Step back in time to the red carpet of the 2025 ARIA Awards, where Aussie music icons made their mark. From pop princesses to music legends, these artists lit up the event in their very first ARIA Awards appearances. Let's dive into the fashion and stories behind the scenes.
Kylie Minogue: Navy Chic
In 1989, Kylie Minogue, fresh off her chart success and the hit TV show Neighbours, graced the ARIA Awards red carpet. She wore an all-navy ensemble, featuring a cinched blazer and a fringed dress with lace sleeves. The '80s flair was amplified by the gold floral embroidery on the blazer's lapels, adding a touch of razzle dazzle.
Tina Arena: Lady in Red
Fast forward to 1991, and Tina Arena, a rising pop star from Young Talent Time, stole the show in a red dress. The dress featured a row of feathers along the hem and cuffs, paired with a curly updo and a gold and red necklace. Arena's style was a bold statement, and she was joined by fellow singers Wendy Matthews and Margaret Ulrich.
Christine Anu: Minimalist Elegance
In 1996, Christine Anu, the singer of 'My Island Home', embraced a minimalist style at the ARIA Awards. She wore a chic white strapless dress with thigh-high splits, complemented by a gold and white necklace. Anu's outfit was a testament to the mid-90s aesthetic, and she left the event with the ARIA for Best Female Artist.
Delta Goodrem: Sparkling Debut
Delta Goodrem, just 19 years old, made a dazzling debut at the 2003 ARIA Awards. She won seven awards for her album Innocent Eyes. Goodrem's outfit featured a pale pink dress with sparkling details, including bedazzled straps that draped across her arm and chest. This appearance was particularly special as it came after her Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis just months earlier.
Jessica Mauboy: Rising Star
Back in 2006, Jessica Mauboy, a rising star from Australian Idol, attended her first ARIA Awards. She wore a dark grey dress with sparkling details along the neckline, paired with a glittering statement necklace and an updo. Mauboy's smile and style made her a standout, and she went on to achieve second place in the competition.
Ella Hooper: Y2K Vibes
Ella Hooper, the frontwoman of Killing Heidi, brought a futuristic aesthetic to the 2000 ARIA Awards. She wore a metallic dress with cutouts that criss-crossed her upper body, and completed the look with a splash of purple and blue in her hair and makeup. Hooper's style was a true reflection of the Y2K era.
Marcia Hines: Metallic Glamour
Marcia Hines, a music legend, ruled the 2000 ARIA Awards in metallic fashion. She wore a gold sparkly outfit with denim peeking through a cutout section, exuding serious glomesh vibes. Hines' outfit was a standout moment on the red carpet.
The Veronicas: Twin Fashion
The Veronicas, Jess and Lisa Origliasso, brought twin fashion to the 2005 ARIA Awards. They embraced a not-quite-matching aesthetic, wearing mini dresses with patterned stockings and heels in slightly different shades. The pop of color in their shoes and one statement belt added a fun twist to their outfits.
Missy Higgins: Noughties Layering
Missy Higgins, the singer of 'Scar', kept things simple and sweet for her ARIA Awards debut in 2005. She wore a cream crocheted tank top and an all-black outfit, embracing the layering trend of the noughties era.
Vanessa Amorosi: Pop Culture Icon
Vanessa Amorosi, just 19 years old, burst onto the charts with hits like 'Have A Look', 'Absolutely Everybody', and 'Shine'. Her ARIA Awards debut in 2000 came weeks after performing at the Sydney 2000 Olympics closing ceremony. Amorosi's black outfit included a statement coat with a dizzying gold metallic pattern, making her a pop culture icon.
