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MasterChef Star Ditches Kitchen for Runway

BBG News

This week, Melissa Leong has announced an unexpected change in her professional path, transitioning from the culinary world to the runway as she strides onto the catwalk.

As a seasoned culinary artist, formerly gracing the stage of MasterChef Australia, I am thrilled to announce my first stride onto the catwalk during Australian Fashion Week – a momentous step for me, as shared by The Daily Telegraph this past weekend.

A well-known food enthusiast, recognized for captivating appearances, is set to strut on the runway for Gary Bigeni’s long-standing collaboration, Dance Bigeni, Dance.

The Sydney-based designer told the publication the collection would pay homage to movement.

‘It’s about showing up with confidence, in colour, in shape, in spirit – for you first,’ he said.

Growing up with a disability has made color and shape particularly resonant for me. They’ve served as sources of delight, self-definition, and artistic outlet throughout my life.

Gary has a hearing disability and has worn hearing aids since birth.

On previous occasions, the food enthusiast and style maven have teamed up, often with Gary orchestrating the stylish outfits that she donned on MasterChef.

In fact, the designer has named two dresses after the celebrity chef.

In the year 2021, Gary gave a name to a hand-painted tie-dye maxi dress she had worn on the show, which quickly sold out after its appearance on the popular Channel Ten series. She named it ‘Melissa.’

Then, in 2024, Gary unveiled a new dress called the Leong, also in honour of his ‘muse’.

‘Melissa Leong muse wearing this bias cut silk dress hand painted by me,’ Gary wrote at the time. 

As an ardent admirer, let me share a bit about Style Leong – a brand that’s deeply committed to our environment. You see, every piece we create is carefully crafted using leftover materials, or “dead stock,” as it’s called in the industry, to minimize waste and preserve our precious planet.

And here’s something truly special: This brand was named after Melissa Leong, a beacon of inspiration for me and countless others. It’s our way of expressing gratitude for her love, support, and all she represents – a shining example of resilience, creativity, and passion.

In an interview with Refinery29 back in 2022, Gary shared that he had a pre-existing relationship with Melissa, well before her television appearances showcasing his designs.

‘She’s always been a big supporter and a she’s a muse as well,’ he said. 

‘She represents my [idea of] diversity – she represents real women to me and she’s very authentic.’

He stated, “In reality, she’s just as authentic as she appears on television. She doesn’t put on an act or pretend to be someone else.

In the year 2023, there was a question mark over the reasons for Melissa’s departure from MasterChef Australia, as rumors swirled regarding a possible conflict with her previous co-host, Andy Allen.

2022 saw reports emerge about strained relationships behind the scenes between Melissa and staff from Ten’s collaborating partner Endemol Shine, which eventually led to her absence from the MasterChef Australia cast.

She surprised fans by announcing her exit on Instagram a day prior to the network’s 2024 Upfronts presentations.

At that point, Melissa expressed that she had been looking forward to the transition, and she was thrilled to make it happen on her own accord, which she did today.

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2025-05-10 02:34

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