Sydney vs Melbourne rivalry reignited as Toorak ‘it’ girls take on the eastern suburbs socialites at swanky fashion  dinner – but there is one noticeable absence: ‘They know how to show up’

And it all happened at the launch of Melbourne based designer Effie Kats’ new collection at the Buon Ricordo restaurant in the Sydney Suburb of Paddington.

A gaggle of Melbourne’s hottest ‘It’ girls made the trek up north for the event where they were joined by some Sydney’s most notable socialites.

The Melbourne gang included Nadia Bartel, Lindy Klim, Rozilla Russian, Sarah Lucas, Jade Kisnorbo, Lana Wilkinson, and the woman of the hour, Effie Kats.

Curiously, the doyenne of Melbourne socialites, Bec Judd, was conspicuously absent.

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Meanwhile, the Sydney contingent was represented by Bernadette Fahey, Deborah Symond O’Neil, Simone Holtznagel, Anna Heinrich, Ellie Ferguson, Montana Cox, Kate Waterhouse, Sarah Ellen and Indy Clinton.

It was somewhat of an auspicious occasion too, with the Melbourne and Sydney socialite clutches rarely seen together outside of huge events such as the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

While there was interstate mingling, both groups posed for some separate group photos.

The Melbourne contingent appeared to arrive at the event together, with Sydney based Elle Ferguson sharing a shot of the group to Instagram.

The image showed fashion influencer Rozalia , makeup artist Jade Kisnorbo, Effie, Henne designer Nadia, stylist Lana and socialite Sarah posing up a storm as they arrived.

‘The Melbourne crew know how to show up. Just WOW!’ Ellie captioned the stunning snap.

The Sydney contingent appeared to be sticking together too, with former Bachelor star Anna sharing a selfie to Instagram that showed her posing cheek to cheek with racing heiress Kate Waterhouse.

There did seem to be some interstate mingling on Anna’s feed however, with another photo showing her posing close with Sydney model Simone and Jade Kisnorbo.

The event appeared to go off with a bang, with all attendees looking as though they were having a great night out in Sydney.

TikTok star Indy Clinton looked to be having a whale of a time, beaming broadly as she exited the venue.

She put on a quirky display, shielding herself from the rain with an eye-catching children’s umbrella.

The colourful accessory was somewhat at odds with Indy’s chic fitted black dress with a cut-out at the midriff.

Nadia Bartel was dressed to the nines in a chocolate brown full length gown with a plunging, bare back.

The dress clung close to her figure before flaring off into draped skirting and also included sheer long sleeves.

Nadia chose a warm toned makeup look with lots of highlighter and a dark pink nude lip. 

The former AFL WAG was seen leaving the venue with Melbourne-based actress Sarah Ellen. 

The Neighbours actress brought out her inner goth with a pale makeup look and daring black velvet dress with a large cut out at the side and a short train.

Sarah was also spotted at the front of the venue with her pal and music collaborator Josh Kempen who rugged up in a grey beanie.

Aussie Home Loans heiress Deborah Symond O’Neil put on quite a stylish display in a stunning strapless white gown.

She left her flaxen locks down for the occasion, accessorising with some silver bling in her ears and a matching thick silver necklace.

Simone Holtznagel was also spotted leaving the venue, rugging up in a long black trench coat that finished below the knee.

She wore this over a stunning black one shoulder gown that sat close to her figure.

Bondi Pilates queen Bernadette Fahey was also all smiles leaving the star-studded event. 

She cut a chic figure in a high-neck black blouse that she wore under a smart black blazer.