What WERE they thinking? Our ruthless Fashion Week experts rank the best and worst celebrity outfits – from the brazen to downright bizarre

It was the week that fashion officially took over Sydney, with the city’s most stylish stars descending on the harbour for five days of runway shows, celebrity sightings and some wildly questionable outfit choices. 

Now in its second year under the Australian Fashion Council, Australian Fashion Week returned to the picturesque Museum of Contemporary Art after more than a decade at hard-edged Carriageworks.

And it was certainly serving up designer glamour against one of the world’s most iconic backdrops.

But while the runways delivered plenty of inspiration, it was the guests battling it out in the front row who truly stole the show.

From impeccably tailored Carla Zampatti moments and chic Canadian tuxedos, to outfits resembling luxury pyjamas, tangled fishing nets and even the occasional Paddington Bear cosplay, this year’s street style has been nothing short of entertaining.

As always, the Daily Mail’s Lifestyle team kept a watchful eye over every fashion moment – from the most memorable among the front-row set to the ‘what were they thinking?’ wildcards who made it all worth watching.

BEST DRESSED 

For the first time in 13 years, Australian Fashion Week pulled up stumps from its former home at Carriageworks in Sydney to a shiny new residence at the Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks.

With the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour just a stone’s throw away, the fashion-set similarly turned up the wow-factor for this year’s proceedings.

Pleasingly, it was some of our biggest and brightest stars that stepped up in the best possible way – showing that Aussie style tastemakers can serve elevated looks worthy of our nation’s flagship fashion event.

DAY ONE

The opening day of proceedings kicked off at the MCA with some of the heavy hitters of the Australian fashion scene. Runway shows by Maticevski and Carla Zampatti brought out a star-powered crowd, as did the always-anticipated official AFW 2026 Opening Night Party.

For renowned international designer Toni Maticevski, it was his first show on home turf in a decade – and the long-awaited return was all about looks that featured exaggerated sculpted silhouettes reminiscent of elegant armour. Pure artistry. 

As Sydney turned on the autumn sunshine on a glorious mid-May day, the stiletto-clad celebrity crowd turned out in force for the Maticevski show – many of whom repped the designer in similarly structured and textured looks.

Stylist Pip Edwards led the fashion way – as she so often does – with her own stunning coat of black and sparkly Maticevski armour. The P.E. Nation co-founder proved black was anything but boring in a sculpted one-shoulder top and pencil skirt. 

The futuristic yet feminine look was capped off with pointed, ribbon-tied black heels and a small black clutch, wide black shades and gold bracelets and rings. 

Breathtaking mother-daughter-duo Lindy and Stella Klim were not just a living lesson in how genetics work, but also demonstrated that fashionable taste might be hereditary too.

Their ‘Ying and Yang’ Maticevski outfits were both opposing yet complementary. 

Mum Lindy (the ageless one on the left, in case you were understandably unsure) brought the light in a whimsical pale pink sculpted top, wide-leg white trousers and burgundy pointed heels. Meanwhile, her teenage daughter Stella’s black frock gave us high fashion Morticia Adams. Cara mia!

Even the lads brought their fashion A-game with models Jordan and Zac Stenmark looking sharp on the streets of Sydney.

The handsome twins looked polished in coloured blazers worn over tucked shirts and belted loose-legged trousers, topped off with shades and blingy watches. The lesson for blokes out there? Embrace a bit of colour mix and match – black isn’t the only attire option.

Later that same day at the Carla Zampatti show Jules Robinson was impossible to miss in a striking head-to-toe ensemble from the designer that brought a refreshing burst of colour to the harbour-side event.

While most guests played it safe in black, Jules embraced bold fashion with confidence, pairing vibrant red tailored pants with a soft blush draped top and hooded scarf detail that glowed beautifully against the sparkling Sydney backdrop.

Anna Heinrich slinked onto the Park Hyatt boardwalk in a full velvet catsuit alongside fellow blonde beauty, former Miss Universe Australia, Tegan Martin.

The pair were both the epitome of elegance in black Zampatti that perfectly balanced sophistication with the sheer dress trend and plunging necklines.

Tegan made her eyes pop even more with striking blue eyeliner bringing her look together.

We barely recognised fitness buff and Hollywood actress Tammin Sursok out of activewear and sweats, but she looked like an actual piece of art in this stunning Mariam Seddiq gown at the glamorous opening party on day one.

And Who Is Elijah perfume queen Raquel Bouris wowed on the pink carpet in a Showpo Darcelle Mini Dress paired with shiny black accessories and slick-back hair. 

DAY TWO

Rolling into the second full day of shows were some of the week’s highlights at established designers Hansel & Gretal, Bianca Spender, Beare Park, Alix Higgins and crowd favourite Aje. 

First up was Liam Hemsworth’s better half, model Gabriella Brooks who was of course wearing the sparkliest two-piece to Aje’s energetic show.

You’d be forgiven for doing a double take, because TikTok star Indy Clinton looked worlds away from her usual aesthetic while stepping out in head-to-toe Aje denim for a polished Canadian tuxedo moment.

The mum-of-three effortlessly pulled off the covered-up ensemble, elevating the look with sparkling heels and soft, muted makeup.

Eastern suburbs fashion royalty, Violet Grace Atkinson, was spotted wearing a pop of yellow against the Opera House and Harbour Bridge backdrop for Beare Park.

Never one to shy away from colour, Violet seems to make the unwearable absolutely timeless teamed with kooky accessories and shoes. 

Fashion stylist Marina Didovich sashayed into the Beare Park front row in a floaty cream kimono ensemble that, while dangerously close to luxe pyjama territory, somehow still looked impossibly chic and intentionally fashion-forward.

Her robe, pants and cami set was by Maison Essentiele, styled with a Maison Magdalena scarf, brand-new Bottega bag and sunglasses, and literal slippers from Toteme – proving only true fashion insiders can make bedtime dressing look this expensive.

DAY THREE

Wednesday marked ‘cool’ brands like Farage, Essie, Nagnata, Karla Spetic and Mariam Seddiq showcasing their wares all over the city, with fashion’s equally stylish celebrities in attendance.

First up – they looked so nice, we included them twice. Yes, even we were shocked that fitness mogul Tammy Hembrow and boyfriend Grayson Te Moana made the best dressed list – but honestly, the genetically blessed duo delivered all week.

The pair perfectly coordinated in sleek single-breasted blazers outside the Farage show, with Tammy elevating her sharp black look with gold button detailing and a crocodile leather Carla Zampatti clutch.

She then doubled down later that evening with another polished black-and-white matching moment alongside her equally well-dressed beau, proving she clearly understood the Fashion Week assignment.

Model Francesca Hung followed a similar formula to Tammy at the Farage show, proving the corporate-inspired trend still has plenty of life left in it. 

The former Miss Universe Australia contestant wore an oversized cream blazer layered over a crisp white shirt and black tie, balancing masculine tailoring with softer styling details. 

Outside the NAGNATA show, Emily Gurr delivered one of the most interesting street style moments of the day in a look that played with texture and proportion. 

She wore a black beret with a chocolate brown trench coat falling to mid-calf length, allowing a black lace maxi skirt to peek out beneath the hem. 

Of course Pip Edwards made the best dressed list – honestly, she slayed every single day of Fashion Week – but it was this sharply tailored black Farage suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and black Saint Laurent sunglasses and heels, that stole the show.

Speaking of white, social media star Adele Petropoulos sashayed into the Mariam Seddiq show in a dramatic satin and tulle ivory gown by the designer.

Quite how the barely-there creation managed to stay perched on her shoulders without revealing far more remains a mystery, but the commitment to the look alone deserved applause.

Mum of two, Sam Frost, showed off her enviable pins in black stockings and a soft pink, long-sleeved dress. It was on the cusp of being a little too big for her, but we’ll let her off.

There honestly should have been a public warning issued on Wednesday, because AFL heart-throbs Dane Rampe and Justin McInerney were roaming the streets of Fashion Week looking dangerously handsome.

While we sadly didn’t have our own chance encounter with the suited-and-booted duo outside the Farage show, we felt it only fair to leave this picture here for readers to admire at a later date.

However, it was Nikki Phillips who completely stole the spotlight on the front row at the Mariam Seddiq show in this dazzling sequin gown.

Her friend Anna Heinrich looked slightly too close to those dramatic spikes for comfort, but thankfully both women survived the fashion moment unscathed. 

And she did it again – Tammin Sursok landed on our best dressed list for a second time in a striking red mini dress with dramatic statement shoulders, proving she’s quietly becoming one of Fashion Week’s style standouts.

DAY FOUR

If there was one word to surmise day four of Australian Fashion Week, it would be: DRAMA.

In case you missed it, catch up on Daily Mail’s exclusive report from the front row on all the evacuations, fire alarm, paramedics and models-dragged-along-the-runway action from the Iordanes Spyridon Gogos runway shows. Yes, you read that correctly.

The headline-grabbing day continued hours later when Jackie O made an unexpected reappearance on the Sydney social scene at the L’IDEE WOMAN runway show – marking a rare public appearance since the spectacular implosion of The Kyle and Jackie O Show. 

In fact, this high-drama theme even seemed to permeate right through to the sartorial selections of the fashion crowd this particular day. (Quick, Jackie – let us know what the astrology star charts had to say about what was in the air yesterday!) 

The good news for style watchers? Dull was out, drama was in – and the best looks were unforgettable.

Leading the fash pack with high drama glamour on day four was radio queen Jackie O attending the L’IDEE WOMAN show. 

Not even a sudden heavy Sydney-downpour could take away her shine in a L’IDEE strapless black velvet gown with a bustier bodice and sweetheart neckline, accessorized simply with a black clutch. 

Her fresh-faced beauty look featured lashings of mascara and loose tousled waves. Her overall appearance was impeccably unbothered – perfect for dutifully ignoring questions about her co-host or the impending legal action surrounding her radio contract.

Also at L’IDEE WOMAN – the brand’s creative director Pip Edwards and special guest runway opening model Taylor Hill were a beautiful sparkly – yet relaxed – vision in the above backstage pre-runway snap captured by photographers. (Behind the scenes chaos? Don’t know her.)

The Aussie stylist once again sashayed onto our best dressed list in a sheer sparkling gown. It served her for both work and play as she wore it both at the runway show and then at the Don Julio 1942 x Australian Fashion Week after-party.

Meanwhile, the surprise appearance by American Victoria’s Secret model Taylor Hill left the fashion crowd’s jaws on the floor.

She was pictured lounging backstage in the show opener knockout look of a silver pleated gown that oozed ’70s vibes, before later changing into a green shimmering strapless column gown paired with a full-sparkle silver clutch. 

Newly pregnant TV show host Erin Holland also pulled off a style recovery at this show following an unfortunate fashion faux-pas earlier in the week (scroll below to see what went wrong) wearing a silky and high shine mauve pleated dress.

Paired with dramatic chunky gold dangling earrings and an unmistakable mum-to-be glow, Erin was a vision.

Meanwhile at the after party, high profile guests like Inka Williams and Maria Thattil brought a party glam vibe to the evening.

French-Australian model Inka sadly came without rumoured boyfriend Channing Tatum – but she was a knockout in a sparkling long-sleeved black dress with a thigh-high split and plunging neckline.

Former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil was also ready to party in a divine strapless floating L’IDEE dress, which featured a subtle colour gradient from black to shimmering bronze and was accessorised simply with a thin black studded belt.

The glimmer and sparkle also continued over at the after party with some of the models even wearing looks straight off the runway, elevating the look, feel and energy of the post-show celebration. 

WORST DRESSED

There were some unmissable outfits both in the runway audience and outside the MCA – but not all of them were for the right reasons.

From inexplicably underdressed attire to looks that just did not quite hit the mark – and others who definitely should be questioning who is giving them style advice, these were the looks that raised the perfectly-arched eyebrows of the fashion crowd.

DAY ONE

Sydneysiders may have a reputation for erring on the casual side of the fashion scale. But it seems the opening day of Australian Fashion Week, with the long-awaited return of the Maticevski show and the always-anticipated Zampatti show saw the majority of the crowd turn the fashion dial all the way up to high. 

But unfortunately, it seems not everyone got the memo that lowkey and understated would be taking a backseat to full glam. 

Accordingly, some of the outfits we were less than impressed with on day one were not because they were too ‘out there’, but perhaps because they didn’t go far enough. Allow us to explain…

In a case of so close but not quite, Rozalia Russian’s all-white Maticevski at the designer’s show was beautiful, but just a little off. 

The curtain drape of the white frock simply didn’t make the most of her fabulous figure and the thong-heeled-sandal hybrid just didn’t work for us. So close, but no cigar.

Meanwhile, perennial Australian Fashion Week regular Suzan Mutesi was front and centre on the first day of proceedings. 

But to our surprise, she had traded her usual more-is-more drama for – err -more-is-more casualwear. It was an eclectic ensemble of cargo pants, a single-buttoned denim shacket, a red bandana scarf, yellow embellished pointed heels and topped off with a green baseball cap.

Her partner in crime for the Fashion Week opener was former Married At First Sight groom Paul Antoine. The content creator wore a fitted Zenith Tailors suit worn over a black singlet, a pair of croc-skin-esque shoes and plenty of visible chest hair.

Yep, we can smell the overpowering scent of thickly layered cologne just by looking at this picture. 

Tammy Hembrow certainly turned heads in a sheer black Carla Zampatti gown layered over visible briefs, but the daring look missed the mark.

While the corset bodice and glittering fabric had potential, the oddly placed ribbon bows throughout her tousled waves – styled by celeb hair guru Natalie Anne Ayoub -made the ensemble feel cluttered rather than chic.

Usually, Erin Holland can do no wrong on the fashion front, but a distracting styling oversight unfortunately let this otherwise elegant Toni Maticevski look down.

The TV host, who is newly pregnant, looked radiant in the sculptural black gown, however the very visible nipple covers beneath the fabric became impossible to ignore and distracted from both the striking design and her cute baby bump.

Camilla Franks certainly isn’t afraid of a bold fashion moment, but this head-to-toe look from her own Camilla collection felt visually overwhelming from almost every angle.

Between the clashing beige, burnt orange and icy blue tones and dramatic Renaissance-inspired print, there was simply too much happening at once.

Bella Varelis also struggled to find cohesion despite wearing Carla Zampatti. The influencer styled a sheer silver sequined gown with a thin scarf bunched around her neck, paired with a slicked-back hairstyle and delicate Christian Dior drop earrings. 

DAY TWO

It was only a matter of time before we saw some ill-fitting creations on some of our otherwise favourite fashion elite, and day two was a great talking point.

Gemma Ward, who had headlined Toni Maticevski’s runway return just one day earlier, stepped out on Tuesday in a baffling sequinned sack dress that left fashion fans scratching their heads.

The Aje number unfortunately did little for the model’s stunning frame, while the futuristic white heels and lacklustre hair styling only added to the confusion.

Despite boasting 3.2 million followers who regularly turn to her for style inspiration, Lily Maymac divided opinions in this heavily netted Charles & Keith ensemble.

The dramatic look appeared to swamp the petite fashionista’s frame and, with its dark layered mesh and tangled detailing, felt more haunted house curtains than cutting-edge.

Next stop on the kooky fashion express was beauty influencer Rowi Singh, who stepped out in a head-turning Hansen & Gretel ensemble styled with a black Charles & Keith bag, stockings and an oversized fur hat.

The look served equal parts Russian doll and Paddington Bear, though points must be awarded for commitment to the bleached brow trend – even if fashion moved on from that sometime last year.

DAY THREE 

On Wednesdays we wear pink! Or maybe we shouldn’t if we’re Vera Blue…

The songstress loves a pop of kooky style and colour (as do we), but this blazer was far too big for her slender frame and the futuristic red sunnies seemed a little rogue. Better luck next year!

Usually a trail blazer, Charlene Davies, fully committed to quirky fashion territory in an oversized charcoal blazer, striped shirt and sheer powder-blue tights – but the layered look ultimately felt more confusing than cutting-edge.

Paired with a white skull cap, angular glasses and chunky black heels, the ensemble was giving experimental art student, unfortunately.

DAY FOUR

As we mentioned earlier, high drama was the order of the day on Fashion Week’s fourth day – but it didn’t always quite hit the mark when it came to some of the street style looks.

At UNSW Galleries, there was certainly an eclectic mix of fashion choices. First up was this street style trio in only what we can describe as a mish-mash of… mistakes? 

Things didn’t fare much better over at Circular Quay where a number of Fashion Week attendees took outrageous outfits to new heights.

Influencer model Poppy-Coco Embi Fava appeared to have ransacked the doilies, lace curtains and bed sheets from a grandma’s linen cupboard and somehow fashioned them together into a shirt, top, headscarf and tights. She might’ve even nabbed granny’s crochet project bag while she was at it.

We’ll give it ten points for craft creativity. And a bonus ten for the always-timeless Sydney Opera House backdrop.

And as Sydney increasingly follows the lead of European nations with a rising embrace of bike riding culture, one Fashion Week attendee made a bold colour-block statement by matching her bicycle’s aesthetic to her ensemble.

Get ready for 2027 Fashion Week Lime Bikes; this could be the next big fashion collab we never knew we needed.

There were even a couple of street style looks on day four that had us playing “guess the pop culture reference”. Outside of MCA was one fierce queen who could’ve wandered off the set of Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America. 

Then, there was everyone’s childhood book favourite, Where’s Wally – only in 2026, the hard-to-find character had swapped his signature brown satchel for a basket handbag shaped like a house and adorned with fluffy toy key chains.

The glam set didn’t always get things right either.

Former The Block star Sharon Johal gave us big pink marshmallow energy when she stepped out at the L’IDEE show.

The frou-frou puffy layers were inexplicably paired with a sparkling silver clutch, thigh-high boots and a chain-link necklace. It reaffirmed that we never had much of a sweet tooth anyway.

DAY FIVE

The final gasp hours on the last morning of Fashion Week offered up one last chance to be seen and snapped on the Sydney street style runway.

But perhaps the design minds behind these ensembles should’ve hit the snooze button and stayed in bed instead.

Suzan Mutesi – a perennial entrant on this annual list – saved the best (or should that be worst?) for last, with a ‘look-at-moi’ fake flower frock and matching head garland. Who needs understated anyway?!

The over embellished design channeled the kind of tacky large florist bouquets that one might think is a good idea to buy their partner when they’ve really, really stuffed up. 

Meanwhile, we wondered if some extras had escaped off the set of The Matrix, hopped in a time machine and jumped forward 27 years.

Fashion content creator Tara Chandra opted for a flowing grey floral-detailed maxi coat – a bold look, no doubt – while the pastel pink midi skirt and black platform boots created a deliberately eclectic, if slightly mismatched, ensemble. 

She was accompanied by a long caped crusader in black attire, who certainly caught our attention – and with rain making intermittent appearances throughout Fashion Week, the pair appeared more than prepared for a sudden downpour. 

Meanwhile, Charlene Davis’ all pink faux-vinyl two-piece biker suit was a sight to behold – and certainly wouldn’t have looked out of place in Barbie’s dream house walk-in wardrobe. 

But the ‘why would you do that?’ moment came from what we can only describe as a long, straggly, intermittently cinched, fake hair rat’s tail that dangled down her back. It’s not entirely clear if it was an unfortunate scarf detail or a deliberate pinned-in wig piece. But whatever it is, we could’ve done without it.

And while we appreciated the every-last-considered-detail of the outfits worn by style content creators Fleur Egan and Eloise Jaksic – ultimately, they both reeked of the try-too-hard set.

For Fleur, it was over commitment to the corporate meets sexy monochrome aesthetic. In Eloise’s case, the normally stylish influencer piled on all the colours and textures in the hopes that something would stick. A stark lesson for us all that less can indeed be more…

And so, after a very fun-filled and slightly chaotic week, we’ve established that the fashion on the front row was almost as entertaining as what came down the runway. 

From impeccably tailored power suits and glamorous sequins to bizarre layered looks and gravity-defying gowns, the week delivered no shortage of talking points.

And while not every outfit deserved a standing ovation, you can always count on Sydney’s style set to keep things interesting – for better or worse.