The 2025 ARIA Awards have officially commenced, transforming Sydney into a glittering spectacle of music and fashion. While the ceremony celebrates Australia's musical achievements, the red carpet has once again proven to be the main event, with celebrities delivering style statements that ranged from breathtaking to bewildering.
Fashion That Struck the Right Chord
UK pop sensation Olivia Dean established an early benchmark for elegance, arriving in a sophisticated all-black ensemble. The 26-year-old singer cleverly accessorised with a single white rose pinned to her corset, demonstrating that minimalism can make the most powerful statement.
Fashion Critical made a dramatic entrance that wouldn't have looked out of place at the Met Gala, channelling early Lady Gaga with an extraordinary headpiece and flowing pink tulle.
Former Miss Universe Olivia Molly Rogers provided a masterclass in maternity glamour, glowing in a beige ruched midi dress complemented by a stunning cape that trailed behind her as she walked the carpet.
New Zealand model Emma Kate-Boyd brought high-fashion sophistication in a jewel-toned purple silk gown that featured a daring open back, while Missy Higgins embraced colour and pattern with a Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat-inspired outfit that felt both playful and polished.
Abbie Chatfield delivered one of the night's most memorable looks, combining Renaissance drama with rock-chic edge in a plaid corset gown featuring a thigh-high slit and intricate lace-up detailing.
Bold Statements and Theatrical Flair
Hip hop artist Tkay Maidza took a significant fashion risk that paid off spectacularly, wearing an avant-garde mini dress constructed from sculptural wicker detailing. She completed the theatrical look with strappy gold heels and a fierce high ponytail.
Chrishell Stause, wife of G Flip, brought an unexpected Australian outback influence to proceedings with a deep-brown leather halter gown featuring saddle-inspired stitching.
Baker Boy earned praise for challenging gender norms in fashion, appearing in striking satin blue trousers paired with a metallic sheer shirt that showcased his confident style.
Fashion That Missed the Mark
Not every celebrity managed to hit the right sartorial notes. American country superstar Kacey Musgraves confused fashion critics with an incomplete-looking ensemble that appeared to be missing crucial elements.
Former Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins missed the mark with a Victorian-inspired creation that felt more appropriate for a historical reenactment than a contemporary music awards ceremony.
Australian artists Ninajirachi and Vera Blue unfortunately coordinated their outfits to disappointing effect, both arriving in nearly identical gothic, tasselled gowns that overwhelmed their figures with excessive fringe.
The notoriously stylish couple Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon played it too safe with matching black outfits that lacked the excitement expected for Australia's premier music event.
Several other celebrities fell short of the glamour standard, including Tyra Banks, Evelyn Ellis, and Emmy Mack, who all opted for funeral-chic black ensembles that seemed better suited for a sombre occasion than a celebration.
Singer Kita Alexander's sheer, boho mesh gown suggested she was heading for a Byron Bay retreat rather than a red carpet, while Larissa Lambert's distressed, sand-hued drapery gave strong post-apocalyptic warrior vibes.
The newest Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins embraced a racy cowgirl aesthetic that felt more appropriate for a rodeo, and Australian R&B singer Pania ventured into prehistoric territory with a barely-there canary yellow dress reminiscent of Wilma Flintstone.
Australian pop duo Cat & Calmell appeared more focused on making a public statement than adhering to any recognisable dress code, rounding out an evening of eclectic and sometimes confusing fashion choices.
The Verdict on Australian Music Fashion
The 2025 ARIA Awards red carpet demonstrated that Australian celebrities remain unafraid to take fashion risks, even when those risks don't always pay off. While some artists like Olivia Dean and Abbie Chatfield demonstrated how to balance style and sophistication, others proved that sometimes less really is more.
The diversity of looks – from high fashion to costume drama – confirms that the ARIA Awards red carpet remains one of Australia's most anticipated style events, generating as much conversation as the musical awards themselves.
