Australian Fashion Week is over for another year – but not without delivering some of the most outrageous outfits yet: Take a look at the wild runway moments that had everyone talking in 2024

Australian Fashion Week has all but come to a close and the runway has delivered some of the most bizarre, quirky, and jaw-dropping looks yet from local and international designers.

After thousands descended upon Sydney’s Carriageworks venue and pop-up locations across the city, it’s now time to look back on the less wearable and wacky designs guaranteed to make waves in the industry this year.

FEMAIL has compiled some of the most eye-catching looks from the week, with one particular show proving to be the talk of the town. 

Nicol and Ford’s ‘THORN’ collection scandalised attendees with its array of chains, devil horns, tied-up models, and bondage attire.

The designers took inspiration from Sydney woman Rosaleen Norton (1917-1979) who was infamously known as ‘The Witch of Kings Cross’ after being incessantly terrorised by the media for the liberal life she led. 

Designers Katie-Louise and Lilian Nicol-Ford showcased Norton’s ‘scandalised private life’ through the lens of 1950s kink, demonic figures, and the persecution of witches throughout history. 

Referred to as ‘bizarre bondage chic’ by several fashion week attendees, the controversial show turned heads with its ‘uncomfortable’ visuals.

Particular standouts include model Jamaica Moana’s ‘bumster’ gown which was made from over 600 oyster shells. The look was inspired by the persecution of Hypatia, who was murdered with oyster shells in 415AD for being a ‘witch’. 

Fashion lovers also strayed away from the myriad of models tied up in chains – and with their own hair.

A piece that saw model Janet Anderson wrapped tightly in clingfilm stood out to many who deemed it ‘restrictive’ and ‘suffocating’. 

Attendees were simultaneously awed and appalled by the looks that merely consisted of chains and ropes with nothing underneath. 

Many models also wore collars made of metal and rope, dehumanising and reducing them to the ‘taboos’ they represented. 

The looks were paired with custom-made chopines by Melbourne-based cordwainer Matea Gluščević.

The awkward-looking high platform shoes first came into fashion in the 16th century and were made to keep the wearers safe from puddles and mud in Venice’s perpetually damp grounds. 

While historical and shockingly practical, it is unlikely the bizarre trend will make a comeback.  

Model and controversial social media personality Imogen Anthony put on a daring display as she took to the runway on the second day of Australian Fashion Week.

Imogen, who previously dated radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands, concealed her head beneath a unique green headpiece with a sheer panel to see out of.

She completed her look with a silver metallic chain bra and cut-toe black kitten heels.

An unprecedented amount of bare skin was on display this fashion season. 

Models walking for Carla Zampatti, FDS: The Innovators, Romance Was Born, Third Form, Karla Špetić, and more found themselves showing it all off on the runway.

Designers seemed to hero racy, lacy looks that stunned on a catwalk but would turn heads and draw whispers on the street. 

Sara Marta’s intricate designs wowed the audience with the attention to detail and delicate embroidery, and the same can be said for Carla Zampatti’s deep sage lace dress.

Similarly, Third Form’s gold sequined dress left nothing to the imagination. 

The 1980s and early 2000s trend of bubble skirts has made a comeback – and it has also dragged baby clothes back from the depths of everyone’s closets.

The bubble hem was embraced by Acler, Rory William Docherty, and Romance Was Born.

Designer Bella Davies from FDS: The Innovators went all out with dressing models in an eye-catching but strangely infantilised garb – the bubble skirts doubling as ‘diapers’ as some attendees observed. 

The collection favoured monochrome looks and instead went all-out on textures and shapes using lace, tulle, silk, satin, and more.

The FDS runway also turned heads with particularly shocking looks by EWOL.

Models Hollywould Star and Imogen Anthony strutted side-by-side in looks seemingly inspired by the ocean with sparkling coral-like embellishments. 

Star was in a vibrant full-sleeved aqua dress with lilac legwarmers, metallic add-ons, and bright blue Nike basketball shoes.

On the other hand, Anthony favoured a sheer bodice with similar coral-like embellishments and a matching headpiece.

A fan likened the looks to ‘leftover Christmas tinsel’ on social media.

A peculiar trend saw Karla Špetić drawing attention to undergarments. 

The accomplished designer’s collection saw various looks where a seemingly ‘normal’ base outfit was elevated using bras and panties.

Models sported black mini skirts with a delicate pair of white panties sewn onto the front and white full-sleeve mini dresses with prints of a blue lingerie set stealing the show.

The scandalous collection could call attention to the rich and intricate layers under everyday clothes – and one look even saw a long, black skirt as the background for a white, lacy garter belt with stockings.

All in all, fashion week’s magnificent display drew the attention of thousands who could not take their eyes off the catwalk.

While it’s common for designers to play off each other and emerging trends in the industry, each show offered attendees a unique dose of exhilaration with each look that debuted on the runway.