Last night, Canberra put on the glitz and the glam for the Midwinter Ball.
The political equivalent of the Logies, attendees put aside their policy views (and presumably also the fact that it was actually the last day of winter) and put on their black tie best to raise money for charity.
Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop cemented her place as undisputed queen of the night, wearing a black ballgown by Sydney designer Rachel Gilbert.
Simple, elegant and wearing a pair of statement earrings, Bishop gave us all a lesson in how to nail a formal dress code.
Bishop has long been a fervent fashion lover and supporter of our local industry.
Watch: Throwback to another black tie event – the Met Gala. Post continues after video.
She wasn’t the only one to bring polish to a political event. Lucy Turnbull was also flying the flag for Aussie designers in a black and gold jacquard-style Ellery number she purchased last year.
“It’s pretty trendy isn’t it. Not on me it’s not but it’s very cool. She’s a great designer,” she told Fairfax Media.
Chloe Shorten, wife of opposition leader Bill, brought colour to the night in a pinky-red strapless number.
Arriving with Derryn Hinch, Jacquie Lambie (or ‘Jerryn’ as the pair have now been dubbed) proved you don’t need to spend big bucks to get a black-tie worthy outfit.
She told Fairfax Media her red dress was bought from a local dress shop in Burnie, Tasmania for around $150.
And she found beauty inspiration for the night in the most surprising of places, opting for “Kim Kardashian hair and lashes.”
“Thankfully I had some help with that. If I did it myself I’d look like a panda,” she said.
We’re still waiting on confirmation of whether Bill Shorten was channeling Kanye West with his get-up.
Top Comments
Julie Bishop stridently criticised Julia Gillard for her agreeing to feature in a womens magazine, looking stunning. Bishop said sanctimoniously that she was in parliament to work, not be a fashion plate. Look at her now, super duper new pearly white teeth, all wrinkles and saggy facial bits have disappeared, and a different dedigner outfit for every single day of the week.
Really? I think a ball, which Gillard dressed up for as well, is completely different than a magazine or everyday wear. Some people are so desperate to knock a pollie, they don't stop to think they are being ridiculous.
Good on Julie Bishop for proving that even though she is 60, a woman can still look fabulous.
I think they were referring to the magazine shot Bishop did with Vouge last year rather than the ball.
I thought she looked the best out of all of them! Lucy Turnbull is a style icon!