SYDNEY was seduced into a battle of the bras yesterday, as two of the city's favourite women pushed their sexy lingerie lines.
Supermodel Elle Macpherson went head to head with former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins, the face of Lovable lingerie, last night as they both doled out advice in what to look for when buying bras.

The savvy Macpherson, 43, aimed to educate men about the joys of buying lingerie for their partners at a male-only VIP cocktail party at the Harbourside Quay restaurant last night.

"There is nothing more wonderful than someone taking the time and energy to surprise you (with lingerie), but make sure that you get the sizing right," Macpherson said.

"I think it's interesting for men to explore what they like and what they like to see a woman in. It's also about having a bit of fun with it.

"I believe men are courageous and interested and this is why I am doing this."

While the famous covergirl had the influential crowd in the palm of her hand, some men were upset there was not a single lingerie-clad woman to model the sexy range.

Ad man Siimon Reynolds expressed the disappointment of many, saying it was best to choose lingerie after seeing it on a body.

Other power players in the crowd included Seven Network director Ryan Stokes, entrepreneur Justin Hemmes and James Symond, nephew of Aussie Home Loans' John Symond.

On the other side of the city Hawkins caused a crush of excitement at Parramatta Westfield as more than 3500 shoppers flocked to see her host a fashion parade for lingerie chain Bras N Things.

Hawkins gave her advice on spending up on bras as models paraded the goods.

She said the golden rule was to indulge in lace, even if you didn't have a model figure.

"You can wear sexy underwear no matter what size you are," she said.

Hawkins admitted she still gets overwhelmed by all the attention she attracts and said she was "taken aback" by the excitement her appearance at the shopping centre caused.

Later she posed for photographs and signed autographs for almost two hours.

And while fans were breathless in their praise for the "down to earth" glamour, Hawkins revealed she still gets nervous facing a crowd.

"It's very overwhelming. I've only been doing this a little while," she confessed.

Fans began lining up an hour before Hawkins appeared at 6.45pm for a special promotional session to sell her range of bras and lingerie, Lovable.

Those who got to meet their idol were not disappointed.

"She is really nice. She was trying to take a photo for me and was just laughing because she wasn't sure how to take it," said Sophia Wang, 16, from Toongabbie.

"She is just so down to earth – like a normal person."

Earlier in the day Macpherson dropped in to her temporary "pop-up" store in Oxford St, Paddington.

"Pop-up" stores are specialty outlets that open in an otherwise vacant shop space for a limited amount of time.

Elle Macpherson Intimates Boudoir will open for two week