STYLEAID 2009 Runway Photos – Empire Rose, aelkemi, Alister Yiap

I do own a few pieces from Empire Rose. It’s not often that I do have that kind of connection with designer labels. Interestingly, the stuff I own was I believe designed by Kristy Lawrence not by the new owner of Empire Rose. I say the label is keeping up with its expected look and feel – layered natural and luxurious fabric. All made in WA which comes at a price. Yep none of the designers featured here sell mass retail kind of fashion. I do know some of them are made entirely in Australia if not just in WA. I’ll talk more about supporting local industries and ecologically sustainable fashion but that’s for another day I think.

AElKemi is the only label doing men and women’s together here. I liked the flower patterned jacket shown by Tom Bull.

Oh be amazed by Alister Yiap’s creation. I’ve seen the half of his work before the show. I visited Alister just two night before when he was busy finishing things up. He was talking about doing all-nighters as he has a day job, his jewellery collection work and applications such as STYLEAID and Perth Fashion Festival. He will jet off to Broom in September to be a guest judge at the Worn Arts Festival where he will also showcase his own work. I think he is a bit of genius although he is ever so modest. He also happens to be a really nice guy. I wish I could just help him establish his own boutique where he can be as creative as he wants. Just dreaming I suppose. He has been also accepted at the Midland Atelier where he was given a small creative space which he can use on a regular basis. I’m hoping to take some pictures of him in that creative space. Alister is also one of the Jack Be Nimble jewellery designers.

Alister’s White on White piece was also shown at the Perth Fashion Festival Program Launch.