Labor MP Anne Aly has thrown down the gauntlet to Foreign Minister (and unofficial Minister for Fashion) Julie Bishop, by starring in a fashion show during day two of Fashion Week Australia in Sydney.
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As Bishop, who coined the term "fashion diplomacy" and is a patron of the Australian Fashion Chamber, was out running with diplomats during a Heads of Mission visit to Cairns, Aly graced the catwalk at Carriageworks in Thomas Puttick's show.
The counter-terrorism expert was a star in the diverse cast of models that featured other women of varying ages, cultural backgrounds and sizes. All models donated their appearance fee to White Ribbon.
Puttick simply "asked" Aly to participate in his first Fashion Week outing which showcased his ethical and sustainable designs.
His years spent as an underling at the houses of Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen and Helmut Lang were noticeable thanks to his clean lines, neutral palette and luxurious fabrics.
Fashion Week veteran Alice McCall took a lighter approach with cobweb lace dresses, her famous ruffles and more feathers than a chicken coop.
A $2000 ostrich feather jacket and a number of feathery clutch purses that looked like docile poodles were highlights – as was her take on gothic brocade and metallic dresses. Whatever the weather, come spring time McCall wants her customers to be dressing like Big Bird's cousin, albeit one that has moved out of Sesame Street and in with Edie Bouvier Beale.
"The florals are faded to the brink of death," McCall said. "You know? Like a lovely rose in its last days, it's about to wilt but it smells so heady. There is no sugar without spice."
New menswear label Justin Cassin also caused a stir – thanks in part to the rumoured $100,000 that was paid to Australian-born emerging supermodel Jordan Barrett who opened and closed the show.
But the real drama was off the catwalk and in the front row as Today co-host Karl Stefanovic stepped out with his new girlfriend, Jasmine Yarbrough. It's the first time the pair have been (knowingly) photographed since their relationship was made public back in February.
The couple were in attendance to support model Christian Wilkins, son of Richard Wilkins, who was making his Fashion Week debut on the catwalk.
Fashion Week Australia continues on Tuesday with sisters and emerging fashion stars macgraw set to showcase after swimwear label Katama launches with a splash at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool.
