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Stars attend new luxury hotel Capella Sydney opening party

As the former cricket captain maintains a low profile, Pip Edwards has been spotted at another event wearing a “stunning” sheer dress.

Julie Bishop channels her 'inner Carrie Bradshaw’ for International Women’s Day photo shoot

A string of Australian stars pulled on their best outfits to attend a glamorous party to celebrate the opening of new luxury hotel Cain Sydney.

Julie Bishop was among the elite few who walked the red carpet, once again attending the event with her rumoured new “boyfriend” on Thursday.

The former foreign minister Julie Bishop has walked a number of red carpets and attended a slew of public events with entrepreneur Luke Hepworth by her side in recent months.

The rumoured couple have not confirmed they are in a relationship, in fact, Mr Hepworth denied the claims in December, telling The Daily Telegraph “we are definitely not dating”.

But it has done little to stop the speculation, especially as Ms Bishop, 66, continues to be photographed beside the “adventure philanthropist”.

The pair were snapped at the official opening of the Capella Sydney, a new luxury hotel in the city’s CBD, on Thursday.

Julie Bishop has reignited rumours she is dating entrepreneur Luke Hepworth after attending another event with him. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Julie Bishop has reignited rumours she is dating entrepreneur Luke Hepworth after attending another event with him. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
The former foreign minister Julie Bishop wore an Alexander McQueen gown to the official opening of the Capella Sydney. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
The former foreign minister Julie Bishop wore an Alexander McQueen gown to the official opening of the Capella Sydney. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Ms Bishop, who split with her partner of eight years David Panton last year, opted for an off the shoulder gown by Alexander McQueen for the Black Tie event.

She teamed her chic dress, that featured a side split, with a stunning diamond necklace and bracelet – finishing her look with a pair of black strappy heels and a matching clutch.

Her outfit was reportedly styled by iconic department store David Jones.

Mr Hepworth, who is also the Managing Director of a multinational PPE business, wore a classic tuxedo suit for the star-studded bash.

Are they... or aren’t they? Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Are they... or aren’t they? Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The politician wasn’t the only well-known face at the party, with Sydney socialite and fashion entrepreneur Pip Edwards also in attendance.

Ms Edwards wore “an incredible custom gown by Pallas Couture” to the event which featured sheer fabric and strategically placed black framework.

The gown gathered at the bottom for a fishtail-style train with Ms Edwards rocking a wet-hair look to complete her outfit.

The co-owner of P.E Nation, who recently shut down claims she had a “spectacular falling out” with her business partner and best friend Claire Tregoning, was praised by fans for her “stunning” outfit.

Pip Edwards wore ‘an incredible custom gown by Pallas Couture’. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Pip Edwards wore ‘an incredible custom gown by Pallas Couture’. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
She attended with her long-time friend Milly Gattegno. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
She attended with her long-time friend Milly Gattegno. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“I love someone with individual/quirky fashion sense…money doesn’t buy style..and you have great style,” one wrote on Instagram.

“Wow stunning,” another said.

As someone else declared: “Impossible for you to look bad. Stunning.”

“You look like insane,” one mused.

“That is so hot,” one chipped in.

Ms Edwards, who was recently dragged into the Noosa drama surrounding her ex boyfriend Michael Clarke, posed on the red carpet with her longtime friend Milly Gattegno, a Senior Talent Manager at IMG.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore was also at the event, as was Sunrise host David Koch with his wife Libby.

Kochy’s co-host Edwina Bartholomew, who presents the news on the morning breakfast show, was also at the party.

She opted for a rust orange gown from Bianca Spender, revealing on Instagram she “loves” the dress and wore it previously when pregnant.

Sunrise host David Koch with wife Libby. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Sunrise host David Koch with wife Libby. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Edwina Bartholomew. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Edwina Bartholomew. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The star-studded party was held to celebrate the opening of Australia’s first Capella Hotel which is housed within the historic sandstone Department of Education Building on the corner of Bridge Street and Loftus Street just across from Macquarie Place Park.

The new luxury hotel spans nine storeys and hosts 192 rooms, taking seven years to renovate before it opened for guests on March 15.

As well as offering “elegant” rooms, the hotel also has two shared spaces for guests to unwind in, a spa, fitness centre, a heated 20-metre indoor pool and two dining areas.

Originally published as Stars attend new luxury hotel Capella Sydney opening party

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/stars-attend-new-luxury-hotel-capella-sydney-opening-party/news-story/fe693f67c53ecfb459dfb49811182dfb