The unexpected trend that dominated the Brownlow red carpet
We don’t know when or how it happened, but texture is officially back in fashion!
Countless looks from the 2026 Brownlow Medal red carpet had one thing in common: they were anything but plain.
Haley Castagna looked gorgeous in this fringe gown. Getty
Sequins, ruffles, feathers, fringe, lace and metallic fabrics were all spotted on the carpet several times throughout the night.
Haley Castagna, the partner of Tigers star Jason Castagna, looked breathtaking in a full fringe gown. We can’t help but feel like we’ve been transported back to the times of fun fashion again!
Meanwhile, Paris Bishop, the partner of Bombers player Sam Durham, looked ethereal in this crystal-embossed corset gown.
Paris Bishop, partner of Sam Durham of the Bombers in a jaw-dropping crystal gown. Getty Images
Even the more toned-down looks of the night included at least one element of texture, whether that be a feather-trim or a ruched sleeve.
Take Mardi Dangerfield’s look, for example: it’s a simple silhouette with a crinkled texture (and a huge peplum).
Mardi Dangerfield also played into the textured trend. Getty Images
Even simpler looks like Lexi Lobb’s dress still had touches of texture. Getty Images
Lexi Lobb opted for a simpler design, but there was still plenty of texture in the tulle overlay and feather hemline.
We also have to talk about the fabulous ‘business on the top, party on the bottom’ look from Sabina Wheatley.
Wheatley, the partner of Power player Aliir Aliir, opted for a gown with a simple black bodice and a huge ruffed skirt.
Sabina Wheatley, partner of Aliir Aliir, stunned in this ruffled dress. Getty
Some of our favourite looks of the night came when not one, not two, but more than five attendees showed up in full-blown metallic looks.
Did someone put us in a time machine and take us back to the 2000s?
Cartia Condo, partner of Adelaide Crows player Josh Rachele, pulled off this stunning metallic silver dress. The gown looked like it was made up of thousands of silver strings!
We also saw a load of metallic looks, including this one on Cartia Condo. Getty
Nina Starkey also got on board the metallic dress trend. Getty Images
We also had a metal dress moment from Nina Starkey, wife of Wayne Milera of the Crows.
Jess Butler, partner of Max Holmes of the Geelong Cats, also opted for a metallic silver look, which still had lots of stunning texture.
Jess Butler’s incredible metallic gown. Getty
Layla Owen took the metallic look to the next level. Getty Images
Layla Owens took the metallic trend to the next level with a sculpted gold corset.
Where there wasn’t feathers and metal, there were sequins and beads!
Chloe Serong, wife of Fremantle Dockers star Caleb Serong, went all-out in this pink beaded moment.
When there wasn’t metal, there was beading, as seen on Chloe Serong. Getty Images
Georgina Lamont, partner of Nick Larkey of the Kangaroos, opted for sequins. Still stunning and on-trend! Getty Images
Meanwhile, Georgina Lamont, partner of Kangaroos player Nick Larkey, opted for glittering sequins.
The Brownlow is always a glamorous event, but we must say this year’s gowns have truly kicked it up a notch.
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The unexpected trend that dominated the Brownlow red carpet
