Former foreign minister Julie Bishop has set tongues wagging in what’s possibly her wildest look yet — a truly jaw-dropping leopard-print dress.
Australian Fashion Week launched just three days ago in Sydney, and while we were impressed with Julie’s looks on Monday and Tuesday, the 64-year-old definitely took things up a notch for day three.
Pictured at the First Nations Fashion + Design show at Carriageworks in Sydney’s Eveleigh, Julie posed up a storm in the figure-hugging leopard-print midi-dress, which flattered her trim frame. The boldly patterned outfit also featured a notable sheen, giving off a leather-like wet look. While it’s unclear who the designer is, the outfit no doubt turned many heads at the event.
With long sleeves, a high neck and knee-length hemline, the fierce look proved to everyone that you don’t need to tone things down in the style department as you get older.
The statement dress needed only a few simple accessories, and Julie added diamond-studded gold drop earrings, a pair of black stilettos and black tights. For make-up, Julie rarely puts a foot wrong and this was no different. Opting for a minimal, natural look that let the dress have the spotlight, she wore a light dewy foundation with a hint of blush and a nude lipstick.
Julie styled her blonde tresses in a low bun, which made for a more sleek appearance than on Tuesday, when she wore her hair down. Her look on Wednesday was indeed a far cry from her outfit the day prior. On Tuesday, Julie wore a pattered silk wrap dress by designer Ginger & Smart. She accessorised the beautiful maxi-dress with statement Christian Louboutin heels, a long beige coat and simple drop earrings.
On Monday, Julie opted for a far more classic outfit, proving that you can never go wrong by keeping things simple. The stunning look paired navy-blue trousers with a see-through matching navy lace top with bell sleeves. She finished off the outfit with some heels and a pair of shimmering drop earrings, and wore her hair in an elegant up-style.
Before the festivities kicked off, Julie paid tribute to her good friend, style icon Carla Zampatti, who sadly passed away on April 3. Carla died at the age of 78, after a tragic fall down a staircase at the opening performance of Opera Australia’s La Traviata in Sydney. The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-nine spent a week at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital before her passing.
“Carla Zampatti’s designs reflected the woman she was,” Julie said, The Australian reports. “A fashion designer par excellence, she influenced, indeed defined, Australian fashion for decades with her sophisticated-yet-practical style.”
Since stepping away from politics, Julie has become one of our go-to fashion gurus. All three of her looks this week are the perfect example of elegant-yet-modern dressing for women over 60, proving that you can go bold or simple while still looking sexy and incredibly stylish.