Inside Pip Edwards and Julie Bishop’s secret friendship

They’re two of the most high-profile women in Australia. Now, Julie Bishop and Pip Edwards have opened up about their close bond in a revealing new joint interview.

At first glance, it seems an unlikely pairing. One is a former foreign minister (Australia’s first woman in the role) and deputy party leader, and now a university chancellor. The other is creative director and co-founder of one of the nation’s most successful activewear brands and a force in the fashion world.

And, yet, despite very different backgrounds, careers, ages and family circumstances – not to mention literally living on opposite ends of the country – Julie Bishop and Pip Edwards have forged an extremely close friendship, grounded in finding someone in each other who they trust implicitly.

So what happens when you put two of the most talked-about women in Australia in front of a microphone? We decided to find out by inviting them to sit down with Stellar for the latest episode of Something To Talk About.

‘We’ve got a lot to talk about.’ Julie Bishop and Pip Edwards. Picture: Damian Bennett for Stellar

Stellar: How did your friendship first come about?

Julie Bishop: Well, I knew of Pip through her brand in the early days of P.E. Nation [Edwards is co-founder and creative director of P.E. Nation activewear label].

Pip Edwards: And, obviously, I knew of Julie Bishop.

Julie: And then we met at a fashion awards night …

Pip: It was 2019.

Julie: I was presenting an award to P.E. Nation. I was so proud of what Pip had managed to achieve on the world stage, because as foreign minister, I’d been right into fashion diplomacy. I was firmly of the view that Australian fashion was as good as any nation’s fashion in the world, in our own way, and that it should be promoted as other commodities were.

Pip: We always see each other on the circuit, and always have the fashion shows, but it’s always little side, honest conversations.

Listen to the full interview with Julie and Pip on Something to Talk About:

Julie: We’re not talking about the fashion or the event, we’re talking about personal things. “What are you up to? What’s happening?” And we have experienced some odd moments that have become public. We’ve got a lot to talk about. I can tell you anything – I have no qualms.

Pip: The freedom to talk without having to watch your words or second guess, or “What’s the agenda?” That’s really rare in our positions, because we are two women that do get exposed. We are up for scrutiny and judgement, or admiration – whatever it is. We’ve been burnt before, so there’s always a bit of a guard. Never had it with Julie. Ever.

Julie: You’re talking to an ex-politician. [Bishop retired from politics in 2019 and has since established Julie Bishop and Partners, a boutique advisory firm. She is also Chancellor of the Australian National University.] If you want to find a friend in politics, buy a dog. There’s that side of it but this is a friendship outside my career – as such, my former career. This is passion for me. Fashion is a passion. It’s a way of life for Pip, obviously, but …

Pip: But it’s the same passion. I’ve spent nearly 25 years in the industry. Of course, you kind of grow up together with people through the industry, so there are friendships. But this one’s a bit different because there’s no competition. It’s relatable. It’s vulnerable. And she can whisper things under her breath – she basically whispers what I’m thinking.

‘If you want to find a friend in politics, buy a dog.’ Pictire: Damian Bennett for Stellar

Stellar: It’s rare to find someone with that level of trust …

Pip: It just cuts the bullsh*t. We launch straight into the chat. We don’t have to do the fluff, it’s just like, “Yeah, what’s going on here?”

Julie: When I met Pip, she exemplified everything I’d been talking about and promoting in terms of Australian fashion. She was creative, innovative, a risk-taker and a very independent, proud woman who took no prisoners. I admired her and loved her style and dynamism. And

she was just so much fun.

Pip: But that’s the thing, she’s so much fun. For a politician, it’s such a serious game, with serious leaders. Next minute, she’s like, “Oh, when I was with the Queen.” And then she’s talking about Putin. She drops these names …

Julie: I can name-drop like no other, trust me.

Stellar: Pip, did Julie’s sense of humour surprise you?

Pip: Yes.

Julie: Hadn’t I told you I was hilarious?

Julie Bishop and Pip Edwards on the cover of today’s Stellar. Picture: Stellar

An on-set catch-up for Julie Bishop and Pip Edwards. Picture: Damian Bennett for Stellar

Stellar: Julie, what surprised you when you got to know Pip?

Julie: Oh, wow. So this episode’s in 10 parts? [Laughs] She comes from a corporate background, that surprised me.

Pip: I kept that one a little bit under wraps.

Julie: I thought your story was always fashion. But she was going to be a finance/banking/legal type, and would have been a very different woman, and we would have had a very different conversation.

Pip: We would have had a very different conversation.

Julie: Pip’s always come across as somebody so zen, so relaxed, so kind of out there. Yet she is steely – has to be to achieve what you have.

Pip: But not many women really fiercely look at other women in that way, and to have a woman like Julie Bishop recognise or acknowledge and uplift, you could cry about it because it’s the wild west out there.

Julie: Pip’s resilience became apparent to me over the years. I was so proud of what you’d achieved but over time, we’ve got to know each other: the vulnerabilities, the softer side. We’ve been overseas together. We had a great time in London. We went to this amazing conference on design, architecture, fashion. I was over there speaking on the politics of fashion and [Pip was] my plus one. I walk in and immediately this woman walks up and goes, “Oh my God, it’s Pip Edwards from Australia.” The fact that she was so blown away to have Pip Edwards in this room in London – I was so proud of you. Yeah, that’s my girl.

Stellar: Outside of seeing one another at events and travelling together, how do you primarily interact? Because you’re based in different parts of the country. [Bishop lives in Perth, while Edwards is based in Sydney.]

Pip: Instagram, text message, phone, all of it.

Julie: There will be a text at the right time. This is the whole point. I don’t have to connect with Pip every day – we would drive each other crazy – but when something’s happening and I know it’s happening in her life, I’ll just send a text: You OK, babe? And that’s just enough. She can come back with a scream [emoji] for no or: Yeah, I’m fine.

Stellar: Often the moment you first have a disagreement can be an important milestone in a friendship …

Julie: I cannot imagine us disagreeing.

Pip: Nope, and you know what? There’s so much humour, so much tongue-in-cheek. I go, “Shut up, Julie!” It’s a bit like that. Sometimes I think I might joke on her too far.

Julie: I’ll remind you of that. You don’t know everybody’s real vulnerability. There might be something that is a very sore point and you wouldn’t know it, but she’d never do it maliciously. And

I would never willingly hurt Pip, or say anything that would upset her. I just don’t see that.

Pip: I think I hurt her today, though, when I said, “Stop talking.”

Julie: As if you’re the first person to ever say that to me. You just joined the queue.

PE Nation creative director and co-founder Pip Edwards has opened up about her close bond with Julie Bishop. Picture: Supplied

Julie Bishop delivering an address at The Australian National University in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Stellar: You didn’t get the famous Julie Bishop stare, though?

Julie: No, I reserve that for special occasions.

Stellar: In the wider culture we still see women being pitted against each other. We’ve all heard countless – sometimes women, but mainly men – say, “Women are their own worst enemies.” Do you think we’re getting better in how women treat each other, and how society treats female friendships?

Julie: Society has a long way to go. Of course, my political career was in very much a male-dominated environment, but whenever I did come up against another woman, it would be labelled as a “catfight”. I find that really disappointing and I don’t think that’s changed much. I also think that women’s friendships are misunderstood, although I do love some of the stories that have been coming out recently – people like Jane Fonda saying it doesn’t matter about all the men in her life, it’s the women that count; it’s her girlfriends that count. So there’s perhaps a deeper appreciation.

Pip: I think there’s a consciousness of caring more, but I do think the general vibe, sometimes it’s like everyone wants you to do well – but maybe not better than them.

Julie: Women are pitted against each other too often, and they should just rise above it, because if another woman

is not going to back you, who is? You really think that you can rely on others? Girlfriends are so important for that reinforcing of your ability, your competence. Sure, you find the right men, but it’s lovely hearing it from a girlfriend, isn’t it? Women need to be able to trust each other, too. You know, they talk about “the sisterhood”. The sisterhood can be quite toxic.

Pip: You know what I’ll say? The trust comes from really, as a woman, knowing who you are. And I think Julie and I know exactly who we are.

Julie: Strengths, weaknesses, we know it. Nobody needs to tell me.

Pip: She knows I don’t want to be her. She doesn’t want to be me. We’re good.

Stellar: One of the shared experiences you have is that you are both very high profile and are used to knowing people you have never met are making assumptions about you. But, Julie, as you alluded to earlier, there was a particular time when Pip was going through something difficult and there was a lot of negativity directed towards her. Everyone in public life has those moments – but having this shorthand between you, how do each of you feel for the other person?

Julie: I relate to the pressure that is sometimes applied to Pip as a public figure. I understand it. I don’t accept it, because often it’s unfair, but I’m also confident that she knows how to deal with it and is increasingly able to do so. In fact, the more pressure you’re under, the better you perform. I remember there was a response that you put out

at one stage to something. I thought, oh Pip, you genius, that’s perfect. You’re really showing your strength.

Pip: First and foremost, I’m actually a mother that has pretty much an adult child witnessing all of this crazy – I’ll just keep calling it the wild west. Second of all, I’m a businesswoman. Third, I’m a daughter. Fourth, I’m a friend. And then I’m Pip Edwards. That’s my reminder to people today.

Stellar: Does that support you mentioned earlier ever come in the form of more practical support? Julie, when you’re talking about that amazing comeback from Pip, I’m going to assume that was about Noosagate, when Pip found herself in the middle of the biggest story in the country at the time. I would imagine as a friend, you were thinking, OK, that’s not an easy situation.

Julie: I think I was overseas and I sent a text saying: I’m here for you, babe. But I knew she was fine. I knew she was going to be strong and able to deal. But the level of public scrutiny, I mean, the biggest story in Australia? Please.

Stellar: It was, though.

Julie: Honestly, just put it in context, people. That people’s personal, private lives can make the front page and even end up on the news. After 25 years in the public eye as a politician and beyond, I’m still astounded by what is deemed news.

Stellar: Pip, what do you think about that?

Pip: My achievement as a single mother, raised a child, run a business, stood on my own two feet – they’re things to talk about. And that’s what Julie talks about. That’s what our friendship’s based on. That’s what gives the relief from that, and it’s coming from a woman that is so important for me.

Stellar: So can I put the same question to you? Julie has also found herself in the headlines because of a relationship breakdown, and when she’s facing the media to discuss big political events, everyone wants to ask about that instead.

Pip: And herein lies our friendship, is what I’m going to say.

Stellar: Pip, you mentioned that first and foremost, you’re a mother. That can be a roadblock in some female friendships; a divide can emerge between those who have children and those who don’t. Has that been a dynamic in this friendship?

Julie: Not at all.

Pip: Not at all.

Julie: I’m a lot older than Pip, and yet.

Pip: Are you?

Julie: You think I got these lines through lack of sleep? It’s age, baby. I’m older than Pip, but that’s never been an issue. I’ve never viewed my life through the prism of having children or not having children. My girlfriends have children or don’t have children. It’s not a defining issue for me, never has been. I admire everything Pip does in raising Justice and doing what she does and running a business. I get all of that, but it’s not something that I’ve ever felt any sense of tension in the least. And I like her, so I don’t have to compartmentalise anything at all.

Stellar: You’ve both starred on solo covers of Stellar previously. How was it doing a cover together?

Julie: It was different. I haven’t done a double act like this before. I’ve had photos taken with one other person from time to time, but two of us was an interesting dynamic.

I had to kind of get my body attuned to yours.

Pip: We were also looking at the outfits and how they relate, we were trying to work out, now what’s the vibe of this shot? What do they want?

Julie: And, is your arm longer than mine?

Pip: Oh, yeah, she had this awkward arm. I was like, “Oh, hold it that way.”

Julie: It was quite funny, but as soon as it felt right, I knew it was right. They were saying, now stand back to back. So we’re standing back to back, and I’m saying, “Your bum’s higher than mine – that’s not fair!”

Stellar: Do you think people will be surprised to learn about this friendship when this interview comes out?

Julie: I think a lot of women out there will be [like], “Yeah, I’ve got a girlfriend like that, and I should treasure and value that friendship.”

Stellar: I want to ask you both how the other has changed you.

Pip: I know she validates a lot of the tug of war in my head about things that I can’t understand. She validates me.

Julie: It’s really special to make friends with somebody from outside your immediate circle, your particular industry or sector or life experience. That’s what I love about Pip. We come from very different perspectives, yet we align in so many ways. It’s reassuring that you can make those connections.

Listen to the full interview on Something to Talk About below or wherever you get your podcasts:

Originally published as Inside Pip Edwards and Julie Bishop’s secret friendship