Gold Coast Mayor’s Caitlyn Jenner sex change reference in speech at Sonia Stradiotto showcase

An array of Queesnsland power players - and mayoral speech as colourful as her famous designs - joined 540 guests for Sonia Stradiotto Couture’s major annual showcase on the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast fashion designer Sonia Stradiotto’s milestone celebration has attracted Queensland power players – and a colourful Gold Coast Mayor’s speech referencing Caitlyn Jenner.

Sonia Stradiotto Couture’s 35th anniversary charity runway show at RACV Royal Pines on Friday night was billed as the biggest catwalk of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

The 540 guests included State Opposition leader David Crisafulli and wife Tegan, ex-Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and partner Dr Reza Adib, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Mayoress Ruth Tate plus Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and wife Nina.

Mayor Tate’ eyebrow raising speech also elicited plenty of laughs, saying if he had gone the “path along Caitlyn Jenner I would choose Sonia design”.

“When you wear Sonia’s clothing, you feel uplifted. You are happy on the inside and it shows on the outside. When you’re that happy and vibrant it make us men happy as well,” he said to whistles and applause.

“I say to you, all the dresses you see there – buy, buy, buy – make us men happy.

“I love your clothing, I love your flair and I love your enthusiasm. I know you have a generous heart on the inside because it shows in your design.

“If I had taken the path along Caitlyn Jenner - I would choose Sonia design.”

Sonia Stradiotto (left), Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Mayoresss Ruth Tate at the Sonia Stradiotto Couture 35th Anniversary Charity Runway Show 2024 for Gold Coast. Picture: Portia Large.

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Ms Stradiotto, whose night raised $82,000 for the Gold Coast Community Fund, Carers Foundation Australia, St John’s Crisis Centre and Enriching Lives Foundation, said she couldn’t have lasted 35 years or put on the runway show without her hardworking team including “pocket rocket” daughter Bianca.

Tara Goddard. Picture, Portia Large.

“In 1989 I had a passionate vision to create a brand that would stay in your hearts and your minds through all the fads and trends. I have rebelled. I have combined moving into future fashion by keeping and restoring a large element of past classic fashion and the craft of opulent luxury.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Sonia Stradiotto and Dr Reza Adib. Picture: Portia Large.

“20 years ago in 2004, I’m not sure why but I placed myself in the glamourous, risky tourism precinct here on the Glitter Strip.

“It has been our privilege to be tourist designer here on the beautiful Gold Coast. I love this incredible city. My clientele has drawn a national following consisting of doctors, accountants, lawyers, real estate magnates, speakers, celebrities, writers, news reporters, sex workers, therapists, jewelers, gangsters, sex therapists, racing icons, politicians, mothers, daughters, widows, and women after trauma rebuilding their lives.

Libby Mayberry and Tina Brewster. Picture: Portia Large.

“I’ve met the most wonderful people and many of you are here tonight. Iknow nearly everybody in the room. I’m very grateful.

“It’s you that has made me create this national following. I’m the little Italian girl who self-doubted and said I’m nobody and all of you build me up and all those peopl encouraged me to now build a career and know that my brand makes a difference and it has a purpose.”

Sophie Davies and Tash Connolly. Picture: Portia Large.