PERTH: West Australian designer Ruth Tarvydas has looked to the city of Sydney to provide inspiration for her take on Australia's national costume.
Commissioned to design an eveningwear gown for Miss Universe Australia contestant Rachel Finch, Tarvydas created a sequinned silk georgette gown dubbed 'Sunset over the Opera House'.
The gown's headpiece, designed by Perth milliner Tania Tehan, reflects the Australian sunset.
Tarvydas, who showed an exclusive preview of the garment at her new season collection launch in her King Street boutique last night (July 1) told The West Australian newspaper the shape of the gown's bustier was modelled on the design of the Opera House.
The detail on the bodice was inspired by the sails and spinnakers of the harbour, she said.
The gown will be shown to a worldwide audience when worn by Finch at the high profile event taking place in The Bahamas next month. In last year's event, Australian representative Laura Dundovic wore an outfit created by Sydney designer Jayson Brunsdon.
Aside from her boutique in Perth, Tarvydas' label, first launched in 1979 while Tarvydas was still a teenager, is stocked all around the world in countries as diverse as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the UK, France, Italy, Switzerland Greece, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the US.
The label's Australian stockists include department store Myer, South Australian chain Whistles and independent boutiques Luxe (Tasmania), Venus Clothing (Western Australia), Pint Mint (Queensland), Wild Child (Victoria) and Ravish (New South Wales).