Urban Couture Pop-Up Runway

Looks from Cenote Swimwear

 Swimwear from Natalie Rolt and jewellery from Little Dove

While I think I still have sand in my shoes, the sun setting over Sorrento Beach was the perfect backdrop to the Urban Couture pop-up runway over the weekend. The weather gods were good to the fashion pack as they came to see swimwear designs from Cenote Swimwear, 2Wink Australia and Natalie Rolt with Little Dove and a live performance from Boys, Boys, Boys! Urban Couture Ambassador for 2014 Samantha Harris made a guest appearance, charming onlookers as usual with her stunning features and captivating presence. 

Cenote Swimwear's pieces were inspired by a road trip through Central America and feature feminine cuts and flirty frills. Natalie Rolt's most eye-catching design (while not necessarily appropriate for swimming) was a detailed beaded two piece fit for the most glamorous beach goer.

Urban Couture Industry Launch

Playful illustrations with pops of vivid colour lined the walls at the Blend(er) Gallery for Urban Couture's 2014 media launch. Mekel illustration's second solo exhibition complimented the fashion shown by labels House of S K Y E, By Emily Lewien, and Natalie Rolt.

Now in its fourth year, Urban Couture is another WA initiative to support the local fashion industry. Free runway shows provide the public with an easy and fun way of discovering new designers, not to mention highlighting other talented industry professionals such as artists, models and make-up artists. This year's ambassador is the stunning Australian supermodel Samantha Harris- one more reason to head down to one of the shows and see what all the fuss is about.

The event runs until March 30.

Thirty Years of Costarella

Aurelio Costarella is West Australian fashion royalty. He has built his brand in Perth, an accomplishment when considering how isolated Perth was from the fashion world, especially 30 years ago. He now boasts an impressive body of work, some of which is now on display at the WA museum until early February. I definitely recommend going to see it.

Costarella is an example of hard work paying off and it's very inspiring to see some other WA designers becoming more successful whilst still basing themselves in Perth. I think there is a general idea that Perth is a very difficult city in which to pursue a fashion career. This may be true to some extent, but it is probably a difficult task in a lot of cities. I also believe that the Perth fashion industry is very nurturing, and starting to receive more national and international recognition.

Speaking of local fashion, I also viewed the Frock Stars exhibition, which was about the history of and hard work that goes into Australian Fashion Week.

Witchery top, Bubblegum shorts, Michael Kors watch.

The Butcher and The Crow at Urban Couture

Yesterday was the final day of Urban Couture for 2013. One of the West Australian labels showing on the runway was The Butcher and The Crow. Here are the looks from the show: