A string of celebrities turned out for the opening night of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week on Monday.
Fashion designer Michael Lo Sordo attracted a long-list of stars to its runway show in Sydney’s Carriageworks, including Nadia Bartel, Simone Holtznagel and a gaggle of MAFS stars.
The famous faces had gathered in their best looks to celebrate Lo Sordo’s Resort 2024 collection, titled “Showgirls”, which featured an array of sheer fabrics, crystal knits and extreme cut outs.
Bartel, who was married to AFL champion Jimmy Bartel for five years before their split in 2019, dazzled in a skin-tight black dress.
The 38-year-old, gave a cheeky glimpse of skin in a figure-hugging floor-length gown, and wore her signature honey-brunette locks loose on her shoulders.
Bartel, who has two boys with her ex, is preparing for her own show on Wednesday with her fashion label HENNE. In a post shared to Instagram, she said she was “excited” to be debuting her new “Chroma” collection at the event.
Holtznagel was there with her fitness trainer boyfriend Jono Castano and sat front row for the show – hosted in collaboration with Hendrick’s Gin who treated guests to signature cocktails.
The 29-year-old, opted for a cream suit worn with a beige tank underneath, and posed for a series of snaps before the show commenced.
Married At First Sight besties Domenica Calarco and Ella Ding were also at the popular runway show with the pair both opting for an androgynous look.
Calarco rocked a black high-necked mini dress from Lover that she paired with sparkly stockings from INSTOCK, a Sydney-based hospitality house.
Meanwhile Ding went for a black skirt-suit with a white shirt and tie that she also paired with stockings from INSTOCK.
Elsewhere, one model rocked up to the iconic show in a tiny rhinestone bra, which put her midriff, underboob and sideboob on full display.
Dominique Elissa paired the mini-top with a cream power suit and a matching rhinestone handbag.
Followers of Elissa’s were quick to commend her online ensemble, with one declaring: “You look insane.”
Another simply said: “Far out.”
The show itself was also just as dazzling in the style stakes, with models strutting their stuff in an array of styles and ensembles.
Lo Sordo reportedly “held nothing back”, stunning onlookers with new variations on his signature gowns – including plunging and backless designs.
Some were even held together by a single sparkly pin, Grazia Australia reported.
As part of Hendrick’s Gin’s partnership with AAFW, the brand also collaborated with Lo Sordo to create a gown.
The sheer ensemble, dubbed “The Hendrick’s dress”, appeared on the runway and features diamond-shaped panels inspired by the classic shape of the brand’s emblem.
It’s crafted with French lace and according to Hendrick’s, “showcases the perfect balance of elegance and allure whilst remaining playful”.
Some models walked completely braless in designs that showed off their teeny underwear.
There were a number of dresses with extreme cut outs. These were cut diagonally across the midriff to show off the model’s underwear.
Imogen Anthony also attended the first day of AAFW 2023, sitting front row at the Yousef Akbar show earlier in the day, wearing a knitted skirt and matching headpiece with a white tank top.
The skirt featured a racy thigh split, while the hat had tassels that cascaded down her body.
She finished the look with a pair of knee-high boots and statement sunglasses.
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame was also in attendance, wearing a white suit with black shoes and accessories.
MAFS contestant Olivia Frazer was also at events earlier in the day, opting for a figure-hugging brown dress for the festivities.
