In Sydney’s increasingly cut-throat social hierarchy, there is one golden rule: if you’re asking who’s on the guest list, you’re probably not on it.And nowhere was that reality more apparent this week than at billionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes’ sprawling Vaucluse estate, The Hermitage, where a hand-picked collection of Australia’s most influential names gathered behind closed doors for what insiders have dubbed the city’s latest social battleground.The exclusive cocktail soirée served as the unofficial curtain raiser to Chanel’s highly anticipated Cruise 2026/27 show, a fashion spectacle that has already sent Sydney’s social set into a frenzy.The luxury French fashion house has managed to achieve what few brands can; turning a runway show into the most sought-after invitation in the country.And if Hemmes’ gathering was any indication, the competition to secure a seat has become a hot contest.Sources tell the Daily Mail the guest list at The Hermitage read less like a party invite and more like the seating chart at Australia’s power table. Justin Hemmes hosted a party at his Vaucluse estate, The Hermitage, on Wednesday night to celebrate Chanel’s first-ever fashion show in Australia on Thursday, with Margot Robbie, far right, as the guest of honour. Pictured with Hemmes and his partner Madeline Holtznagel Madeline and Margot were both decked out in Chanel outfits from the Cruise 2026/27 collection The cocktail soirée served as the unofficial curtain raiser to Chanel’s highly anticipated Cruise 2026/27 show, a fashion spectacle that has already sent Sydney’s social set into a frenzy Justin, Madeline and Margot were seen enjoying drinks on one of the property’s balconies The trio were seen having a highly animated conversation Among those spotted arriving at the harbourfront mansion were Hollywood superstar Margot Robbie, actor Joel Edgerton, Vogue Australia chief Christine Centenera and Mia Hewitt, the daughter of tennis star Lleyton Hewitt and his actress wife Bec.The Inspired Unemployed duo Matt Ford and Jack Steele were also among the carefully curated crowd, mingling alongside internationally recognised DJ and producer KSMBA, fashion figure Nathan Tito, rising basketball star Charlisse Leger-Walker, celebrated photographer Lachlan Bailey and DJ Milly Gattegno.Host Hemmes was naturally front and centre, accompanied by partner Madeline Holtznagel as guests filtered through the sandstone estate overlooking Sydney Harbour.The group were then seen dining on canapés and sipping on Chablis, with several guests puffing away on cigarettes.A noticeable contingent of talent managers, publicists and media identities were also said to be present.While Wednesday night’s guest list was enviable, the real prize remains an invitation to Chanel’s runway show on Thursday.Selected guests received an invitation so lavish it became social media content in its own right. Mia Hewitt, far left, and her bandmate were also on the guest list, as well as Faders DJ Milly Gattegno, far right Bec and Lleyton’s daughter was seen puffing away on a cigarette Fashion photographer Lachlan Bailey was seen chatting to actor Joel Edgerton and his partner, Vogue Australia chief Christine Centenera Singer KSMBA was spotted arriving at the event Nathan Tito was also on the guest list Charlisse Leger-Walker (middle left) is seen with singer Jacoténe (middle right) Justin was seen presiding over the party’s activities Sources tell the Daily Mail the guest list at The Hermitage read less like a party invite and more like the seating chart at Australia’s power tableThe package featured each invitee’s name handwritten, while nestled inside was a silver necklace adorned with a clam shell pendant that opened to reveal an engraving bearing the name of the event and a 3D dolphin tail surrounded by ripples of water.Within hours, recipients began posting their invitations online, triggering waves of speculation throughout influencer circles, fashion agencies and the Old Money set.In an era when luxury brands increasingly rely on paperless invites, Chanel’s old-school approach was hailed as prestigious. Every Instagram Story showing the necklace seemed to raise another question about who had been included and, perhaps more importantly, who hadn’t.Among the high-profile names believed to have secured coveted spots are Laura Hazzouri, Deborah Symond O’Neil, Caro Tran and Melbourne socialite Sarah Lucas.A-listers Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are also expected to attend, with Chanel ambassadors Nicole and Margot touching down at Sydney Airport on Wednesday ahead of the event.Sources say invitations were extended across a carefully balanced mix of established society identities, fashion insiders, luxury clients and a select group of content creators capable of amplifying Chanel’s message to millions. Waiters were seen handing around delectable canapés made by Hemmes’ Merivale chefs Gattegno made a stylish arrival in a plunging black velvet dress and tuxedo jacket Matt Ford from The Inspired Unemployed dressed in a light beige suit Fashion stylist Hans Hambali was also on the guest list Talent agents Dace McLuckie and Aran Michael were spotted making an entrance Katrina Israel (left) Editor of Wish magazine for The Australian is seen with Alison Veness (centre) Vogue’s editor-at-largeBut of course, every exclusive guest list creates inevitable chatter about those left standing outside the velvet rope. And this year’s Chanel rollout appears no different.Particular attention has focused on influencer and luxury designer ‘superfan’ Elle Ferguson, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most devoted Chanel collectors.The model is synonymous with the French label, regularly showcasing her Chanel handbags, jewellery and ready-to-wear pieces across social media.Yet as invitations flooded Instagram feeds this week, social observers noted Ferguson had not publicly shared an invite of her own.Whether that means she wasn’t invited, intends to attend discreetly, or simply chose not to post remains unclear.Equally intriguing is the apparent absence of Pip Edwards.The P.E Nation co-founder, long regarded as one of the country’s most photographed fashion identities, appeared to be elsewhere, attending a Zimmermann event in Melbourne on Wednesday as Chanel fever swept Sydney. Chanel’s coveted invitation featured each invitee’s name handwritten, while nestled inside was a silver necklace adorned with a clam shell pendant that opened to reveal an engraving bearing the name of the event and a 3D dolphin tail surrounded by ripples of water Influencer and luxury designer ‘superfan’ Elle Ferguson, regarded as one of Australia’s most devoted Chanel collectors and ambassadors in all but title, hasn’t yet posted her invitation Pip Edwards (pictured left with Gemma Ward and Bambi Northwood-Blyth) appeared to be elsewhere, attending a Zimmermann event in Melbourne as Chanel fever swept SydneyChanel’s Cruise 2026/27 presentation marks a rare and significant moment for Australia’s luxury landscape.The collection itself was first unveiled in Biarritz earlier this year, but Sydney has been selected to host an exclusive international staging of the show, bringing one of fashion’s most storied houses directly into the Emerald City.It is a particularly significant event as Chanel rarely brings its international runway presentations to Australia, with Sydney selected alongside cities including Miami, Singapore, Dubai and Seoul for one of its prestigious travelling shows.Chanel also hosted a private VIP event at Shelly Beach in Manly on Wednesday evening at the same time as Hemmes’ soirée.The location of the main event remains tightly guarded as guests have been instructed to keep specific details confidential.However, at the time of publishing this article, Chanel-clad socialites were spotted gathering at Barangaroo.