Julie Bishop converts spare bedroom into walk-in wardrobe

Her passion for fashion is no secret, however upon quitting her job as a politician and increasing her wardrobe choices, Julie Bishop has had to call in the renovators.

Her political uniform was always on point, however it wasn’t until she left her role as a minister that Julie Bishop really earned her fashion stripes.

And what’s a woman to do with all her new fabulous clothes?

Convert a spare bedroom into a wardrobe of course.

And that’s exactly what Bishop did in a bid to house all her favourite pieces which include ensembles by Zimmermann, Carla Zampatti and Camilla and Marc.

“I took over a bedroom … yes the spare bedroom has been converted into a walk-in robe,” Bishop told Saturday Confidential.

Former politician and now Friend of David Jones, Julie Bishop pictured in Carla Zampatti in DJ’s Sydney store. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

And while her wardrobe looks a little different than it did during her days as Australia’s foreign minister, Bishop said she always had fashion on her mind when dressing for the job.

“Informal and casual clothing has been incorporated into my daywear,” she said.

Julie Bishop has the look for spring. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I do wear sneakers and flats far more than I did in political days when I was conscious that I was representing Australia on the world stage.

“It did tend to be more formal but now I am very much leading my own life I can embrace a much more casual, informal look and I am enjoying it.”

Bishop, who was on hand to discuss upcoming Spring Summer trends for the department store, said muted tones will be swapped with pastels and that suiting is one of the fashion staples to invest in this season.

“Pastels are undergoing a renaissance,” she said.

“People will be embracing marshmallow pinks and buttercup yellows.

London Julie Bishop leaves Westminster Abbey after the coronation of King Charles III. Picture: Ella Pellegrini

The Hon. Julie Bishop in the 2023 Witchery White Shirt Campaign.

“There is a really elegant silhouette in the resort wear which I think will be very popular.

“And I am loving the soft suiting, the oversized jacket and the pants. I envisage that being really popular for work to evening. You can wear them with a casual suiting or an acqua azzurra bling heel.”

With collaborations being the latest go-to exercise for fashion brands, it’s a wonder Bishop is yet to be asked to lend her name and design to a range.

“I haven’t been asked,” she said.

“I am certainly happy to work with Australian designers.

“For example when I was invited to the coronation in Westminster Abbey, David Jones collaborated with Zimmermann for the outfit I wore because we know the guests who were attending would get a lot of media coverage.”

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]