Fashion season kicks off

GOLD COAST: High-profile designers Trelise Cooper and Jonathan Ward were on hand to officially launch the 27th NRA Australian Fashion Design Awards and Festival on March 10.

Hosted by Channel 9 personality Sarah Davies and staged at the Gold Coast's Sofitel Hotel, the launch offered an insight into what industry delegates and the broader public could expect to see over the 10-day festival.

Organisers said the 2006 festival saw over 80 events take place across the Gold Coast, with the 27th installment including a range of designer collection launches, fashion parades, hair and beauty workshops and business seminars.

Highlight events include a 'Couture to Country' brief with R.M Williams designer Jonathon Ward, lunch and a collection preview from New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper and cocktails with Peter Morrissey.

The awards will be staged at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from March 10 to 19, with coverage of the final day to be telecast live on Channel 9.