Alex Perry Sidesteps Fashion Week Snub

Alex Perry Sidesteps Fashion Week Snub
Denied the coveted fashion week opening show this year, Sydney designer Alex Perry hit the catwalk early to launch his new range of Mexican-inspired couture.

Perry, a 10-year veteran of Fashion Week, is one of several high-profile designers to snub next week's show, choosing to unveil his spring/summer 2007 collection at an intimate salon-style show in Sydney on Wednesday.

His models showcased cocktail frocks and race-wear, but his signature floor-length couture gowns that dominated this year's collection.

Perry, who described the show as his best ever, said the collection was inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

"I've used very strong black and white references, and red, yellow, and things that were beautiful colour-wise," Perry told AAP.

"And a lot of pink, which Frida Kahlo used in a lot of her paintings.

"The inspiration was Mexican, but I didn't take it too literally."