Gemma Ward Stuns at Sydney Awards Event

Gemma Ward cut a stylish figure this week as she stepped out for a fashion awards event in Sydney.

The famously private model, 37, led the arrivals as a litany of fashionistas turned out for the 2025 Elle Australia Next Gen Awards on Thursday.

Gemma was a vision in black for the event, wearing a sleek, form-fitting gown from designer Christopher Esber.

The $950 dress featured a sheer, ribbed short-sleeve tee bodice that showed off Gemma’s trim torso

It also boasted a high neckline and a waterfall hem silhouette, as well as a ruched maxi skirt that was gathered at the waist.

Gemma finished her look with a pair of black strappy heels.

Dialling back on the bling for the occasion, Gemma accessorised with an eye-catching diamond and liver necklace.

She left her flaxen locks down for the occasion, leaving her tousled tresses to fall over her shoulders. 

Gemma also wore a light rose shade on her lip and a dramatic smoky eye.

Fellow model Bambi Northwood-Blyth also attended the event, cutting a very glamorous figure.

Bambi, 34, wore a long, flowing dark grey gown that was embellished with glittering sequins.

The sleeveless dress, which finished past her feet, showed off Bambi’s enviably toned arms and shoulders.

Like Gemma, Bambi went for a subtle approach when it came to accessories, choosing a simple, silver chain-link bracelet.

Bambi looked chuffed to be attending the event, beaming as she happily posed for photographers. 

Former Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung also put her best sartorial foot forward.

Also a vision in black, Francesca wore a striking, custom-fitted dress from label Krzysztof.

The satin sleeveless maxi dress also boasted a striking flourish at the low neckline.

Francesca also wore a pair of chunky silver hoop earrings and accessorised with a matching black sequined bag.

Looking very much in her element as she posed for photographers, Francesca also wore a light rose shade on her lip and a subtle blush to accentuate her enviable cheekbones. 

Former Victoria’s Secret model Sarah Stephens, 35, certainly added a pop of colour to proceedings.

She put on quite a daring display in a skimpy red mini dress that showed off her well-toned legs.

The figure-hugging garment also highlighted Sarah’s ample cleavage, and she matched it with a pair of arm-length gloves that featured a quirky ‘scoop’ that encased her hands.

Meanwhile, despite her global fame, Gemma Ward has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, choosing to focus on her family and creative projects rather than the high-octane world of fashion.

She shares her children Naia, Jet, and Kirra with long-time partner David Letts and has spoken in the past about prioritising motherhood and a grounded lifestyle away from the limelight.

The sighting marks a rare public appearance for the Perth-born beauty, who now resides in Sydney and is known for her commitment to a private, beachside life.

Gemma, who became a household name in the early 2000s as part of the ‘doll-face’ model era, has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films like The Great Gatsby and The Strangers. 

She recently revealed some unexpected advice she once received from Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen. 

Of all the words of wisdom the Australian model received from the industry veteran, 45, the most surprising was: ‘Never pay for anything.’

Speaking with RUSSH, the actor revealed it wasn’t the only advice the world’s highest paid model gave her.

Gemma said the blonde beauty also spoke with her about how to style an ‘off-duty model’ look.

‘I guess there are people who play with their own personal style and then there’s the signature model off-duty look, like jeans and a t-shirt,’ Gemma said.

‘Gisele would tell me, “Only wear a T-shirt and jeans, and never pay for anything.” But I’ve always loved to experiment with style.’