Fans tear apart Carrie Bickmore and Melissa Leong's fashion choices at NGV Gala

In Australia, entertainment personalities Carrie Bickmore and Melissa Leong faced backlash for their fashion choices during the 2024 NGV Gala held in Melbourne. Carrie opted for an extravagant and sheer tulle gown designed by Paolo Sebastian, which she wore over a corset, enhancing her look with bold statement earrings and striking artistic makeup. While Carrie seemed to embrace the attention with playful poses on the red carpet, observers were quick to voice their disappointment regarding both her and Melissa's unique styles. They described their looks as 'tragic' and 'comical', with calls for a stylist change to improve their fashion sense. The criticism came flooding in through social media where fans expressed their disbelief at the fashion choices of the two celebrities. Comments such as 'Oh goodness! What is fashion going to these days?!' illustrated the shock among followers who had once admired their style. Another user bluntly remarked, 'Carrie looks simply tragic,' while others echoed sentiments that Melissa Leong's appearance was more of a comedic incident than a fashionable statement. The reaction set off a debate about modern fashion trends and whether they align with traditional standards of beauty and style. Despite the criticisms, the event offered a platform for both celebrities to showcase their personal fashion aesthetics. However, the overwhelming response from fans has revealed an ongoing struggle within the industry concerning acceptable red carpet looks. Public figures often experiment with extravagant styles, which can lead to polarizing opinions that impact their public image. The backlash against Carrie Bickmore and Melissa Leong highlights the challenges celebrities face in maintaining their fashion appeal. With Bickmore recently coming out of a long-term relationship and Ben Thomas, her co-star on HIT FM, being the subject of romance rumors, this public scrutiny is especially significant. As Bickmore and Leong navigate their careers, the criticism they face may reflect broader cultural shifts in fashion expectations and the pressures of maintaining a flawless public persona. Ultimately, the event and the subsequent feedback illustrate an ongoing dialogue about taste, individuality, and the evolving nature of fashion in contemporary society.