In their annual Public Relations in Fashion event, Curtin University’s Public Relations Student Chapter connected PR professionals and fresh local fashion with students.
Coiffed hair, bubbling champagne and the buzz of friendly chatter. The Oxford Hotel’s twinkling lights and antique charm embodied glamour as the Curtin Public Relations Student Chapter (PRSC) hosted their annual PR in Fashion event. The next generation of Perth’s PR industry gathered eagerly to celebrate the showcases of five local designers and share in the wisdom of the function’s key speakers. These speakers included PR industry professionals: David Gardiner, Brooke Vulinovich, James Silva and Carla Shearman. The evening was MC’d by Fremantle business owner and TV show personality Mackane Reid (The Bachelorette Australia and The Bachelor in Paradise Australia.)
Seated right by the doors, I was blessed with an envious vantage point of each of the contemporary prêt-á-porter collections, exhibited by Fifi’s Model Academy. Each designer’s line exposed an individual emotion, purpose and experience, entirely authentic and original.
First to illuminate the runway was Blushed by Teagan Jacobs. Ultra feminine and whimsical, these pieces seemed to float upon the waif-like models as they danced down the runway, lighting the eager eyes of the audience. This collection celebrated the relaxed romance of the female form, both elegant and delicate.
In juxtaposition, Fremantle’s Threads and Mortar followed to offer a welcome solution for every man disenchanted with the traditional shopping process. T&M boasts subscription-based deliveries of the latest casual trends to doorsteps, a hassle-free alternative well met by both males and females in the audience.
Another Fremantle gem, Melox continued this casual theme, exuding a retro-boheme atmosphere as a swim and street-wear label. The line hand embroidered appliqué features, flame orange and olive green accents created a fresh statement, personifying funk.
‘Taking you from the boardroom to the after 5…’ underlines LJ Chaplin- The Label, offering sophistication for the working woman. Through sartorial struts these ensembles offered yet another innovative angle to the night.
Most fervently awaited was the final collection, welcomed with vivacious applause. Launched four years ago JPorter delivers sportswear wearable from the gym to the streets, reminding people to stand up and fight for what they believe in, a mission Reid stated he himself is “truly passionate about.”
Each of these showcased labels was punctuated with stories and advice from industry professionals in the PR field, who advocated the importance of hard work and dedication in pursuing dreams. PR&Event Consultancy business owner David Gardiner advised, “manners are everything…always be polite, be respectful.” Social Media Influencer Brooke Vulinovich emphasised this message, adding, “say yes [to opportunities] and work hard, that’s my best advice for you all. You’ve got to put in the hard yards to begin [with.]”
Owner of RIPPA PR&MANAGEMENT, James Silva encouraged the attentive audience. “There’s no direct line for success…if you are passionate about what you are doing there is no timeframe.” Carla Shearman, chief collaborator and founder of The PR Collaborative, finished to place the cherry on top of the evening with the key tips: “do not be afraid to take risks” and “trust your gut.”
Following the show I was able to talk to Mack Reid, who stated his desire to MC at this event sourced from his “passion about connecting people…bringing people together.”
This concept was reinforced through my later discussions with the PRSC Co-Director Caelie Jones. She confirmed that the evening was a celebration and true appreciation of the local talent Perth companies offer the fashion industry. Aside from being a fabulous social event re-invigorating the standard university routine, the connection of students to industry professionals is a core drive for the PRSC team. This event provides these students with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge for future endeavours.
Though angled at future PR groundbreakers, the annual PR in Fashion event is a must see for anyone craving a taste of PR, marketing, journalism or the fashion and event industries.
Skye Makking-Robinson
Skye is a self-diagnosed hopeless romantic with a passion for all things travel, chocolate and art.