Eighties glam and statement menswear: The best looks from the ARIAs red carpet

For dedicated followers of fashion, the ARIAs can be a bit hit-and-miss. But when done right – with a bit of rock ’n’ roll and Aussie experimental spirit – the red carpet can be ripe for some magic moments.

This year, most heads were turning for international guests Olivia Dean and Kacey Musgraves (the latter opting for a Bridgerton-esque bodice and bloomer set). Elsewhere, the sheer and cut-out trend dominated, alongside corsets, metal hardware and cowboy boots.

Below, our top five looks from this year’s ARIAs red carpet:

Eighties princess: Olivia Dean

British singer Olivia Dean, whose honeyed, neo-soul vocals will soon lift the roof in theatres across the country, exuded ’80s pop princess energy on the red carpet this afternoon in a strapless Richard Quinn gown, with a beaded bodice, oversized camellia brooch and drop waist that cascaded into a sweeping taffeta skirt. While we hoped the 26-year-old might have showcased a local designer, the look was a classic.

Knight in padded armour: Boy Soda

Rising star Boy Soda, whose single Lil’ Obsession is up for Best Soul / R&B Release, demonstrated just how good menswear can be on the red carpet when done right. The hip-hop artist opted for a quilted jacket and wide-legged trousers, rendered in a medieval-inspired print with knights in shining armour.

Paired with a mesh basketball tee, padlock necklace and crocheted bag, the unexpected but clever styling took the look to another level.

Cruelty-free fur: Isabella Manfredi

Australian singer-songwriter Isabella Manfredi, formerly of The Preatures, was the perfect case study in how print can work on the red carpet. Manfredi wore a two-toned, draped set straight off the runway from Alix Higgins’ Australian Fashion Week show earlier this year, with a textural fur print that won’t have PETA running any time soon.

Bird of paradise: Tkay Maidza

ARIA-award winning Zimbabwean-Australian artist Tkay Maidza has become a staple on the red carpet for her gutsy and whimsical fashion choices.

This year was no different, with the 29-year-old wrapping herself in a lace-appliqued mesh corset and feather-flecked bird’s-nest structure that struck the perfect balance between craft and couture.

Tangerine dream: Dee Salmin

Triple J presenter Dee Salmin resembled a glorious sea creature in a tangerine sequined mini, flecked with silver hardware and feathers. Pared back with knee-high, lace-up boots and a wavy up do, it’s the perfect ARIAs red carpet look that we imagine will be a hit at the after party too.

Honourable mentions go to...

• Amy Taylor, of Amyl and the Sniffers, leant into her inner Nancy Spungen in a safety-pinned leather gown and matching bouquet (the perfect punk bride).
• Baker Boy was a holographic dream in an iridescent button down, custom “BB” belt and snake bolo tie.
• Adam Hyde and Abbie Chatfield took out the prize for having the most fun on the red carpet – Hyde in chest-baring suit and Chatfield in a patchwork tartan corset and matching shoes.

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