PERTH: International supermodel Gemma Ward will go head-to-head with leading industry figures for a spot on Western Australia's Fashion Walk of Fame. Organisers of the Perth Fashion Festival (PFF) have announced high end designer Ray Costarella, Wheels and Doll Baby founder Melanie Greensmith, boutique Orphans and supermodel Ward as the 2008 finalists for the prestigious award.
PFF director Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan confirmed the winner would be revealed on the first day of the festival, which runs from September 4 to 12 and boasts over 35 events.
"Ray Costarella and Melanie Greensmith have certainly put Western Australian designers in the international realm."
Costarella has won numerous industry accolades including WA Designer of The Year in 1994, 1995 and 2004. His couture label Aurelio Costarella has adorned numerous international celebrities such as Rihanna, Melissa George and Victoria Beckham.
Greensmith, who celebrated her brand's 21st anniversary last year, has a prestigious global stockist base which includes Harvey Nichols, Harrods and the Wheels and Doll Baby flagship store in Sydney's Crown Street.