Arrival and first impressions
Touching down at JFK International Airport, she stepped off the private jet with an effortless grace that immediately turned heads. The early May breeze carried a hint of spring, and her arrival was nothing short of cinematic. Dressed in a tailored cream trench coat cinched at the waist, oversized sunglasses, and sleek leather boots, she exuded a quiet confidence that hinted at the glamour to come. Paparazzi and fans alike gathered at the terminal, eager to catch a glimpse of the Australian starlet whose presence in New York had been the subject of much anticipation.
Her team moved swiftly, ushering her into a waiting black SUV, but not before she offered a warm smile and a wave to the crowd. The city’s energy seemed to match her own—vibrant, electric, and full of promise. As she made her way through Manhattan, the skyline reflected in the car windows, she appeared calm and collected, already embodying the spirit of the Met Gala’s grandeur. Her arrival marked not just a physical entry into the city, but a symbolic step into the spotlight of one of fashion’s most prestigious events.
Locals and tourists in Midtown paused as the SUV pulled up to The Mark Hotel, a known pre-Gala hub for celebrities. With a subtle nod to her roots, she carried a small kangaroo leather clutch, a quiet tribute to Australia amidst the buzz of New York. Hotel staff greeted her with familiarity, suggesting this wasn’t her first time navigating the city’s high society. As she disappeared into the lobby, the excitement only grew—her presence had officially set the tone for what was shaping up to be an unforgettable Met Gala week.
Fashion highlights and designer details
When she emerged from The Mark Hotel on the evening of the Met Gala, all eyes were on her. Draped in a custom creation by Australian designer Toni Maticevski, she embodied the theme of the night with a look that was both avant-garde and deeply personal. The gown, a sculptural masterpiece in iridescent pearl white, featured asymmetrical draping and a dramatic high slit that revealed a pair of hand-embroidered stilettos by Sydney-based label, Aje. The fabric shimmered under the city lights, catching every camera flash as she stepped into her car.
The dress was a nod to both her heritage and the Gala’s theme, which this year celebrated “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Maticevski, known for his architectural silhouettes and innovative use of texture, worked closely with her over several months to design a piece that would honour the past while pushing boundaries. The gown’s bodice was adorned with delicate appliqué inspired by native Australian flora—wattle and eucalyptus leaves rendered in silk thread and Swarovski crystals—adding a subtle yet meaningful layer to the ensemble.
Her jewellery was equally considered. She wore a bespoke set from Melbourne-based jeweller Lucy Folk: a pair of drop earrings shaped like gum nuts, and a statement cuff that wrapped around her wrist like a vine. The pieces were crafted from recycled gold and featured opals sourced from Lightning Ridge, adding a sustainable and uniquely Australian touch to her look. Her makeup, done by a New York-based artist with experience in editorial fashion, was kept minimal—dewy skin, a soft coral lip, and a hint of shimmer on the eyelids to echo the gown’s ethereal quality.
Fashion critics and stylists quickly took to social media, praising the ensemble for its originality and cultural resonance. Vogue Australia posted a close-up of the embroidery, calling it “a breathtaking fusion of couture and country.” Meanwhile, Harper’s Bazaar noted the way she “effortlessly bridged the gap between international glamour and homegrown artistry.”
Her stylist, who has worked with other high-profile Australians on the global stage, later revealed that the look was intended to “tell a story of identity and evolution.” Every element—from the choice of designer to the smallest accessory—was curated to reflect her journey from the beaches of Byron Bay to the red carpet of the Met.
Behind the scenes of the Met Gala
Backstage at the Met Gala, the atmosphere was a whirlwind of last-minute adjustments, whispered instructions, and the soft hum of anticipation. Tucked away in one of the upper suites of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she was surrounded by a small but focused team—her stylist, makeup artist, hairdresser, and a representative from the designer’s atelier, all working in quiet synchrony. The gown, carefully transported in a custom garment bag from The Mark Hotel, was laid out on a velvet-covered chaise, its intricate embroidery catching the soft light of the dressing room.
As she stepped into the gown, two assistants delicately adjusted the draping, ensuring every fold fell just so. The designer, who had flown in from Melbourne for the occasion, offered final tweaks with a practiced eye, smoothing the bodice and checking the placement of the appliqué. There was a moment of stillness as she looked at herself in the mirror—an unspoken acknowledgment of the months of preparation that had led to this point. Her expression was calm, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.
In the hallway, other celebrities passed by, exchanging nods and compliments. She shared a brief laugh with a fellow Australian actor, both of them marvelling at the surreal nature of the evening. A photographer from Vogue was granted a few minutes to capture behind-the-scenes shots, documenting the transformation from hotel suite to red carpet icon. The images would later appear in a special feature, showcasing the artistry and effort that goes into a single Met Gala look.
Just before stepping out, her stylist handed her the kangaroo leather clutch once more, a grounding reminder of home amid the glamour. A final spritz of setting spray, a quick check of the earrings, and she was ready. As the elevator doors opened to the museum’s grand staircase, the buzz of the crowd grew louder. She took a deep breath, smiled at her team, and stepped forward into the spotlight.
“It’s not just about the dress,” her stylist later said. “It’s about the story we’re telling. And tonight, she told it beautifully.”
Backstage, the team watched the live feed as she ascended the steps, each movement graceful and deliberate. There was a collective exhale as she reached the top, turned for the cameras, and posed with the poise of someone who belonged exactly where she was. For those behind the scenes, it was a moment of quiet triumph—the culmination of creativity, collaboration, and a deep connection to culture and craft.
Arrival and first impressions
Touching down at JFK in the early hours, she made an entrance that was anything but understated. Dressed in a tailored camel Max Mara coat layered over a crisp white The Row shirt and wide-leg trousers, she exuded effortless sophistication. Her look was completed with oversized Celine sunglasses and a Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag in forest green — a subtle nod to the season’s earthy palette.
Despite the long-haul flight from Sydney, there wasn’t a hair out of place. Her sleek low bun and dewy skin hinted at a pre-flight glam session, likely courtesy of her go-to Australian beauty team. The airport arrival was less about comfort and more about commanding attention — a masterclass in airport chic that set the tone for the days ahead.
Fashion insiders were quick to take note. “She’s arrived with intent,” one stylist was overheard saying outside the terminal. And indeed, the look was calculated — a blend of understated luxury and directional styling that’s become her signature. The choice of tonal neutrals and clean lines spoke to a refined aesthetic, while the accessories added just the right amount of polish.
“It’s the kind of look that says, ‘I’m here, and I know exactly what I’m doing,’”
commented a Vogue Australia editor, who had been tracking her style evolution closely. With the Met Gala just days away, this first impression was more than just a fashion moment — it was a statement of intent.
Preparing for the Met Gala
In the lead-up to fashion’s most anticipated night, her preparations were as meticulous as they were glamorous. She checked into The Mark Hotel — the unofficial headquarters for Met Gala royalty — where a suite had been transformed into a temporary atelier. Inside, racks of couture from Paris, London, and Milan lined the walls, each piece curated with the theme in mind and her signature aesthetic at heart.
Her styling team, flown in from Sydney and New York, worked in tandem to finalise the look. The brief? To honour the Met Gala’s theme while staying true to her minimalist-meets-modern edge. After several fittings, the final gown — a custom Schiaparelli creation — was selected. Crafted from silk faille in a deep eucalyptus green, the dress featured sculptural draping and a hand-embroidered bodice inspired by native Australian flora. It was a nod to home, reimagined through a couture lens.
Beauty prep began 48 hours out. Her skin was prepped with a combination of LED therapy and lymphatic drainage facials, courtesy of her long-time Sydney facialist. Hair trials explored everything from architectural updos to soft waves, but the final decision was a sleek, centre-parted chignon — timeless, elegant, and perfectly balanced against the drama of the gown.
Accessories were kept deliberate and directional. A pair of custom-made Paspaley pearl earrings — sourced from the Kimberley coast — added a uniquely Australian touch, while her heels, a barely-there sandal by Amina Muaddi, ensured the silhouette remained uninterrupted. Her clutch, a vintage piece from the 1990s Tom Ford for Gucci era, was the only hint of archival glamour.
- Custom Schiaparelli gown in eucalyptus silk faille
- Paspaley pearl earrings, bespoke design
- Amina Muaddi sandals in metallic nude
- Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci clutch
Every detail was intentional, every choice a reflection of her evolving fashion narrative. As fittings wrapped and final touches were made, there was a quiet confidence in the room — the kind that comes from knowing you’re about to make a moment on the Met steps.
