Exclusive: Gerard Butler leads the guest list at Piper-Heidsieck’s Australian Open soirée

Hollywood star Gerard Butler was in town while filming his latest movie Empire City in Melbourne and attended alongside producer Alan Siegel and longtime partner Morgan Brown. Gerard leaned into relaxed European tailoring, wearing a softly structured linen jacket layered over an open-neck white shirt and loose-fit trousers, finished with clean white sneakers. Alan opted for a black leather jacket worn over a slate-blue polo and dark trousers while Morgan embraced understated, sun-soaked elegance in a cream pinstriped sleeveless vest and matching wide-leg trousers, accessorised with a woven hat and tan shoulder bag.

Mia Savio made a striking statement in a rich chocolate-brown, floor-length gown with sleek side cut-outs that highlighted the dress’s sculptural silhouette. The fiancée of Italian tennis star Matteo Arnaldi, she told me she was excited to watch him play later in the tournament – with Monday’s match against Andrey Rublev looming large. With a wedding in Italy planned for September, it’s shaping up to be an amazing year on and off the court for the couple.

Neighbours co-stars Kate Connick and Tim Kano arrived together, striking a beautifully coordinated balance between relaxed and refined. Kate – the daughter of music icon Harry Connick Jr. and model Jill Goodacre – opted for a sleeveless white midi dress with a softly gathered waist. She finished the look with delicate strappy heels and natural makeup, keeping things unfussy and modern. Tim complemented her perfectly in fluid black trousers, a white tank and an open lightweight shirt, his look leaning into understated tailoring with a relaxed edge – ideal for an evening that flowed from cabaret to courtside seating.

Fashion designer Rochelle Gregory and model Phoebe Chakarian leaned into the evening’s deep red palette with contrasting but complementary looks. Rochelle opted for a sheer, patterned blouse layered over black tailoring and knee-high boots, striking the perfect balance between edgy and elegant. Phoebe paired a structured crimson corset-style top with relaxed black trousers, finishing the look with soft waves. 

Jaggad co-founder Michelle Greene kept things classic in tailored beige trousers paired with a Burberry check shirt, accessorised with a structured white handbag and gold jewellery – refined and timeless. Beside her, son Beau went relaxed and contemporary in a pale blue short-sleeve button-down and dark trousers, the look finishing clean and unfussy. 

Model Tayla T made a sleek statement in a floor-length ivory gown with dramatic low sides and a fluid, body-skimming silhouette. The minimalist cut highlighted clean lines and bare skin, giving the look a modern, fashion-forward edge. Finished with delicate white heels, her pared-back styling felt elegant and confident.

Australian actor Brett Tucker cut a polished yet relaxed figure in a tailored denim shirt teamed with dark trousers, striking the perfect balance between casual and refined. The look felt deliberately understated – clean lines, no excess – allowing his natural confidence to do the talking.

A burst of old-school glamour filled the Piper-Heidsieck Salon as feathered cabaret dancers delivered a high-energy performance in classic showgirl style. Dressed in vibrant red costumes with dramatic headpieces and sweeping plumes, they transformed the intimate space into a theatrical moment, setting an indulgent, celebratory tone for the night ahead before guests made their way courtside.