And The Winner Is - An Oyster-coloured Gown
The Age
Tuesday September 26, 2006
AT 5PM last night, the red carpet outside Crown was empty. But on either side 30 or so fans had gathered, many draped in West Coast Eagles jumpers and scarves. They mingled among the camera crews, photographers and reporters, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite players, and more importantly for some, their girlfriends and wives.
"I'm looking forward to seeing something pretty revealing," said Eagles fan Ron Zurzola, in town for the grand final. A fellow Eagles supporter lamented that Rebecca Twigley - famous for her plunging red gown two years ago - wouldn't be in Melbourne for the count.But there were plenty of others who provided eye candy. Among them was Mariangela Laudato, girlfriend of the Kangaroos' Daniel Wells, who stood out in a backless, champagne-coloured silk gown from Ruth Tarvydas, the Perth-based designer responsible for Twigley's infamous red dress two years ago.Tarvydas certainly knows how to cut a dress to within a centimetre of modesty. Laudato's gown was cut frighteningly close to the tail bone.Rachael Tredrea, the wife of Port Adelaide's Warren, also gave frock watchers plenty to look at. Her strapless, oyster-hued gown from Adelaide label Razak was cut precariously low on the bust, but managed to stay in place thanks to some strategically placed Hollywood tape.While plunging necklines and backlessness were common themes throughout the night, for the most part, last night's Brownlow was an elegant affair. Among the fashion winners were Patrick Bowden's partner, Alice Bromby, in a watermelon, knee-length, billowing baby doll dress and silver pumps; Eddie McGuire's wife, Carla, in a midnight blue, strapless, hail spot gown from Scanlan & Theodore; and Matthew Pavlich's girlfriend, Lauren O'Shannassy, who wore a printed purple Ae'lkemi gown.Other winners included Tania Hird in silver satin and beaded lace from Baccini and Hill; Alan Didak's partner Cassie Lane in a black-and-white lace-trimmed number; and Rachael McLeod, who spent close to five hours having silver sequins applied to her back in the form of the number 23 - the number of her Crows husband, Andrew.But the fans' award went to Amy Pollard, partner of St Kilda's Luke Ball, who looked stunning in an oyster-coloured Grecian-style gown, trimmed with black lace from Manuell & Moore."Luke Ball's girlfriend looked the best. She gets my three votes," said Zurzola. Those around him agreed, giving two votes to Tania Hird and one to Rachael McLeod, for her efforts.And, in the end, Twigley fans were not let down. As the Eagles gathered in Perth, she arrived in a demure, strapless lace gown, complete with oversized bustle - and no cleavage or belly button to be found. Beautiful.
© 2006 The Age