During Australian Fashion Week, held at Carriageworks in Sydney, stylist Jamie Azzopardi, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, drew significant attention. Azzopardi made a striking appearance on Monday, accompanied by an elaborate entourage carrying and adjusting their detailed gown, which featured layers of fine fabric and embellishments. This spectacle prompted mixed reactions, including criticism from former Married At First Sight star Carolina Santos, who publicly mocked Azzopardi on social media, questioning the necessity of the display.
Australian Fashion Week, which runs until May 17, has evolved to include a diverse mix of participants ranging from renowned designers to reality TV stars and influencers. Some industry insiders express concern over the changing dynamics of the event, noting a shift away from traditional celebrity involvement. Azzopardi's entrance highlighted this shift, standing out as a performance that captured both admiration and criticism.