RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi made a spectacular style transformation at Wednesday's TikTok Awards in Sydney, trading her cooking apron for a designer gown that captured everyone's attention.
From Kitchen to Red Carpet
The beloved 46-year-old cook and author commanded the spotlight in a sophisticated halterneck dress created by renowned designer Carla Zampatti. The eye-catching ensemble featured a knee-length cut with a dramatic frilled hem, perfectly complemented by elegant gold accessories including strappy heels, a statement clutch and stacked bangles.
Maehashi shared her excitement on social media with a playful caption that highlighted her dramatic makeover. "Ditched the apron, donned a frock, slapped on some lippie and even brushed my hair!!" she enthusiastically began. "What an honour to present FOOD CREATOR OF THE YEAR! Congrats to all winners and nominees, what a night," she continued.
Celebrity Praise and Support
The culinary star received overwhelming support from famous friends who flooded the comments section with compliments. Veteran presenter Jessica Rowe wrote "You were sensational," while fellow celebrity chef Becky Excell added "Looking FABULOUS."
The glamorous evening provided a welcome celebration for Maehashi, who has recently been at the centre of a high-profile culinary controversy that sparked widespread discussion within the food community.
Recipe Controversy Background
In April, Maehashi made headlines when she accused baker Brooke Bellamy, founder of Brooki Bakehouse, of plagiarising her caramel slice and baklava recipes for use in Bellamy's best-selling cookbook Bake With Brooki.
The allegations triggered weeks of intense online scrutiny, compelling Bellamy to issue multiple statements defending her work. In a video addressed to her followers, Bellamy acknowledged that her recipes weren't entirely original but maintained they held personal significance.
"While all of these recipes are personal to me, I cannot say that I have invented the cookies, cupcakes, brownies or cakes in the recipe book. They are all inspired from somewhere and someone before me," Bellamy explained.
She emphasised that her primary inspiration came from close to home, stating "I have been so inspired by bakeries and bakers the world over but the biggest inspiration in my life is my mum, because I learnt to cook and bake with her in the kitchen growing up."
Bellamy firmly rejected suggestions of recipe theft, arguing that similarities between recipes are often inevitable in the culinary world where traditional dishes frequently share common foundations.
