AEIOU News

Alex Perry to Set Gold Coast Hearts on Fire

Fri, 17 Jun 11

Alex Perry to Set Gold Coast Hearts on Fire

It might be cold outside, but King of couture Alex Perry will turn up the heat at the Gold Coast when he exclusively unveils his sultry Cuban Princess collection at an exquisite gala dinner for children’s Charity AEIOU Foundation at Sanctuary Cove from 7pm on Friday 17 June 2011.

The event presents a ‘fashion first’ for Queensland and will transform the Rotunda Lawn on the Marina into the simmering melting pot that is Havana, Cuba.

Tight dresses, cutaway necklies, cheeky hems and a refreshing colour palette will make a sensational splash on the evening, with the runway show set to be the highlight. Turning up the temperatures a notch, models will be adorned in the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds from the Hearts on Fire and Jobson collections by Anthonys Fine Jewellery. Many of these pieces have been featured on red carpets around the world and are worth up to $1 million.

AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith said the event is now in its sixth year but this will be the first time it has been hosted on the Gold Coast.

“This is a sought after event and we’re very excited to take it to the Gold Coast,” Mr Smith said.

Guests can expect to enjoy an evening with an exclusive fashion show that is inspired by festival fun, with the collection featuring a fusion of Cuba’s sultry nightlife and crisp upper class. The collection is punctuated with tailored cuts, cigar shirt-dresses, sassy party dresses and cinched jackets that will entice and excite.

“Alex has been an extraordinary supporter of AEIOU Foundation since our inception in 2005 and this event has a cult following in Brisbane. We are taking the event to the Gold Coast as part of the Sanctuary Cove Winter Festival to help raise funds that will go towards helping children with autism in the region,” Mr Smith said.

“AEIOU Foundation launched its program in Carrara late last year, ahead of plans to construct a purpose built centre on the Gold Coast in 2012. This event will help raise capital funding for that project.”

Mr Smith said Autism affects one in 160 children in Australia. “Autism is not a rare disorder and it is our goal to ensure all children with autism have access to high quality early education programs to help them reach their full potential, and achieve milestones many of us take for granted.”

Alex Perry said his relationship with AEIOU is one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences of his career.

“My life revolves around communication... communication of thoughts, ideas and love. Communication is the most amazing gift and I take it for granted, but imagine life without it? Lonely and solitary. That’s why it’s so important that we help kids with autism.”

“I first started working with AEIOU in 2005,  and in that time, the Foundation has had a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of children. It’s incredible to see how quickly it has grown and it’s wonderful to see that AEIOU is establishing a presence on the Gold Coast.”

The event is renowned for providing an opportunity for guests to indulge their senses and mingle with Queensland’s leading business and social identities while raising funds and awareness for children with autism.  There will be a series of auction items and prizes on the night, including a stunning piece from Anthony’s Fine Jewellery valued at $10,000.

Guests will also spot new season hair and make-up trends by GHD and Napoleon, and will be the first in Queensland to see the collection.

AEIOU Foundation is a Queensland-based charity that provides early intervention for children with autism who are aged two and a half to five years.  After opening its first centre in Brisbane in 2005, AEIOU now operates from nine locations across Queensland. 

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Media enquiries:

Laura Daley, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, p: 3320 7555, e: laura.daley@aeiou.org.au

Deborah Hoey, Communications Manager, p: 3320 7520, e: deborah.hoey@aeiou.org.au