Glamour on the Grid 2026 –Presented by American Express
Celebrating a decade of Formula 1 trackside glamour, this year’s Glamour on the Grid marked its 10th anniversary with a bold reimagining of Melbourne’s most anticipated Grand Prix week event.
Presented by American Express, the 2026 edition ushered in a refined guest list with a sharpened focus on substance, influence, and industry impact. In a first for the event, guests arrived directly onto the Formula 1 starting grid before walking an immersive music path leading to the exclusive American Express Lounge, an arrival experience befitting the prestige of the season opener of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix 2026.
Travis Auld, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, described the anniversary as a defining milestone:
“As the season opener, Melbourne takes centre stage in the Formula 1 world, and Glamour on the Grid, presented by American Express, is where the attention begins.
This is a celebration of culture, style, and motorsport unlike anything else, and our 10th anniversary will be our most spectacular edition yet.”
Precious Metals on the Grid
For the first time, the event introduced an official theme: Precious Metals.
The theme paid homage to the engineering excellence, innovation, and precision synonymous with Formula One. It also reflected Glamour on the Grid’s own transformation into a globally recognised showcase of modern luxury, performance, and style.
Metallics, shimmer and couture craftsmanship dominated the grid.
Rebecca Judd stood out in a high-neck, backless crystal-embellished slinky gown by J’Aton Couture, a sculpted metallic moment that captured the theme’s brilliance.
Newly married Elle Baillieu, an avid Formula 1 follower who travels the global Grand Prix circuit and now the face of Penfolds, wore custom Velani.
Fresh from New York Fashion Week, Lana Wilkinson arrived in Maelle Bride — a sheer strapless white gown with feathered detailing, radiating modern couture glamour with a metallic edge.
Annalise Dalins stunned in custom Oglialoro Couture, wearing a sculpted near-nude sheer gown that perfectly embodied the Precious Metals theme.
Her slick platinum ponytail added a modern edge to the daring silhouette. With Josh Daicos by her side, she described it as her favourite Glamour on the Grid yet — “Mum and Dad date night.” Confident, bold, and effortlessly glamorous.
Nadia Bartel embodied the theme in a shimmering thigh-high split gown by J’Aton Couture, delivering high-octane glamour with effortless polish. Her partner Pete complemented the look in sharp tailoring by Christian Kimber.
Bridgett Roccisano and Bianca Roccisano both chose custom black designs by Con Ilio, offering two striking interpretations of the designer’s signature aesthetic. Bridgett with a sheer lower silhouette and Bianca with a sheer upper finish.
The moment was perfectly timed following Con Ilio’s celebrated Black collection showcase at the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Cody Wightman, styled by Bianca Rose, wore Strateas Carlucci paired with Farage Australia, delivering a polished and modern take on trackside tailoring.
Bold Statements, Unforgettable Moments
Khanh Ong was striking in Effie Kats and Zacmens Tailors. The royal blue was electric against his platinum blonde hair, anchored by a sharply fitted waistband and a dramatic custom draped shawl falling effortlessly through the waist. Bold. Modern. Unforgettable.
Jessie Murphy was a shimmering blonde bombshell in Cappellazzo. Her silver, low-cut gown featured a daring side cut-out and a striking backless silhouette — high-glamour, high-impact and impossible to miss.
Brit Selwood channelled pure mermaid energy in Atalie Studios. A custom bralette paired with a fishtail-inspired skirt sculpted the silhouette to perfection — fluid, feminine and effortlessly captivating.
A decade on, Glamour on the Grid has evolved beyond a red-carpet affair. It is now a statement of Melbourne’s global cultural relevance, where motorsport meets high fashion, and where the world’s spotlight turns before the lights go out on race day.
By Melinda Sullivan
Thank you to AMPR
Mike Tarr Photography Media Wall
