The NRL women exuded individual style at the Dally M in Sydney on Wednesday night in a stark difference to the AFL's Brownlow, which is becoming more stage-managed than a suburban beauty pageant.
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There isn't usually a lot of romance on the field during an NRL match but off it was a different story as the stars and spouses of the game delivered more sweetness than a box of Roses chocolates at the code's best and fairest awards.
While the blokes, like Sam Burgess and hot favourite Cameron Smith, didn't stray far from the standard "black tie" dress code, the real stars of the red rug were the ladies who brought more saccharine than a bucket of Stevia and delivered more panache than a Hawaiian pizza.
Sugary hues of pink and ruby floated down the arrivals hall at The Star, as did gowns with embellished beading, dramatic sleeves, full skirts and trains longer than an Olympic Park round trip.
Sports broadcaster Emma Freedman and model Tegan Martin were amongst the best in show for their gowns by local dressmakers Lillian Khallouf and Sant Elia.
Terry Biviano, wife of former Roosters star Anthony Minichiello, wore a red and pink column gown by Sydney designer Mariam Seddiq, a creation that was pulled together for the shoe designer in just three days.
Fashion forward Phoebe Burgess, a former Cleo writer and wife of Rabbitohs fan favourite Sam, went to the dark side and channelled her inner Maleficent in a gothic, leather-looking ensemble by Alex Perry. A comparison Sam wasn't impressed with.
"My wife is Wonder Woman," he said.
Nicole Slater, wife of Melbourne Storm fullback Billy, shone in emerald. It was also the first time the Dally M veteran has called in professional help for her preparation for the NRL's night of nights.
"For the first time ever I came up early [from Melbourne] and had my hair and make-up done, something I usually just do myself," she said.
The Brownlow down in Melbourne may be becoming more high-fashion than a Hollywood red carpet these days, but the league stars, supporters and spouses really gave the AFL folk a run for their money in the sophistication stakes this year.
Uber stylist Lana Wilkinson, who has made a name for herself south of the border preparing the AFL's leading ladies like Jordan Ablett, Nadia Bartel and Rebecca Judd over the years, may have met her match in Sydney tastemakers like Burgess, Biviano and stylist Donny Galella.
Galella has been responsible for a number of "best dressed" Dally M attendees for several years now and considers the event one of the highlights of the local fashion calendar due to the high level of glamour involved.
"It's like playing dress-ups," he said.
