80s glam and statement menswear: The best looks from the ARIAs red carpet 2025

2 weeks ago 3

For dedicate 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:

80s 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 album 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 Higgin’s Australian Fashion Week show earlier this year, with a textural fur print that won’t have PETA running anytime 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 birds nest structure, that strikes the perfect balance between craft and couture.

Tangerine dream: Dee Salmin

Triple J presenter Dee Salmin resembled a glorious sea creature in a tangerine sequinned mini, flecked with silver hardware and feathers. Paired 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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