Designer Rachel Gilbert applauds Julie Bishop for her gown choice

According to its designer, the Rachel Gilbert woman is fearless in her fashion choices and loves to make a statement, so the fact Julie Bishop wore one of her sequin gowns to parliament this week really came as no surprise to the woman behind the brand.

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According to its designer, the Rachel Gilbert woman is fearless in her fashion choices and loves to make a statement, so the fact Julie Bishop wore one of her sequin gowns to parliament this week really came as no surprise to the woman behind the brand.

When Bishop wore the sparkly $1299 gown on Budget night on Tuesday she was both celebrated and criticised.

The former foreign affairs minister was lauded by fashionista’s for breaking boundaries and criticised by some in the general public for being out of touch with everyday people.

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop was full of excitement at the Federal Budget on Tuesday night wearing a Rachel Gilbert gown. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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When quizzed about her choice of attire yesterday, the ‘Minister of Fashion’ said, “There are numerous functions in Parliament House on Budget Night and a Rachel Gilbert dress in Liberal blue seemed appropriate for the occasion. There was also cause for celebration as the budget returns to surplus.”

While Bishop used to opt for disgraced fashion label Johanna Johnson, it seems Gilbert is now her designer of choice for the 62-year-old politician.

Bishop, pictured with partner David Panton, has often been the most glamorous MP. Picture Ray Strange

Designer Rachel Gilbert has praised Bishop for taking risks in her fashion. Picture: Mark Stewart

When asked what she thought of Bishop’s big fashion moment, Gilbert said, “Julie takes risks not just professionally but also in her fashion choices and that’s what we as a brand love about her.”

“You can’t deny she looked sensational in the dress.”

“What a bold and fun choice, and it’s always exciting to see your designs worn on any Australian stage. It’s one of my favourite pieces of the season, the dress has such an energy I love about it. I wanted to design a dress that dazzled at all occasions … it has been worn to weddings, red carpets — and now Australian parliament”