PM’s partner Jodie Haydon wears fairytale gown by SA designer Paolo Sebastian

Australia’s “first lady” Jodie Haydon wore Paolo Sebastian to the White House. Find out how the SA brand got the gig here.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s partner Jodie Haydon is flying the flag for South Australian fashion on the world stage, shining in a Paolo Sebastian gown at a White House state dinner.

The fairytale dress was created by the couture house’s founder, Paul Vasileff, who was the Young Australian of the Year in 2017.

Jodie Haydon and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden before the Grand Staircase ahead of a state dinner at the White House in Washington, DC. Picture: Brendan Smialowski / AFP

The Nebbia blue asymmetrical tulle gown’s custom-designed hand embroidery showcased Australia native flora and fauna such as wattle and kookaburras.

South Australia’s floral emblem, the Sturt’s desert pea, also featured.

A sketch of Jodie Haydon’s Paolo Sebastian gown. Picture: Meaghan Coles

The gown being hand made. Picture: Meaghan Cole

“It’s a huge honour,” Vasileff told The Advertiser, adding: “I feel very honoured and humbled that we were selected for such an important occasion.”

The appointment came about after Vogue editorial director and publisher Edwina McCann recommended Paolo Sebastian.

“She said (to Ms Haydon), ‘You have to speak to Paul’,” Vasileff said.

Paul Vasileff at Paolo Sebastian’s Adelaide atelier. Picture: Supplied

Paul Vasileff and Edwina McCann. Picture: Brenton Edwards

While Ms Haydon and Vasileff initially met over Zoom, she visited Paolo Sebastian’s Adelaide atelier in Gouger St for a private fitting.

With Mr Albanese opting for a slim-fit black tuxedo, he and Ms Haydon posed alongside US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the red carpet at the White House.

\Jodie Haydon and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Picture: Brendan Smialowski / AFP

Thrilled to see photographs from the event, Vasileff he was proud to have represented SA and Australia.

“We are showcasing to the world what Australian fashion is about and what we are capable of,” he said.

Jodie Haydon’s gown. Picture: Meaghan Coles

Detail of the gown. Picture: Meaghan Coles

Vasileff’s design wasn’t the only SA presence; Australian of the Year, body positive activist Taryn Brumfitt was also among the 350 guests at the black-tie affair, along with rapper Kid Laroi, who attended Sacred Heart College at Somerton Park.

Ms Haydon’s gown was handmade at Paolo Sebastian’s Adelaide atelier.

One of Australia’s leading designers, Vasileff, who has collaborated with Disney, has dressed celebrities including Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Rebel Wilson, and royalty; Zara Tindall wore Paolo Sebastian at an SA state dinner.

Katy Perry wearing Paolo Sebastian. Picture: Supplied

Kellie Finlayson at the Brownlows. Picture: Graham Denholm

Vasileff’s couture has also been worn by Power WAG Kellie Finlayson.

The wife of Port Adelaide player Jeremy Finlayson, who uses her profile to raise awareness of bowel cancer and help others while she fights the disease, donned Paolo Sebastian at last month’s Brownlow Medal ceremony in Melbourne.

Paul and Anna Vasileff on their wedding day. Picture: Dan Evans Photography

When Vasileff tied the knot earlier this year, in a fairytale wedding at Petwood’s Mandalay House, his now wife Anna wore no less than three stunning Paolo Sebastian creations.