Brownlow v Dally M: Who won the fashion show?

IN THE eternal battle of Melbourne vs Sydney — we’re known for being streets ahead in the style stakes. But did this hold true at this week’s football codes nights of nights?

IN the battle that is Melbourne v Sydney, it is often acknowledged that the southern city is streets ahead in the style stakes. But did this hold true at this week’s football codes nights of nights?

THE STATEMENT GOWN

Ana Calle v Carley Widdop

Ana Calle at the Brownlows. Picture: Jason Edwards

Charley Widdop arrives ahead of the 2017 Dally M Awards. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

No contest! Ana’s frilled ombre gown by Con Illio Couture was a fun and festive standout for the wife of Swan Josh Kennedy.

And sure Carley (the wife of St George Illawarra skipper Gareth Widdop) showed the bridal-style train on her Jadore beaded gown was dramatic, but yeah ... bridal.

Winner: Brownlow

BLACK MAGIC

Lauren Tscharke v Phoebe Burgess

Lauren Tschark at the Brownlow Medal. Picture: James Ross.

Phoebe Burgess arrives ahead of the 2017 Dally M Awards. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

Rabbit-oh Sam Burgess’s wife, Phoebe, is a fashion writer so it’s no surprise that the new mum stole the Dally M show in this Alex Perry leather strapless gown. It’s fierce and fashion-forward.

Lauren, partner of Carlton star Bryce Gibbs, oozed sex appeal in a daring lace custom gown from Oglia-Loro Couture.

Winner: Dally M

EMERALD CITY

Adelle Boglis v Nicole Slater

Billy and Nicole Slater. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Strictly speaking, only Melbourne Storm star Billy’s wife is wearing emerald — and how gorgeous is it?

Tight, strapless and with a mermaid skirt, the Portia & Scarlett gown is certainly lovely.

The partner Essendon player Joe Daniher, Adelle Boglis. Photo: Julian Smith/AAP

But it’s no match for the delicate beading and velvet trim of this unusual Jason Grech teal lace creation on Bomber Joe Daniher’s date, Adelle.

Winner: Brownlow

RED ALERT

Kimberly Lonergan v Brittney Wicks

Kimberley Lonergan the wife of Tom Lonergan of the Cats arrives ahead of the 2017 Brownlow Medal. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Brittany Wicks arrives ahead of the 2017 Dally M Awards. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

If you want to get noticed, you wear red. But of course you need to make sure you’re turning heads for all the right reasons.

Geelong stalwart Tom Lonergan’s wife shows it’s possible to look utterly amazing without letting it all hang out in her sophisticated Pearls & Roses silk gown.

The same cannot be said for Brittney Wicks, long-term partner of Canberra Raiders player Jarrod Croker.

The bride-in-waiting flashed a bit of flesh in a sleeved Pallas Couture dress with plunging neckline and thigh-high split.

Winner: Brownlow

WHITE’S SO RIGHT

Rudy Keddie v Kayla Boyd

Darius Boyd of the Broncos with wife Kayla Boyd. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

This contest is a clash of the titans — structured silhouette up against a slinky curve-hugger.

Kayla’s Oglialoro Couture net gown is breathtakingly beautiful and fits the wife of Broncos captain Darius Boyd like a glove.

Photo: Julian Smith/AAP

Giant Callan Ward’s partner Rudy Keddie used the sheer beauty of white to create an architectural work of art in her flawlessly tailored Cappellazzo Couture gown.

Sadly, there can only be one winner ladies.

Winner: Dally M

MAJESTIC MAROON

Issy Hardwick v Vessa Rockliff

Issy Hardwick the partner of Daniel Rioli of the Tigers arrives ahead of the 2017 Brownlow Medal. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Daly Cherry-Evans and Vessa Rockliff during the 2017 Dally M Awards at The Star, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

They were on the arms of two of the codes’ hottest players — Tiger Daniel Rioli and Sea Eagle Daly Cherry-Evans. And they both chose Pantone’s colour of the year — maroon.

Unfortunately the comparison ends there.

Issy’s sleek strappy gown was simple yet stunning, while Vessa’s gown was in a richer shade but ill-fitting up top.

Winner: Brownlow

GOLDEN GIRLS

Jordan Ablett v Nikia Jones

2017 AFL Brownlow Medal Count at Crown Palladium. Jordan Ablett. Pic: Michael Klein

Nikea Jones at the 2017 Dally M Awards held at The Star in Pyrmont. Picture: Christian Gilles

There was a good reason Mrs Gazza Ablett looked uncomfortable — she was.

This stiff J’Aton gown, with its architectural hemline and skirt-length buttons, was a risk that didn’t pay off.

While Nikea, wife of Newcastle Knight Nathan Ross, got the memo that the awards were being held at Star City Casino and dressed accordingly — glittery, flashy and quite fabulous.

Winner: Dally M

PRETTY IN PINK

Mardi Dangerfield v Tegan Martin

Tegan Martin arrives at the Dally M Awards. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

No one was sure why model Tegan was at the Dally M Awards. Perhaps it was to lift the dress standards — until all the WAGs showed up and managed that job all by themselves.

The former Miss Australia’s shiny pink satin gown was a bit like the city of Sydney itself — brash, flash and just a little bit in-your-face.

Mardi Dangerfield, the partner of Patrick Dangerfield, poses for photos on arrival at the Brownlow Medal ceremony at Crown in Melbourne. Photo: Julian Smith/AAP

First Lady of the Cattery on the other hand was a pop sugar delight in her delicate strapless bubblegum pink gown by Georgia Young Couture.

Winner: Brownlow

AND THE SECRET WEAPON ...

Moana Hope & Isabella Carlstrom

Photo: Jason Edwards/NewsCorp

The real reason the Brownlow wins the red carpet fashion face-off is these two.

The couple delivered a knockout blow — Magpie Mo in a chic tuxedo by Joe Black; Isabella in the most joyous Con Illio gown with full Cinderella skirt and structured baby pink bodice.

THE OVERALL WINNER IS ... THE BROWNLOWS

Originally published as Brownlow v Dally M: Who won the fashion show?