Sydney, Australia – – The inaugural Vogue Australia Summer Ball commenced at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday evening, bringing together prominent figures from the worlds of fashion, film, music, and beauty. The event, hosted by Vogue Australia’s editor-in-chief Christine Centenera, followed a half-day summit focused on exchanging ideas within these industries.
Among those attending the gala were model and entrepreneur Hailey Bieber, renowned model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, actress Phoebe Tonkin, and singer Rita Ora. Australian attendees included Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and Gemma Ward, signaling a strong domestic presence alongside international stars.
Bieber, founder of the skincare brand Rhode, arrived at the event wearing a vintage Versace gown sourced from archival dealer Raffe Vintage. The pale gold design, originally from Versace’s 2006 spring/summer collection, featured a dramatically plunging neckline, bejeweled straps, and intricate lace-up detailing. Her stylist, Dani Michelle, who also works with Kendall Jenner and Daisy Edgar-Jones, curated the look. Bieber paired the gown with simple diamond drop earrings and slicked-back hair, allowing the dress to remain the focal point.
Speaking on the red carpet, Bieber described Australia as “very chill and very relaxed,” praising the country’s activewear brands and homegrown designers, specifically mentioning Dion Lee. She also expressed her enjoyment of Australian coffee and banana bread, offering a glimpse into her personal preferences during her visit.
Bieber’s trip to Sydney coincides with the Australian debut of her skincare brand, Rhode, at the beauty retailer Mecca. Prior to the Vogue Summer Ball, she conducted press meetings related to the launch, during which she wore head-to-toe Valentino, including a green minidress and suede pumps valued at $1,100.
The Vogue Summer Ball transformed the Sydney Opera House northern foyer into a black-tie dinner and party setting, set against the backdrop of the city’s skyline. The dress code was described as gala-worthy black tie, reflecting the event’s celebratory atmosphere.
The event serves as a significant moment for the Australian fashion industry, showcasing both local talent and international influence. The combination of the “Forces of Fashion” summit and the Summer Ball underscores Vogue Australia’s commitment to fostering dialogue and celebrating creativity within the region. The summit itself brought together panellists from diverse fields to exchange ideas, setting the stage for a night of celebration and networking.
The choice of the Sydney Opera House as the venue is symbolic, representing Australia’s cultural prominence and architectural innovation. The iconic landmark provided a striking backdrop for the event, enhancing its prestige and appeal. The transformation of the northern foyer into a black-tie space further emphasized the event’s exclusive and glamorous nature.
The arrival of international stars like Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley also highlights Australia’s growing importance as a destination for fashion and lifestyle events. Their presence is likely to generate significant media coverage and attract further investment in the country’s creative industries. The event’s success could pave the way for similar high-profile gatherings in the future, solidifying Australia’s position on the global fashion calendar.
The focus on Australian designers and brands, as highlighted by Bieber’s comments, also demonstrates a commitment to supporting local talent. By showcasing homegrown creativity, the Vogue Summer Ball aims to promote the growth and development of the Australian fashion industry. This emphasis on local innovation is particularly important in a globalized market, where maintaining a distinct cultural identity is crucial.
The event’s timing, coinciding with the launch of Rhode at Mecca, also underscores the growing demand for international beauty brands in the Australian market. The partnership between Rhode and Mecca is expected to provide Australian consumers with access to a wider range of skincare products and further stimulate the country’s beauty industry.
