Some of Australia’s most influential women descended on Dawes Point in Sydney on Thursday night for the Marie Claire Women of the Year Awards.
But while their glamorous red carpet looks dominated social media, candid shots of the stars didn’t all make the cut.
Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame appeared to keep their distance — years after the pair made headlines for their apparently strained friendship.
Rumours of a rift surfaced in June 2023 when Grace appeared to scrub her Instagram profile of pictures of Brittany.
The purge included posts where she declared the former political staffer ‘a national hero’, a ‘warrior’, and ‘my friend’.
While they may have spoken inside the venue, arrival photos showed them continuing to steer clear of each other.
The Marie Claire Women of the Year Awards kicked off on Thursday night with some candid moments captured on camera. Pictured: Brittany Higgins
Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame appeared to keep their distance, a few years after the pair made headlines for their apparently strained friendship. Grace (left) is pictured chatting with Noor Aziz (centre) and George Davidson (right)
Brittany was also seen putting on a brave face with her husband David Sharaz (pictured) as they shook off their recent bankruptcy proceedings to enjoy a night out together
Brittany appeared to put on a brave face alongside her husband David Sharaz, shaking off recent bankruptcy woes for a night out together.
She arrived in a red gown loaned by Rebecca Vallance, worth an eye-popping $1,049, as she pulled her locks back into a tight low bun.
Meanwhile, David went with a classic black suit for the occasion as he was spotted fetching his wife a drink.
Elsewhere, Pip Edwards was spotted standing awkwardly on her own as she waited for the red – in this case black – carpet to free up.
The P.E Nation founder, 45, appeared lost in thought as she entertained herself while garbed in an 80s-inspired top, presumably from Maticevski.
Pip tucked the sheer red top into a pair of tight black slacks, which she paired with Christian Louboutin pumps and a designer handbag.
Pia Whitesell was also caught waiting all by herself to take photos.
The actress, 42, jetted in from her lavish LA mansion, which she shares with her millionaire husband Patrick Whitesell, to attend the annual event.
Elsewhere, Pip Edwards, 45, was spotted standing awkwardly on her own as she waited for the red — in this case black — carpet to free up
Pia Whitesell, 42, was also caught waiting all by her lonesome to take photos
The actress jetted in from her lavish LA mansion, which she shares with her millionaire husband Patrick Whitesell, to attend the annual event
The former Home and Away star was seen making friends while waiting in line for pictures before entering the event
She was garbed in a stunning classic black gown with a very high thigh-split, and was seen making friends while waiting in line for pictures before entering the event.
The annual Marie Claire Women of the Year Awards are intended to acknowledge and celebrate ‘game-changing’ women across Australia.
The ceremony recognises Australians ‘who have led with bravery, fought with passion, and inspired with creativity.
The Awards saw Australian actress Rose Byrne crowned The Icon of the year, comedian Kitty Flanagan crowned The Entertainer and fashion icon Camilla Freeman-Topper crowned The Designer.
