From emerging young models to world-class couture, Sydney’s Best Dressed 2026 delivered a vibrant afternoon of fashion, beauty and entertainment.
There are fashion events that simply showcase clothes, and then there are events that create a genuine sense of occasion. Sydney’s Best Dressed 2026 firmly belonged in the second category.
Presented by MS Entertainment Network, the 2026 edition brought together emerging models, young fashion talent, established industry personalities, Australian designers and international couture houses for an energetic celebration of style and creativity. The event successfully combined the glamour of a fashion showcase with the excitement of a modelling competition, creating a program that felt both polished and accessible.
And importantly, it never forgot what fashion events are ultimately about: the people wearing the clothes.

A STRONG RETURN FOR MINI MISS MODEL OF THE YEAR
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the return of the Sydney’s Best Dressed Mini Miss Model of the Year competition.
The young contestants brought an impressive combination of confidence, personality and stage presence to the runway, with Sunny, Ebony, Amelia, Georgia, Valentina, Virinnia, Zoe and Arabella competing for the coveted title.
What made the competition particularly enjoyable was the individuality of the contestants. Rather than simply presenting a parade of identical poses, the young models brought their own personalities to the runway, demonstrating confidence and enthusiasm while embracing the theatrical side of fashion.
For a competition designed to give young talent a platform, it succeeded beautifully.
CELEBRATING THE SYDNEY’S BEST DRESSED AWARDEES
The event also recognised an impressive group of Sydney’s Best Dressed award recipients.
This year’s awardees were Cataleya, Macey, Grace, Kathy, Sophia, Anishka, Chloe, Emma, Clarissa, Sophia Choy, Halle, Caroline, Zara, Eliza, Analieze and Sakshi.
The award presentations added another layer to the afternoon, celebrating individuals whose confidence, style and presence made them stand out.
Rather than simply treating fashion as clothing, Sydney’s Best Dressed presented style as a form of self-expression — something particularly important when showcasing younger and emerging talent.
FOUR DESIGNERS BRING FOUR DISTINCTIVE VISIONS
The designer showcases were another major highlight.
Representing Australia, Villoni and House of Catherine brought their distinctive approaches to the Sydney runway, demonstrating the creativity and diversity of Australia’s fashion scene.
The international dimension was provided by two designers travelling from Manila, Philippines — Imperial Couture and Armhand Remojo.
Their involvement elevated the event beyond a conventional local fashion showcase and strengthened its connection with the international Filipino fashion community.
The combination of Australian and Filipino designers created an interesting contrast of aesthetics and demonstrated just how naturally different fashion cultures can complement one another on the same runway.
ARMHAND REMOJO’S 36-YEAR LEGACY
Among the international designers, Armhand Remojo was particularly notable.
With an extraordinary 36-year legacy in the fashion industry, Armhand has established himself as a respected name within Filipino fashion.
His career has been recognised with accolades including Natatanging Anak ng Lucena 2018, as well as recognition as an Entrepreneur by the Department of Education in Baguio City in 2006.
His appearance at Sydney’s Best Dressed provided audiences with an opportunity to experience a designer whose career represents decades of dedication to fashion, creativity and Filipino artistry.
A JUDGING PANEL WITH SERIOUS INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
The event’s judging panel brought together an impressive cross-section of the fashion, entertainment, modelling and media industries.
Sue Turner, CEO of GEM Models and Global Elite Media Group, brought extensive experience in modelling and talent development, with a focus on creating opportunities for talent on the international stage.
Tania Shackleton, Miss Earth Australia – Air 2025, added her experience as an advocate for environmental awareness, sustainability and positive change.
Tammy Bartaia, an internationally recognised actress, television presenter and author, contributed her extensive entertainment industry experience.
Karenza De Leon, an award-winning model, radio host, educator and community advocate, brought an impressive pageant background to the panel, including her titles of Miss Charity Australia 2023 and Miss Philippines Australia 2024, as well as her experience as a Miss Universe Philippines 2025 delegate.
Rounding out the panel was internationally acclaimed photographer Pedro Virgil, whose career includes work associated with Caribbean’s Next Top Model, Australia’s Next Top Model and Project Runway Australia, with his photography appearing in publications including GQ, Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, FHM and StarCentral Magazine.
It was a panel capable of assessing far more than appearance, bringing perspectives on confidence, presentation, professionalism, personality and the realities of working within the fashion industry.
BELLA DELA CRUZ KEEPS THE SHOW MOVING
A fashion event with multiple competitions, designer showcases, and award presentations needs a host who can maintain momentum, and Bella Dela Cruz did a great job as MC.
Her presence helped keep the afternoon moving while allowing the models, designers, and awardees to remain the focus.
The strongest MCs understand that the role isn’t about taking over the show — it’s about connecting all the different pieces.
Bella achieved that balance effectively.
MS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK’S CONTINUING LEGACY
Behind the event was MS Entertainment Network, founded in 2015 by Maryrose Salubre.
The production company has developed a reputation for creating events centred around fashion, beauty, culture and achievement, with productions including the Australian Golden Sash Awards, Sydney’s Best Dressed, World’s Best Dressed, Mrs Universe Official and Miss Australasia Official.
Sydney’s Best Dressed 2026 feels like a natural extension of that work.
The event understands that pageantry and fashion can provide genuine opportunities for emerging talent, particularly when they are combined with experienced industry professionals, established designers and media exposure.
THE STAR CENTRE CONNECTION
The event also had a strong connection with StarCentral Magazine, including Sydney’s Best Dressed Cover Star Grace Tione,. The July issue celebrated highlights from the 2026 Philippine International Festival, with Eman Reccio, Bella Dela Cruz and Karenza De Leon also featured as cover stars.
That connection between the event, media and international fashion communities further demonstrates how Sydney’s fashion scene continues to build bridges with talent and creative industries beyond Australia.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE SUPPORTERS
The success of an event like Sydney’s Best Dressed depends heavily on its sponsors and partners, and the organisers deserve recognition for bringing together a strong network of supporters.
Special thanks go to Jay Bilgaer Photography, Kristina’s Klassic Beauties, Twinkle Toes Pageants, Dave Choo Photography, TV6 Network, Sassy & Co, Model & Mode, Australian Golden Sash Academy and House of Catherine.
Their involvement helped provide the platform for the contestants, designers and awardees to take centre stage.
THE FINAL VERDICT
Sydney’s Best Dressed 2026 succeeds because it understands that a fashion event should be more than a succession of runway walks.
It should create memories.
It should give emerging talent a chance to be seen.
It should celebrate designers.
It should connect different cultures.
And, above all, it should make people want to dress up, step onto the runway and dream a little bigger.
From the infectious enthusiasm of the Mini Miss Model of the Year contestants to the confidence of the Sydney’s Best Dressed awardees, the creativity of the four designers and the expertise of the judging panel, there was plenty to celebrate.
The international participation from Imperial Couture and Armhand Remojo added an important global dimension, while the presence of established Australian designers Villoni and House of Catherine ensured the event remained firmly connected to the local fashion community.
For an afternoon dedicated to style, confidence and creativity, Sydney’s Best Dressed 2026 delivered.
It was glamorous without losing its sense of fun, ambitious without forgetting its emerging talent, and international while remaining proudly connected to Sydney.
Sydney’s Best Dressed 2026 wasn’t simply about deciding who was the best dressed. It was about celebrating everyone brave enough to step onto the runway and make a statement.




































































