Jennifer Hawkins' eye-popping ASTRA'S dress raises eyebrows

DEPENDING on how closely you looked at Jennifer Hawkins' ASTRAs frock last night, you may have thought the Next Top Model host had perhaps put a little too much on show.

WARDROBE malfunction or deliberately daring style choice?

That was the question many were left asking when Jennifer Hawkins stepped out in a racy low-cut bustier dress on the red carpet of the ASTRA Awards last night.

GALLERY: INSIDE THE ASTRA AWARDS

Depending on how closely you looked at J-Hawk's creation, you may have thought the Next Top Model host had perhaps put a little too much on show.

The sheer fabric panelling on the top of the bra left little to the imagination, with a distant glance leading many to think she had half her breasts out for the night.

But the Creative Director behind the brand has defended the eye-popping design saying the "illusion of nudity" was exactly the look they were going for.

Jennifer Hawkins in the Gallani dress at the ASTRAs last night. Picture: Getty

"The nude illusion in the bust is signature," Gallani's Katherine Vasilas told news.com.au in reference to sheer fabric piece on the top of the bustier.

"We love tricking the eye and being daring. We chose a sheer fabric and customised the colour to give the illusion of nudity.

"Sometimes it can look completely bare depending on the angle."

Vasilas said despite the brand's love of being "risque" there was no chance of a wardrobe malfunction on the night as the dress came complete with a customised built-in bra.

And if you think you too can pull off the racy design, we've got some good news.

The dress will be available for purchase from mid-September as part of Gallani's latest spring and summer collection, retailing for $990.

And as for Hawkins, whether it was a malfunction or not, one thing's for sure - she certainly earned the title of "breast-dressed" last night.