal show highlight.  As with last year's show, Anna wowed the crowd with her high quality garments that speak for themselves.  If you're in doubt, though, why not check out Sana Boutique, The Annex or Varga Girl to try them on yourself.  See you there ;)

Jonté is clearly a label of texture, pattern and originality, which you can appreciate in the photos below.  The biggest crowd pleaser was Grady in the amazing multi-coloured gown (bottom photo), which reminds me a little of Joseph and his technicolour dream coat... Such a happy dress!

Daniella Caputi, a stalwart in the Perth fashion scene by now, never ceases to amaze with the use of materials in her garments.  Her work is not traditional by any means, but a very modern type of femininity that is probably best suited to ladies out to make a bold statement.

Jessica Martino's designs were made from the most awesome print!  "WOW, that's crazy!" was my boyfriend's reaction when he saw the dresses below (whilst helping me not have a mental breakdown sifting through these photos) and I have to say I agree.  What an original print.  This is the kind of dress you can imagine Kimbra wearing, or someone equally as cool. (Is there anyone as cool as Kimbra, though?  Let me know if you think of someone.)

Yan Zion, another adventurous designer who seems to enjoy playing with textiles.  In fact, her textile designs themselves have even been sold to Louis Vuitton, which proves her innovative approach to fashion is paying off in the form of international success. 

We have photographed this collection of Little Gracie's before (here), but her fun and cutesy dresses are always enjoyable to see again, especially as they are usualle accompanied by the best runway soundtracks that leave me bopping in my chair.  Thanks, Little Gracie, for injecting some plain old FUN into fashion!

Jomay Cao opened a store in Claremont very recently, so she is quite established in the industry.  Her monochrome collection was elegant, simple and innovative at the same time.

Lisa Marjanovich presented an absolutely stunning collection of gowns that exuded elegance and sophistication.  Her pieces always impress the crowds and this was no exception.

The show ended with DYSPNEA's collection, which is no quiet way to go out.  Dyspnea is not a label for the faint hearted, with the most crazy materials being used in ways never seen before.  See our interview with the three designers here and for some more close ups of their amazing pieces.

xx S