The fourth annual Urban Couture Festival is now officially open!
On Thursday March 13 the blend(er) Gallery in Joondalup played host to a runway of aesthetic delight. The three designers showcasing their work — House of S K Y E, Natalie Rolt, and Emily Lewien — were a taster for the March program while the work of fashion illustrator, Kelly Coates of Mekel Illustration, was displayed at the gallery.
Mekel's second stand-alone show, Wanderlust, provided an amazing passageway into the world of fashion and proved to be a quality backdrop to the runway show itself.
House of S K Y E showcased sky-blue pieces along with the must-have billowing sunhats. The length of the pieces was a pleasure to see.
Natalie Rolt is a designer whose work I had wanted to see for a while, I was not disappointed. The models wearing her clothes stood out with the presence demanded of the well-cut pieces. 
Finally Emily Lewien, who has recently graduated from her TAFE design course, demonstrated that fashion fearlessness knows no boundaries.
The Urban Couture Festival is now in its fourth year and has the aim to support homegrown Perth talent in generating industry and public exposure, acting as an annual fashion hub for those involved with the industry in Perth.
Designer Natalie Rolt, wearing her own designs and Little Dove necklaceThis festival is a not-for-profit event with free entry to the public and runs from March 14-30.
For more of Gabrielle Walker's words and pictures, visit camilleshirley.com.
Images © CamilleShirley
