{"id":534970,"date":"2025-09-24T12:10:04","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T02:10:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/?p=534970"},"modified":"2025-09-24T12:10:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T02:10:10","slug":"luxury-has-no-business-at-the-brownlow-medals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/luxury-lifestyle\/luxury-has-no-business-at-the-brownlow-medals","title":{"rendered":"Luxury Has No Business At The Brownlow Medals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Every September, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afl.com.au\/brownlow-medal\" target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brownlow Medal<\/a> rolls out the red carpet for a night billed as Australia\u2019s answer to the Oscars. AFL players comb their mullets and swap their guernseys for tuxedos (and in the case of Bailey Smith, don a pair of questionable sunnies), inviting their good-looking spouses to what many consider to be the biggest night of they year. <\/p><p>The Brownlow, of course, will never be the pinnacle of global fashion. It is not the Oscars. It is not the ESPYs. And frankly, luxury has no business being there.<\/p><p>It\u2019s not like in America, where its athletes live in a culture built for spectacle. The NBA, NFL and, of course, Hollywood all thrive on showmanship; their image is as much a part of the product as the sport itself. <\/p><p>A rookie can step onto the ESPYs carpet wearing Rolex or Cartier and look perfectly at home because they have been trained for this moment since college. Their trajectory in the sporting world is defined by the player\u2019s brand off the court as much as their careers on it. <\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-1370465779\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_1981175365 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_1981175365 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[300,250],[320,100],[320,180],[336,280],[640,360]],\"incontent-1370465779\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_1981175365.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-1370465779\");});};adsQueue.push(load_1981175365);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-534987\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6.png 828w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6-640x427.png 640w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6-255x170.png 255w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-6-480x320.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 400px, (max-width: 640px) 600px, (max-width: 768px) 700px, (min-width: 769px) 800px, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bailey Smith grabbed the headlines for his questionable choice of eyewear. Image: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Australian Rules football, by contrast, grew out of suburban paddocks. It\u2019s a culture that\u2019s been shaped by pie stands and beer-soaked terraces at the MCG. The athletes are not bred as celebrities. They are bred as footballers.<\/p><p>So, when a lot of these guys step onto the Brownlow carpet, it is often the first time they have worn a tuxedo. And it shows. Oversized lapels. Too-shiny shoes. Borrowed Rolexes. Suits that look closer to Year 12 formals than genuine fashion statements.<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-2099669700\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_2029966959 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_2029966959 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-2099669700\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_2029966959.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-2099669700\");});};adsQueue.push(load_2029966959);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <p>Now this isn\u2019t to say it\u2019s a failure on the part of the players, it\u2019s simply the nature of the event. For me, it should still be unapologetically Australian. A celebration of the sport and the culture that surrounds it, not a global luxury showcase. <\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-534984\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-5.png 810w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-5-640x360.png 640w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-5-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-5-255x144.png 255w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-5-480x270.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 400px, (max-width: 640px) 600px, (max-width: 768px) 700px, (min-width: 769px) 800px, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matt Rowell wins the Brownlow Medal for AFL\u2019s best player of 2025. Image: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>The AFL has an audience most labels would kill for. It\u2019s mainstream, loyal and willing to follow what their heroes wear. This is one of the few events that captures the attention of a national audience, dominating headlines more than any NRL event could. <\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-1926336144\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_796197817 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_796197817 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-1926336144\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_796197817.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-1926336144\");});};adsQueue.push(load_796197817);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <p>There\u2019s an opportunity for the league and its players to support Australian designers and makers, walking the carpet in tailoring from Arthur Galan, Calibre and P. Johnson.<\/p><p>Partners could wear gowns from Dion Lee or Toni Maticevski. RM Williams boots could replace generic patent shoes. Local jewellers and watchmakers could stand beside the big internationals for once. Instead the event continues to chase the gloss of overseas glamour. <\/p>    <div class=\"content-subscribe\">\n        <div class=\"subscribe-box\">\n            <p class=\"subscribe-title\">Curated news for men, <br\/>delivered to your inbox.<\/p>\n            <form class=\"subscribe-form\" method=\"POST\">\n                <div class=\"subscribe-input\">\n                    <label class=\"screen-reader-text\" for=\"subscribe-email\">Email:<\/label>\n                    <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" id=\"subscribe-email\" placeholder=\"Enter your email\" required class=\"form-control\" autocomplete=\"on\" \/>\n                    <button type=\"submit\" class=\"button button-primary subscribe-button\">Sign Up<\/button>\n                    <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"source\" value=\"article\" \/>\n                    <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"_wpnonce\" name=\"_wpnonce\" value=\"e2df992756\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/534970\" \/>                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"form-result\"><\/div>\n            <\/form>\n            <p class=\"subscribe-copy\">Join the DMARGE newsletter \u2014 Be the first to receive the latest news and exclusive stories on style, travel, luxury, cars, and watches. Straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <p>The organisers can continue pretending the Brownlow belongs in the same category as the Oscars, or it can use the platform to strengthen Australian fashion, its brands and designs.<\/p>                <div class=\"row row-center collapse\">\n                    <div class=\"column\">\n                        <div class=\"dmg-ad\"><div id=\"incontent-633916277\" class=\"ad-container\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var load_1611285605 = function () {googletag.cmd.push(function () {var slot_1611285605 = googletag.defineSlot(\"\/1017963\/DMarge\/incontent\",[[250,250],[300,100],[300,250],[320,100],[336,280]],\"incontent-633916277\").addService(googletag.pubads()).setTargeting('refresh', 'true');if (gamData && gamData.sizeMap && gamData.sizeMap.hasOwnProperty('incontent')) {slot_1611285605.defineSizeMapping(gamData.sizeMap['incontent']);}googletag.display(\"incontent-633916277\");});};adsQueue.push(load_1611285605);<\/script><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"862\" height=\"575\" src=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-7.png\" alt=\"Isaac Heeney AFL Swans tuxedo\" class=\"wp-image-534992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-7.png 862w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-7-640x427.png 640w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-7-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-7-255x170.png 255w, https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-7-480x320.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 400px, (max-width: 640px) 600px, (max-width: 768px) 700px, (min-width: 769px) 800px, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">We were big fans of Isaac Heeney\u2019s all-black tux, it must be said. Image: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Of course, part of the reason why these brands are popping up is due to Australian\u2019s continued love affair with the glitz and glam that surrounds sport. Look at the resurgence of Australian Grand Prix attendance figures, and the litany of events that follow, and tell me I\u2019m wrong.<\/p><p>But alongside the pageantry and fanfare of Australian sport, the Brownlow can send the message that it supports the industry\u2019s that continue to support them. Giving that stage to local designers would carry more weight than placing a borrowed Rolex on a footballer\u2019s wrist. Support Australian craft. Celebrate Australian culture. And leave the Hollywood glamour to those who live it.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Brownlow Medal is the biggest event of the AFL calendar, so why does it not champion local Australian brands?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":534995,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[146501],"tags":[],"coauthors":[146525],"class_list":{"0":"post-534970","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-luxury-lifestyle"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/534970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=534970"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/534970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":534996,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/534970\/revisions\/534996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/534995"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=534970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=534970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=534970"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmarge.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=534970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}