The Fashion Designer Profile series is sponsored by Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy
Alex Perry first appeared at the inaugural Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in May 1995, and has been a constant fixture on the scene ever since, having shown annually since 1997.
Ahead of 2014’s event, catch up with our Alex Perry designer profile…
Who:
Australian fashion designer Alex Perry was born to Greek immigrant parents in Sydney, and is today known as one of Australia’s premier couturiers. From the red carpet, to high profile weddings, Perry is the go-to designer for breathtaking glamour, luxury detailing and a guaranteed head-turn.
After graduating from the prestigious East Sydney Fashion Design Studio in 1984, Perry began his career in the modelling industry working as an agent representing Australian models for international modelling agencies.
Since his debut in 1992, Perry’s evolution as a designer has never strayed from his roots: fairy tale gowns for fairy tale moments. His strikingly cut, ornate designs — donned by the likes of Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, and Giuliana Rancic this awards season — feel on trend whilst staying true to the classic heritage of the label.
Throughout his more than 20-year career Alex Perry has consistently appeared on the cover and within the pages of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, InStyle, Madison & Grazia Australia.
He has been married to his Greek-born wife Mary, a former model, for more than 20 years and she has been credited as the designer’s muse.
Perry hand selects ‘Perry Girls,’ who he believes have the confidence and beauty that encapsulate his label’s spirit. Girls include Elle Macpherson, Miranda Kerr and Delta Goodrem.
It’s not just his designs that have made Alex Perry such a beloved Australian figure. As a judge and mentor on Australia’s Next Top Model and Project Runway Australia, his charisma and charm have won audience over again and again, and he is the only judge to have appeared on all eight consecutive seasons of Australia’s Next Top Model, of which the live finale of the 2010 show was the highest-rated episode on subscription television.
The Alex Perry label is continually growing, having expanded to 30 new countries including United Arab Emirates, Brazil, France, Monaco, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey and The United States of America.
Signature look and sneak peek:
The Alex Perry look has become synonymous with opulent, sexy femininity, often utilising features such as boned corsetry, hourglass silhouettes and luxury lace and silks.
Last year’s 75001 collection marked a turning point for the designer, moving from dressing society dames to their sexy daughters by raising hemlines and introducing more daring, modern silhouettes. Amongst the many show-stopping moments were the lace embroidered mini dresses, which were paired with eye-catching mid thigh lace up booties in black and nude.
Watch Alex Perry’s full Fashion Week Australia 2014 runway show below: