While Collingwood midfielder Nick Daicos took home the prestigious Brownlow Medal, the red carpet action offered its own high-stakes drama. The biggest talk of the morning after wasn't just who secured the votes, but how Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith completely hijacked the fashion conversation with his eleventh-hour arrival.
What Happened
Just as the official Brownlow red carpet was wrapping up, Bailey Smith made a highly anticipated, late-entry appearance. Embodying the energy of a fashion-forward rebel, the star midfielder strutted in wearing a bespoke, soft tan tuxedo with a peak lapel and oversized trousers designed by YSG Tailors.
Adding to his effortlessly cool aesthetic, Smith paired the suit with reflective sunglasses.
According to YSG Tailors co-founder Ryan McIntyre, Smith’s final look was the result of a highly collaborative and dynamic process. Smith actually had three distinct design concepts lined up before settling on the final tan tuxedo.
"We can have something nailed down in our first consultation, and within half an hour of me leaving the meeting, Bailey will have sent me another two concepts," McIntyre shared, highlighting the midfielder's deep interest in personal style.
The Boldest Looks of the Night
Smith wasn't the only one turning heads. Several other key figures defined the night’s style landscape:
- Arlette Amor: Accompanying medal-winner Nick Daicos, Amor won the crowd in an understated, minimalist white Effie Kats gown reminiscent of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
- Tayla Brown: Wearing an embellished Cassandra Renee gown, her open-back, racerback design drew immediate style comparisons to Zoë Kravitz's iconic 2021 Met Gala look.
- Paris Bishop: Partner to Essendon's Sam Durham, the model brought a distinct "LA glow" to the carpet in a custom Alin Le’Kal champagne corset and fishtail skirt.
- Brooke Bailey: Wearing a hand-beaded fringe tulle gown by Oglia-Loro Couture, Bailey leaned heavily into the popular, high-fashion "naked dress" trend.
- Chloe Serong: Opting for an architectural, ombre pink gown by Atalie Studios, her dress featured hand-dyed beads designed to mimic the inside of a dark fruit.
Why It Matters
The Brownlow Medal has evolved from a traditional sporting awards night into a premier red-carpet fashion event. Designers are increasingly using the platform to push creative boundaries, moving away from safe, classic silhouettes toward high-fashion surrealism and daring cuts.
Smith's refusal to stick to a rigid schedule—combined with his deliberate, multi-option styling process—proves that modern AFL players are positioning themselves as genuine style icons.
