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The Express Gazette
Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Katie Brown turns heads at Brownlow Medal red carpet after Bali healing break

Sunrise host wows in a plunging black gown with a thigh-high split, following a quiet breakup and Bali retreat

Culture & Entertainment 4 months ago
Katie Brown turns heads at Brownlow Medal red carpet after Bali healing break

Sunrise presenter Katie Brown lit up the Brownlow Medal red carpet in Melbourne on Monday, arriving in a plunging black gown that featured a thigh-high split and a metallic silver pattern tracing a band around her midriff up to the neckline. The 34-year-old TV personality arrived at Crown Casino with a radiant, open-toothed smile, her blonde hair sleek and straight, and makeup that emphasized a dewy, luminous complexion with a smoky eye and soft pink lip. Her appearance at the AFL’s night of nights came amid personal headlines, as Brown has been navigating a recent breakup and a Bali retreat she described as a healing pause rather than a retreat from life.

The ensemble was built to turn heads. The dress clung to Brown’s silhouette, with the metallic panel wrapping around her midsection and extending upward toward the neckline, while a daring thigh-high split teased at her legs. She completed the look with strappy open-toed heels and simple gold earrings, letting the gown speak for itself. Her hair was worn straight and polished, and her expression conveyed confidence as photographers captured every angle on the red carpet. Brown’s presence seemed to strike a chord with onlookers who have followed her public journey in recent weeks. ![Katie Brown at Brownlow Medal] (https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/22/10/102340915-0-image-m-81_1758534184806.jpg)

Flashing a dazzling smile, Brown appeared unbothered by the surrounding drama, a posture some observers described as her “showing ex what he’s missing.” The television host has been the subject of coverage about a quiet break with her boyfriend, Jack Hooks, and a recent trip to Bali intended to help her process the split. In interviews and social posts, Brown has portrayed the moment as a personal challenge rather than a public spectacle, emphasizing resilience and self-care while thanking supporters for their kind messages.

The breakup, which Brown acknowledged as a difficult chapter, preceded her Bali journey, a timeline she outlined when explaining the difference between public perception and her personal experience. She told followers that while her life usually feels steady, this period felt disruptive, yet she refused to solicit sympathy, instead inviting people to wish her well as she shifted into a new chapter. In Bali, she shared glimpses of her self-directed healing, including reflections on staying true to herself and moving forward with purpose.

To clarify, Brown has repeatedly stated on social media that she is not on Ozempic, a line she has used to address questions about her changing physique during the Bali period. Her posts from the island showcased fitness, travel, and moments of personal reflection, and they have been widely interpreted as part of a broader rebuild after the breakup. Brown has framed the experience as one of growth and reinvention, not simply a reaction to heartbreak.

The public narrative around her breakup has also included anecdotes about the timing of her return to the spotlight. As she re-entered the public sphere, Brown drew attention not only for her fashion but also for her ability to carry herself with poise amid scrutiny. The Brownlow appearance was viewed by fans and commentators as a deliberate statement that she is moving forward on her own terms, with the attention focused on her professional achievements and style choices rather than the personal upheaval alone.

Brown’s posts from Bali, which featured beach scenes and fitness updates, were met with messages of support from friends, colleagues, and followers. Some comments urged her to stay strong and to continue prioritizing the people and activities she loves. One supporter wrote: “What is meant to be will be. Stay strong lovely. You’ve got this.” Another noted the importance of resilience, while a third praised her for embracing the next chapter with positivity. The responses reflected a broad, caring audience engaged in her journey and ready to celebrate her milestones, both professional and personal.

As the night of nights in AFL showcases fashion-forward moments, Brown’s red carpet stride offered a counterpoint to the ongoing conversation about how personal life intersects with public life in entertainment. The Brownlow Medal red carpet—an annual highlight in Melbourne—continues to serve as a stage where celebrities demonstrate resilience through style and grace, and where viewers watch for signals about what comes next in their careers and lives. Brown’s appearance added to the tapestry of stories surrounding the event, reaffirming her status as a prominent figure in Australian daytime television and pop culture. The reception to her look underscored how audiences respond to fashion as a form of personal narrative, a way to communicate strength and agency even in the face of public attention.


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