Sydney designer Velani took a lot of inspiration from Italian fashion house Schiaparelli when she designed model Hannah Dal Sasso’s frock for Glamour on the Grid last week.
The former tennis WAG turned heads in a dramatic gown as she arrived at the annual Formula One party in Melbourne last Wednesday.
However, the eye-catching strapless black dress with deep blue satin skirt she wore looked almost identical to a recent Schiaparelli creation.
Russian model Tatiana Korsakova slipped into the original design for the BAFTA Awards in February.
Velani, owned by Nicky Apostolopoulos, made subtle changes to the design, opting for a velvet corset and a darker blue skirt, but the inspiration was undeniable.
‘We’re all inspired by overseas designers,’ she told Confidential.
Sydney designer Velani was busted ripping off Italian fashion house Schiaparelli when her client Hannah Dal Sasso (left) stepped out in a knock-off frock at Glamour on the Grid
‘Hannah loved the gown, I did suggest making some changes.
‘We didn’t do a bow, instead we did a knot, we made the bodice more black and she didn’t wear gloves.
‘I love blue and black so I suggested that and it just happened that we had a fitting the day after the BAFTAS, and we saw the blue and black version on the red carpet.
‘It was a beautiful gown and I think we did the original credit.’
Nicky went on to say taking inspiration from other designers ‘doesn’t make it copying or stealing’, adding it was a one-off custom design for Hannah.
‘What do you do? Say, “Oh sorry, I can’t make you a dress because it’s a Schiaperelli gown?”‘she said.
‘Yes, it was a wonderful influence and I’m not going to sit there and say I designed the gown.
‘I think we did a lovely tribute, and that’s what she [Hannah] loved and I think she looked amazing.’
The former tennis WAG arrived at the Formula One party in Melbourne last Wednesday, as she turned heads in a dramatic gown with a velvet corset. Pictured with new beau Rupert McLean
Russian model Tatiana Korsakova wore the original design to the BAFTA Awards in February, walking the red carpet in a sleek sheer corset with visible boning
Hannah, who stepped out with her new beau Rupert McLean at Glamour on the Grid, paired her look with Temelli Jewellery diamonds and was styled by Paul Versace.
‘We pull inspiration from everywhere, and we try our best to change and create a new moment for everyone,’ Paul told Confidential.
‘I think Nicky did put her own take on it, and she worked really hard on that gown too.
‘What we ended up doing for Hannah was a perfect kind of aesthetic for what she wanted to wear. She looked beautiful.’
Hannah’s appearance on the red carpet in the gown came just a day after she proved she had well and truly moved on from her tennis champion ex Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The former WAG split from the professional athlete, 28, in September after maintaining a long-distance relationship with him for 18 months.
She stepped out with new boyfriend Rupert last Tuesday at the Ralph Lauren Fragrances Grand Prix event.
Rupert, who had an instant connection with the influencer, works in finance and is the son of former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Susie McLean.
The couple met one month ago through mutual friends.
‘It’s still early days but he understands and gets my job and it’s good to be able to go to events with him,’ Hannah said of the new romance.
‘We met through our friends Izzy Armitage and her sister Riley and we’re very happy, he’s amazing.’
Hannah went on to debut her match with Rupert at Glamour on the Grid, the same place she first stepped out with Thanasi in 2023.
Rupert is one of two sons, with his brother Monty, shared by Susie, 56, and her ex-husband, former St Kilda president Rod Butterss.
Meanwhile, Thanasi has sparked romance rumours with top model Paige Henry after the pair were pictured together several times in February.
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