Brownlow fashion will be a mixed bag as WAGS interpret new dress code
Sunday’s Brownlow is set to be a tale of two very different events, with some players and their partners committing to a more relaxed attire while others plan to sparkle.
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It’s shaping up to be a tale of two Brownlows on the fashion front with a small contingent of player’s partner’s attending the official events for the count.
Geelong star wives Emma Hawkins and Britt Selwood are taking a more casual approach on Sunday, while others including Collingwood star’s partners Mikayla Crisp, Ashlee Browning (Braydon Maynard’s girlfriend) and Ellie Thorneycroft (Taylor Adams girlfriend) opting for more traditional glamorous gowns.
It’s required swift styling from Melbourne based stylist Paul Versace who is dressing Crisp, Browning, Thorneycroft, Dan Bulter’s partner Sarah McCabe and Charlie Dixon’s partner Madeline Cowe with just 10 day notice.
“It’s good but with a week’s notice and doing it in stage 4 restrictions, it’s been a logistical nightmare. It’s very different to previous years, but I think they’re all going to look amazing,” he says.
“No one has been able to dress up so this is going to be the first proper event to wear a gown. Everyone is craving something other than tracksuits.”
Geelong star Tom Hawkin’s wife Emma says she’ll be channelling “Melbourne 2020 lockdown vibes”, opting to do her own hair and make up.
“As you can imagine the Brownlow has been the last thing on my mind this year. I can’t imagine too many people have put too much thought into fashion this year. I will be wearing pants and top from Aussie made label Vik & Woods and I will be very comfortable,” she says.
“It will be a different Brownlow, that’s for sure and it’s an absolute credit to the creative organisers who have enabled it to go ahead. It will be an exciting night to watch as this is a season unlike any other. What an absolute achievement to whoever takes home the medal this year, it shows extreme resilience.”
Britt, wife of Geelong captain Joel Selwood, says Brownlow is going to be much more low key this year.
“I went to Pacific Fair the other day and bought my dress and shoes. I’m going to get ready with Emma Hawkins. We are going to have some champagne and oysters while we do our own hair and makeup. I actually didn’t bring any makeup with me, so I’m borrowing a few things from her and will go and purchase some foundation,” she says.
Mrs Crisp is looking forward to a night out and an opportunity to dress up with her Collingwood defender husband.
“We’re feeling very grateful to have the opportunity to finish the season on a night where we can all get glammed up,” she says.
Celebrity stylist Suzy Eskander is dressing Christian Petracca’s partner Bella Beischer for the first time this year.
“She is wearing a custom Effie Kats. It is Bella’s first Brownlow so we still wanted it to be a fashion moment but opted for more cocktail than full red carpet look, something modern and chic. It’s a minimalist silhouette that recalls styles from the 90s,” Eskander says.
She says we can expect to see less full scale Hollywood glam on the red carpet and a more considered, sophisticated approach.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for girls to wear something they may not wear on the traditional Brownlow red carpet for example a dress with a cut out – which is what we have done with Bella. It’s her first year attending so we still needed a strong fashion moment for her and have opted for a custom all white dress,” she says.
“It is more pared back, it is still a moment to dress up and celebrate the year for the players and their partners and everyone involved - but not a night for full sequins and trains given the current format of the event.”
NEALE SET TO SPARKLE AT VIRTUAL BROWNLOW
Julie Neale would rather be overdressed than underdressed, as she attends the AFL’s first virtual Brownlow.
The dress code is lounge suit but Neale, wife of hot favourite, Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale, is set to sparkle for the occasion.
“It is lounge suit and our function is at the Gabba, but most of the girls are still wearing floor length gowns because we figure, why not get dressed up,’’ Neale said.
“We’re still going to the Brownlow and we still want to get dolled up and make a night of it.”
Neale, attending her fourth Brownlow, will wear a gown by leading Melbourne designer Kyha Simpson and Chosen by One Day.
She said she was proud of Lachie’s season, which she hopes will be topped off by a grand final appearance after the Lions play Geelong in Saturday night’s preliminary final.
“It’s very exciting he’s favourite, he’s already had such a good season and he’s done so well,’’ she said.
“Getting into the All-Australian team, making finals, I’m just so proud of him already. No matter what happens I’ll still be super proud.”
Designer Simpson said it was the year for adaptation, working with Brisbane based stylist Sarah McCarthy.
“Like every aspect of our business this year, Brownlow was no exception, we had to work in a new way,’’ she said.
“Traditionally we work closely with the partners of players, including fittings at our studio.
“COVID has meant we’ve introduced virtual consultations and a gown concierge service so our clients can try gowns in the comfort of their own home.
“We have taken those same principles in working with Julie on the Brownlow. Everything has been virtual and collaborative, even our gown fittings. We have teamed up with an incredible team in Queensland - Sarah McCarthy from Sphere Collective and Natasha and Alex from Natasha Schwitzer- to bring to life Julie’s look and we couldn’t be more excited to watch her walk the red carpet.”