Added: 09 March 2012
"I just love what i do and if that means i get to design beautiful gowns for gorgeous women I'm happy."
Alex Perry, the iconic designer behind the label synonymous with glamour and high-octane sophistication, presents an exclusive preview of his Spring/Summer 2012/13 Ready to Wear Collection at LMFF this year. Westfield’s Yvette Le Grew joined the fashion industry elite and chatted with the ‘sultan of the sequin’ himself about all things fashion and his never-before-seen collection.
You've been called ‘the king of corsets', ‘the sultan of the sequin' and ‘the boss of the ball gown' - how do you identify with these labels?
They are just labels but you could be called worse! I just love what i do and if that means i get to design beautiful gowns for gorgeous women I'm happy.
What was the main inspiration behind the Spring/Summer 2012/13 collection?
You will have to see the show to find out! I'm not being secretive, I just want everyone to experience this collection first-hand...
How does your wife of 20+ years, Mary, inspire you as your muse?
Mary has and always will be my ultimate perry girl, she gives me support advice and love- who doesn't want that from a woman! She is incredible and truly is my rock.
You've said that, after your wife Mary, that Megan Gale (new face of L'Oreal Paris and official ambassador of LMFF) is your ‘ultimate Perry girl'- can you tell us why you love to dress her and how she embodies your brand?
Megan is a glamazon but also a very warm and funny woman- I have known her from the beginning of her career and now working with her on Project Runway and seeing her transformation over the years. Megan is a powerhouse and a confident, generous and powerful woman - just like a Perry girl.
What are the hottest trends for the Autumn/Winter 2012 season?
A more tailored silhouette (think Celine) and textures and prints are huge- mixing prints and two tone brogues are huge too...
What comparisons can you draw between your own brand and L'Oreal Paris as a partnership for this show?
L'Oreal is swiftly tapping into and has always been a driving force for glamour in the beauty market, and by aligning both my label and their company we are a good match.
What is your best advice for budding young designers in Australia?
Understand that it will always be hard work- it doesn't get easier, it gets busier! Believe that what you design is an expression of what you want to say, but also listen to criticism- not everyone is going to love everything you do, but taking some advice doesn't hurt either...
What do you love about LMFF over other Fashion Festivals both in Australia and overseas?
It is a public event- it gives people the chance to experience what only the fashion industry usually has the insight into - it opens up the industry and makes people feel involved.
How do you see the digital and social world as impacting on the fashion industry?
Everything is so instant these days people are much more aware and exposed to fashion that was usually only reserved for the industry - this can be a good/bad thing - knock-offs are much more prevalent these days and true designers cannot keep up with cheaper versions of their own creations...
What's next for Alex Perry?
So much I can't even think! I love the partnerships i have with all of the companies i work with and I am used to working around the clock- bring it on!!!
