Brownlow Medal red carpet plunges dominate fashion talk

The Brownlow Medal red carpet on Monday night was defined by a bold fashion trend: plunging necklines and backless silhouettes dominated the look as attendees aimed to steal the spotlight. Glittering gowns that dipped to the waist, corset-style numbers, and sheer panels were widely seen, with several AFL partners stepping into the spotlight in daring, skin-baring gowns.

Leading the charge was Elle Ray, who wore a crimson dress with a very low-cut neckline and draped detailing. Timnah Poratt, partner of North Melbourne's Luke Davies-Uniacke, wore a metallic gold gown that appeared backless, with a narrow stretch of fabric across the bust. Ellie Dickinson, partner of Sam Flanders of the Gold Coast Suns, chose a corset-style gown with chainmail-inspired detailing and a plunging neckline. Jess Butler, partner of Max Holmes of the Cats, wore a powder-blue velvet dress with a neckline that descended toward the navel. Charli Wheeler, partner of Noah Anderson of the Suns, opted for a feather-trimmed gown with a dramatic plunge. Rosie Konstantinou, partner of Ben Keays of the Crows, dazzled in a sequined gown with a plunging halter. Paige Bramley, partner of Josh Worrell, wore a form-fitting black halter-neck dress that left little to the imagination. Ariarne Titmus, the Australian swimming champion, was also in a wine-colored low-cut gown, while Summer Finn, partner of Will Ashcroft of the Lions, wore a sheer halter-neck dress that flashed skin.

Yet the fashion talk was not uniformly positive. Social media commenters described the night’s looks as dull or underwhelming, with many lamenting the proliferation of exposed décolletage. Some said there was a lack of novelty compared with past Brownlow moments, while others urged more classic Hollywood glamour.

Beyond the leading fashion gambits, other attendees included Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca and his wife Isabella Petracca, who posed together with Isabella wearing a semi-sheer maxi dress with a revealing neckline. Madelaine Leek, wife of Suns player Touk Miller, wore a very low-cut black gown to showcase her assets. The red carpet also highlighted the ongoing debate about red carpet dressing at sport-events, with fans and commentators weighing bold, body-skimming silhouettes against more restrained looks.

Historically, the Brownlow red carpet has produced memorable fashion moments and sparked broader fashion conversations. Some fans drew comparisons to old Hollywood glamour, while others anchored discussions in modern boldness. In 2004, Rebecca Judd’s plunging dress long resonated in memory; this year’s choices prompted fresh comparisons and renewed debate about where red carpet style should head next.

Overall, the 2025 Brownlow Medal red carpet reinforced the event’s role as a cultural moment in sports and fashion. While some celebrities and fans celebrated the audacity of plunging necklines and metallics, others called the night ‘underwhelming’ or ‘dull.’ The split reaction underscores how fashion at the Brownlow remains a lightning rod for opinions about glamour, risk, and the evolving standards of red carpet dress in Australian culture.