Christian Wilkins stuns in Romance Was Born 2023 runway show

The Sydney model appeared in a colourful fashion show held at a “rude” art installation at Carriageworks during WorldPride.

A string of Australian celebrities donned an array of colourful outfits to attend a “provocative” runway show in Sydney.

Christian Wilkins, Pip Edwards and Jess Rowe were among the star-studded line-up at the launch of Australian fashion label Romance Was Born’s latest collection, a collaboration with artist Paul Yore whose exhibition was at the centre of the runway.

The show, titled Stronger Together, was also a celebration of WorldPride and featured a collection of models all from or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Christian, 27, was among those who walked in the show, wearing a colourful knitted dress emblazoned with the words “I am not sorry” across the chest.

The model, and son of Channel 9 presenter Richard Wilkins, wore artistic make-up and had their long blonde hair sleeked back by a black headband.

Christian Wilkins showcases a design on the runway during the Romance Was Born in Sydney. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

At the back, the dress featured a low cut detail that finished into a bow, allowing Christian to pose for a series of snaps posing over their shoulder.

Christian is no stranger to wearing head-turning looks, recently posing in a leather-style bustier at the Jean Paul Gaultier Sydney WorldPride event hosted with Vogue and GQ.

One social media user commented Christian’s runway look was his most “daring” yet.

“Incredible, you owned that runway,” they added.

The colourful knit dress featured the words: ‘I am not sorry’. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty

It also had a bow detailing at the back. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The runway show was viewed by a pool of familiar faces on the Sydney socialite scene – including activewear mogul turned influencer Pip Edwards.

Edwards, 42, opted for a long floral dress from the Australian fashion house, in a rainbow of colours: Yellow blue, pink, and purple.

She teamed her stunning gown with sleeked back hair, chunky eyeliner and purple heels.

Journalist and TV host Jess Rowe was also in attendance alongside her daughter Allegra Overton, 15.

The mum-and-daughter duo both wore striking dresses for the milestone occasion, their first runway show together.

While Rowe wore a blue ruffled gown featuring a pussybow collar, Allegra marked her fashion debut in a metallic gold dress.

“What a joyful night! I got to take my darling girl to her first ever fashion show. And what a show!! WOW! Thank you @romancewasborn & @paul.yore for your magic,” Rowe wrote on Instagram.

Pip Edwards. Picture: Backgrid

Jessica Rowe and Allegra Overton at the 'Stronger Together' show at Carriageworks. Picture Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Fans were quick to comment and praise the pair on their outfits, many stating they looked “glorious” in the Romance Was Born designs.

“You both look absolutely incredible,” another said.

“Beautiful photo. Great mum and daughter bonding,” someone else mused.

Comedian Tanya Hennesy was also in attendance, wearing a gorgeous rainbow pleated skirt with a colourful oversized stripe tee, and purple heels adorned with a sparkly bow.

Model Montana Cox opted for a ’60s inspired look, rocking green hotpants with a floral shirt and white knee high boots. Her brown hair was also in a voluminous, curly style.

Tanya Hennessy. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Montana Cox. Picture: Backgrid

Romance Was Born’s fashion designers, Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, described the new collection as a “provocative” form of art.

“We don’t really work in a conventional way. We like to start with a concept,” Luke told The Australian. “And often working with an artist will give us that starting point.”

They added that working with artist Paul Yore was a “no-brainer” – especially once they saw his installation, titled Word Made Flesh, which has been on show at Carriageworks since January 5.

“When we saw the space, it just felt like a wasted opportunity not to. So that’s why we’re showing now and not in Fashion Week,” Plunkett explained.

Yore’s work is also characterised by his infatuation with kitsch and colour – two things Romance Was Born are also known for.

“When you look at his stuff, and you look at what we do … it’s a bit of a no-brainer,” Sales said. “There is definitely a lot of ‘rude’ iconography; Paul’s work is very politically minded.

“And coming from fashion, we tend to be a little bit more reserved. So this is something we haven’t really done before.”