Perth fashion icon Ruth Tarvydas has blamed rocketing rents, inner-city roadworks and general economic malaise for the collapse of her King Street boutique, which will close in seven days.
Ms Tarvydas announced the closure of the store today, calling King Street rents "astronomical and unsustainable" in current market conditions.
The much-loved fashion designer said she would continue to produce collections for local and overseas markets, but the company’s main focus would be on its Tarvydas Global USA venture.
“We will be appointing an administrator to allow the company more time to look after our creditors and maintain business relations with any owed parties,” Ms Tarvydas said in the statement.
Tarvydas gowns have been worn by some of the scene’s elite, with the designer rising to prominence in 2004 with the much-talked-about red dress worn to the Browlow Medal count by Rebecca Judd.
Other prominent fashionistas to rock the Tarvydas brand in recent years include singer and talent show judge Danni Minogue, socialite Kim Kardashian and pop star Kelly Rowland.
Current stock from the King Street store is being outsourced to a select group of Perth boutiques.
