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Another spectacular STYLEAID has come to a close and with it a new record set in the amount raised by the West Australian AIDS Council for The Freedom Centre youth initiatives and programs for people with HIV/AIDS. All up, 760 guests sashayed the night away in the Burswood Entertainment Complex’s Grand Ballroom and helped raise over $130,000 net profit for WAAC.
It was an incredibly glamorous evening which saw a veritable who’s who of Perth’s fashionable pour themselves into some incredibly stunning frocks. But, not to be outdone, STYLEAID once again delivered an amazing fashion parade which showcased 12 of Western Australia’s hottest designers and five WA emerging designers whose lights are certainly shining brighter after their stunning display at STYLEAID.
After a brief juggling act, Leanne Lim’s award winning Stockman Paper Project Design officially opened the parade. Made entirely out of EnDURO ICE, a semi translucent laminated paper that does not tear but can be cut, sewn and constructed, Lim’s construction was bold and regal, a strong majestic piece which complimented the iconic catwalk perfectly.
Soon after the likes of Antipodium, Material Boy, Aurelio Costarella, ae’lkemi, Ruth Tarvydas, One Fell Swoop, Lola Australia, Su, United Constructions, Stand International, Alister Yiap, Carly Hunter, Of Cabbages and Kings, S2 and Lincoln by Lincoln Ferguson made their way down the catwalk thanks to the assistance of over 76 models. Among these 17 designers there were many highlights which included the sheer gobsmacking elegance and amazing ripped leggings from Ruth Tarvydas, the international otherworldliness of Material Boy’s Lucid Objects, the European sophistication of ae’lkemi, the tailored detail and strength inherent in One Fell Swoop and Stand’s strong sense of urban casualness.
Among the emerging designers there was a sublime ingenuity to the work of S2, while Of Cabbages and Kings played continued their love affair of medieval drama, although mixed it up with Ernest Haeckel detailing. Lincoln provided a host of eye candy while Carly Hunter’s work was subdued and commercial. Of course, Alister Yiap stole the show with his couture jewellery. While some of his larger pieces did look a little immature in their execution, it’s a sense of design, theatre and grandeur which makes his work so compelling. One knows that, given time and energy, Yiap’s work will evolve into something truly magnificent and worthy of the world stage.
After the show, hosts Paul O’Brien and Narelda Jacobs presented local living legend Holly Wood with a Life Membership to the WA AIDS Council, one of only three ever given out. MAC Cosmetics appeared on stage to donate $22,197 while guests at the tables sipped on San Pellegrino, Belvedere Vodka, Chalice Bridge Wines, Gage Roads Beer and Veuve Clicquot for the VIPs.
Up for auction on the night were, among other things, a two night stay in Melbourne at Eureka Towers, lighting by Majool, a Corum Bubble Watch, a new Toshibian 20SLD1 LCD TV, a chance to join Aaron Caratti on a hot lap package at Waneroo Race Track for 5 people in his racing Porsche, an 18ct yellow gold steel wrist cuff by Zancan, artwork by Oscar Chong, Michael Jordan memorabilia and signed movie stills of Heath Ledger in Dark Knight. All up the auction was initially valued for approximately $20 740, although naturally the auction raised far more money than this. Also up for grabs were a VMoto Matrix, a Cable Beach Resort getaway and a jaw dropping 1ct diamond valued at $13 000 and donated by Stefan Jewellers.
After a sumptuous three course meal, guests then partied – and drank – the night away. Wonderful show bags added to the glamour of the night while those who could stand then moved on to Allure where the night’s decadence was firmly cemented. Congratulations of course must be passed on to Mark Reid, Aly May, Paul McClurg, Carol Mackies, WAAC, all the designers, all the models and all the volunteers. This year, the eleventh STYLEAID, was such a smashing success it smashed all previous records.
