Julie Bishop’s fashion sense snares her a new squad of socialite pals

Since leaving politics and following her split from her long-time partner, former foreign minister Julie Bishop has racked up a new posse of fashion savvy Sydney socialite fans.

They’ve been branded “JBish’s squad” — Sydney’s fashion savvy social set who are infatuated by, and loving on, former foreign minister Julie Bishop.

While the media has long had a love affair for Bishop, often when politicians walk away from the profession they are forgotten within the year.

However, in Bishop’s case an exit from politics paired with a high profile split from her long-time partner and her love of fashion has proven the perfect storm for a new-found popularity among Sydney’s party circuit.

Three years after leaving politics and since her relationship ended with David Panton, Bishop has been out on the town with a vengeance and collected a tribe of besotted and loyal young women in the process.

Among those in her corner include P.E Nation fashion designer Pip Edwards, Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCann, fashion ‘It’ girl Nadia Fairfax, influencers Alyce Tran and Deborah Symond O’Neil, singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte, former reality star Anna Heinrich and PR guru Montarna Pitt.

The ever well-dressed Julie Bishop has accumulated a throng of new friends since leaving politics. Picture: James Gourley

When Sunday Confidential asked what she thought of her new and loyal ‘squad’ on Saturday, Bishop said: “I am constantly inspired and energised by smart young entrepreneurs like Alyce, Pip, Jesinta and others and count many of them as friends.

“I’m delighted that I now have more time to enjoy their company at fashion related events.”

Kit Willow, Nicole Warne, Julie Bishop, Pip Edwards and Alyce Tran at a David Jones event earlier this month. Picture: Instagram

When asked whether she felt a sense of freedom when it came to her dress sense and availability post politics, Bishop said: “It has been a liberating experience in that I can choose what I wish to do. I’m not constrained by the agendas of others.”

When the emoji-loving Bishop uploaded an image of herself in a body-con style Halston Heritage dress and black Dion Lee bomber jacket last week, the post was met with a flurry of comments from enamoured young VIPs eager to pay the woman of the moment a compliment.

“Iconic,” wrote Jesinta Franklin, alongside Bishop’s red carpet pic.

And it seems it’s not only her dress sense which has relaxed, but her vernacular has too, with Bishop responding by simply telling Franklin, “love you”.

Julie Bishop – the influencer – steps out at Crown Sydney for an event. Picture: Instagram

Supplied Editorial Screenshot of comments on Julie bishops Instagram

Jesinta Franklin comments on Julie Bishop’s Instagram post.

Pip Edwards wrote: “Nailed it. What a look,” to which Bishop also responded, “love you girl”.

Anna Heinrich, who often engaged with the former pollie at various Sydney events, said it should come as no surprise Sydney’s fashion set wants to be associated with the woman once branded the most popular senior Liberal MP among voters.

“She’s approachable, easy to talk to and her presence is known the moment she walks into a room. She also doesn’t follow trends, she sets them,” she said.

PR Dynamo Judy Romano said she feels there is a “girl power” vibe, with women “sticking together”.

“What I notice and love about Julie is she speaks to everyone,” Romano said.

Kit Willow, Nicole Warne, Julie Bishop, Pip Edwards and Alyce Tran at a David Jones event in August.

Julie Bishop with Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCann. Picture: Instagram

“Everyone who goes up to Julie would get a polite, engaging and gracious conversation.

“Plus she is a lot of fun. Even when she was our foreign minister, she was one of the girls and she has always been stylish but now she can take her look to the next level.”

Alyce Tran said: “Julie is the ultimate role model for me. It is how she takes it all in her stride, is super fun, loves a gossip and a sleepover and generally enjoys life so much and that motivates me to live my best life at all times.”

PR guru Montarna Pitt, who worked with Bishop when she opted to wear Rachel Gilbert a number of years ago, said Bishop has been considered a main fashion player for many years.

“Julie Bishop was the first politician to make it onto the radar of fashion PRs; no other MP in this country is seen as a fashion influencer like her,” she said.

“She’s shaken up the style stakes in parliament – Julie in the blue sequined Rachel Gilbert dress on budget day in 2019 was such a moment! She’s proving that you can take your role seriously and still look fabulous, plus she’s doing it in her sixties and in a workplace where drab suits are the norm.”