NATIONAL: Organisers of Swim Fashion Week @ Sanctuary Cove are hoping to generate more media coverage with the inclusion of a VIP guest.
IMG model and Sports Illustrated swimwear girl Jessica Gomes is set to attend four-day showcase, running from February 25 to 28 at Gold Coast's Sanctuary Cove.
It is understood Gomes' appearance would help to attract greater coverage for the inaugural instalment, with the event falling at the same time as fall collections in the northern hemisphere.
Organisers IMG Fashion Asia Pacific defended the decision to stage Swim Fashion Week in late February, arguing it was the key buying season for swimwear buyers.
A representative of the firm told Ragtrader Online it was negotiating with a Sports Illustrated model several weeks ago but was aware of "budget" constraints. It is not known whether Gomes was the group's first choice to appear at Swim Fashion Week.