In recent years, Perth has become something of a conveyer belt for world-class models. Gemma Ward, Nicole Trunfio, Tiah Eckhardt, Amy Finlayson… Discovered in unlikely places, these girls were plucked from relevant obscurity, given valuable lessons on how to pose and strut, then whisked away to foreign lands and fashion capitals to make mega bucks by living off their looks.

This bottomless pit of beautiful girls makes the WA Model of the Year awards probably the most important event on the calendar, and transcends the West Coast border. Proof of this: the photographer positioned next to us had just flown in from overseas for this event only, and usually snaps images for National Geographic.

Seven finalists lined up for the Hot New Talent category, which rewards models with limited experience but great potential. Vivien’s Model Management represented the majority of finalists, with Pippa Hood, Skye Stracke, Yasmin Staube, Anna Davoll and Bridget Malcolm coming from the über agency. The remaining two finalists, Kirstie Fiander and Greta Chesterman, are on the books with rival agency, Scene.

Only five mannequins comprised the field for the premier WA Model of the Year award. Scene and Vivien’s both reserved two places via Bridget Harries and Cydne Williams (from the former), and blonde duo Allegra Carpenter and Shanay Hall. Pip Bingham was the lone representative from Chadwick Models, and was well worthy of her place after appearing in almost every show during the Festival.

All model finalists underwent extreme, futuristic makeovers, appearing with severely pulled-back hair in metallic cones, which came complete with blunt fringes. This sci-fi appearance worked brilliantly for the garments from the first segment: glittering, sequinned, metallic numbers from Ruth Tarvydas accessorised with reflective lamé leggings in gold, silver and bronze from American Apparel.

Although slightly more demure than the first, the second outfit change brought avant-garde looks from Aussie designers Alpha 60, Ericaamerica, Bowie, Breathless, Trimapee and PFF attendees Romance Was Born, who must be commended on their supreme staying ability to appear at so many events. Black and white featured heavily in the colour palette, with crazy prints breaking up the bold shades.

All-out evening glamour closed the runway part of the show, with red carpet specialist Ruth Tarvydas again lending her frocks to the cause. Silky satins and sheer chiffons made an appearance amongst the inevitable glitz produced by heavy beading, and combined to form one gown with an encrusted back which conjured up memories of that red Brownlow dress.

With parade processions over, it was time to announce the beautiful winners. Not surprisingly, Vivien’s again scooped the pool with Hot New Talent going to elfin blonde Skye Stracke, and WA Model of Year being bestowed upon Shanay Hall. Hall has been in high demand for her pouty, pin-up looks and also resides on the books of premier New York agency, IMG. Newcomer Stracke is also represented by a Big Apple agency, having recently been signed by DNA, and both girls will no doubt play their part in keeping WA on the model map.

Question of the night: “Who do you think will win??” (For the record, we got it wrong and predicted Bridget Malcolm would take Hot New Talent, and Allegra Carpenter Model of the Year.)

Guest Editor, Lisa Chau of Zanthus, says: “The whole styling concept of the show was well thought out and really sexy. The models looked great dripping in bling and I loved the hair extensions and accessories. Their super-high shoes were also fantastic and complemented the clothes well.

Model-wise, my pick of the bunch was Pip Bingham. She has a very high fashion look that I think would work really well interstate and overseas – plus she has legs up to heaven! One to look out for in future.”

Photos from the Runway