AAFW 2023: Stars turn out in droves for Michael Lo Sordo show

A model turned heads in a minuscule rhinestone bra that flashed the flesh while attending a runway show with a star-studded guestlist.

A string of celebrities turned out for the opening night of Afterpay Australian Fashion Week on Monday.

Fashion designer Michael Lo Sordo attracted a long-list of stars to its runway show in Sydney’s Carriageworks, including Nadia Bartel, Simone Holtznagel and a gaggle of MAFS stars.

The famous faces had gathered in their best looks to celebrate Lo Sordo’s Resort 2024 collection, titled “Showgirls”, which featured an array of sheer fabrics, crystal knits and extreme cut outs.

Bartel, who was married to AFL champion Jimmy Bartel for five years before their split in 2019, dazzled in a skin-tight black dress.

Nadia Bartel attends the Michael Lo Sordo at the Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for AAFW

The fashion entrepreneur opted for a skin-tight black dress. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for AAFW

The 38-year-old, gave a cheeky glimpse of skin in figure-hugging floorlength gown, and wore her signature honey-brunette locks loose on her shoulders.

Bartel, who has two boys with her ex, is preparing for her own show on Wednesday with her fashion label HENNE. In a post shared to Instagram, she said she was “excited” to be debuting her new “Chroma” collection at the event.

Simone Holtznagel wore a cream suit and strappy heels. Picture: Matrix Media

Holtznagel was there with her fitness trainer boyfriend Jono Castano and sat front row for the show – hosted in collaboration with Hendrick’s Gin who treated guests to signature cocktails.

The 29-year-old, opted for a cream suit worn with a beige tank underneath, and posed for a series of snaps before the show commenced.

Married At First Sight besties Domenica Calarco and Ella Ding were also at the popular runway show with the pair both opting for an androgynous look.

Calarco rocked a black high-necked mini dress from Lover that she paired with sparkly stockings from INSTOCK, a Sydney-based hosiery house.

Meanwhile Ding went for a black skirt-suit with a white shirt and tie that she also paired with stockings from INSTOCK.

Elsewhere, one model rocked up to the iconic show in a tiny rhinestone bra, which put her midriff, underboob and sideboob on full display.

Dominique Elissa paired the mini-top with a cream power suit and a matching rhinestone handbag.

Followers of Elissa’s were quick to commend her daring ensemble, with one declaring: “You look insane.”

Another simply said: “Far out.”

Dominique Elissa went for a revealing bra to match the designer’s style. Picture: Media Mode

The show itself was also just as dazzling in the style stakes, with models strutting their stuff in an array of styles and ensembles.

Lo Sordo reportedly “held nothing back”, stunning onlookers with new variations on his signature gowns – including plunging and backless designs.

Some were even held together by a single sparkly pin, Grazia Australia reported.

Models wore an array of sheer outfits... Picture: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for AAFW

... and flashed the flesh. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for AAFW

Lo Sordo also displayed a new extreme cut out design that flaunted the model’s undies. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for AAFW

As part of Hendrick’s Gin’s partnership with AAFW, the brand also collaborated with Lo Sordo to create a gown.

The sheer ensemble, dubbed “The Hendrick’s dress”, appeared on the runway and features diamond-shaped panels inspired by the classic shape of the brand’s emblem.

It’s crafted with French lace and according to Hendrick’s, “showcases the perfect balance of elegance and allure whilst remaining playful”.

A "gin-inspired" dress also appeared, in collaboration with Lo Sordo and Hendrick's. Picture: Supplied

The Hendrick’s Dress will be available for purchase as part of the Ready to Wear Collection post-runway. Picture: Supplied

Some models walked completely braless in designs that showed off their teeny underwear.

There were a number of dresses with extreme cut outs. These were diagonally cut across the midriff to show off the model’s underwear.

Imogen Anthony also attended the first day of AAFW 2023, sitting front row at the Yousef Akbar show earlier in the day, wearing a knitted skirt and matching headpiece with a white tank top.

Imogen Anthony at the Yousef Akbar show. Picture: Matrix Media

Grace Tame at the Maggie Marilyn show. Picture: James Gourley/Getty Images for AAFW

Olivia Fraser. Picture: Matrix Media

The skirt featured a racy thigh split, while the hat had tassels that cascaded down her body.

She finished the look with a pair of knee-high boots and statement sunglasses.

Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame was also in attendance, wearing a white suit with black shoes and accessories.

MAFS contestant Olivia Frazer was also at events earlier in the day, opting for a figure-hugging brown dress for the festivities.