The Most Memorable Moments In Brownlow Fashion

An unknown Perth girl by the name of Rebecca Twigley made her Brownlow debut in 2004 in a show-stopping, slashed-to-the-navel number by WA designer Ruth Tarvydas. Her boyfriend, bright young talent Chris Judd, may have won the prestigious medal that night, but it was Twigley who stole the headlines. And a star was born.

Who could forget Tania Buckley’s cheeky display in 2001? The sequined thong, rising in all its sparkling glory from her low-backed satin frock, secured a spot for the Collingwood WAG in footy’s fashion folklore.

Call it the Victoria Beckham effect. Rebecca Twigley, by now Bec Judd, made the oft-doomed transition from WAG to veritable style-setter. Here in 2014, 10 years after her first Brownlow appearance, she swapped the splits and cut-outs for graceful ruffles and a prim neckline by J’Aton Couture. 

Not satisfied with simply celebrating football, Sarita Stella upped her game and poured herself into a football in 2002, all laced-up red leather accessorised with a mini Sherrin handbag.

One small step for red-carpet fashion, one giant leap for maternity wear. Last year, Nadia Bartel proved pregnancy needn’t stifle one’s style. The wife of Geelong star Jimmy Bartel was a vision in blush, complete with a daring split and semi-sheer panels that gently clung to her curves.

Well that’s what we call dedication. In 2006 Rachael McLeod branded her back with her husband Andrew’s guernsey number – in diamantes, no less.

Another black-tie event, another J’Aton gown. In 2013, Bec Judd continued her sartorial evolution in sheer and structured scarlet.

In the late noughties, American cocktail waitress Brynne Gordon – the soon-to-be wife of businessman Geoffrey Edelsten – strutted onto the Brownlow red carpet for the first time and fast became known for her “creative” fashion choices. Here in 2012, she channelled a disco ball on top, and black swan on the bottom.

In 2011 Rouba Houli, wife of Bachar Houli, stood out in the sea of bare-all Brownlow babes, sporting a modest gown and silk hijab to honour her Muslim faith.

Sometimes simple sophistication (and a hint of skin) is enough to turn heads. Case in point: Rachael Finch in chic black Alex Perry last year.

The queen of the Brownlows dazzled in a golden J’Aton sheath in 2015. This year, there’ll be a gaping hole on the red carpet as the heavily pregnant Judd sits out the event. The question is – who will take her crown?