Julie Bishop stuns in Balmain dress at David Jones runway

The former foreign minister turned heads on the David Jones new season runway with a new do and designer dress.

Former foreign minister turned mining Adviser and fashion icon Julie Bishop has made another bold statement in her life post-politics.

Ms Bishop joined Australian department store David Jones for their first runway show in four years to premiere the latest Spring/ Summer 22 collection.

She turned heads on Wednesday night’s red carpet in a $3750 metallic jacquard long sleeve mini dress designed by French luxury fashion house Balmain.

The former politician slipped on a pair of black stockings, simple black pumps and completed the head-to-toe black look with a clutch adorned with silver chain detail.

Julie Bishop turned heads. Picture: James Gourley/Getty Images for David Jones

The mini dress cost $3750. Picture: James Gourley/Getty Images for David Jones

Ms Bishop received a string of adoring comments when she posted photos of her look to her Instagram account.

Pip Edwards of Aussie activewear brand PE Nation wrote, “You stunner”.

“ Va va va Voom!!,” Sunrise entertainment reporter Nelson Aspen commented.

One spot-on Instagram user compared Ms Bishop’s look to that of the late Princess Diana’s infamous ‘revenge’ dress which she wore at her first public event following her headline-making split from Prince Charles.

Princess Diana at a Gala at the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park in 1994. Picture: Tim Graham/Getty Images

She was wearing a short black cocktail dress designed by Christina Stambolian. Picture: Tim Graham/Getty Images

“Is that like Diana‘s revenge dress?,” they said.

The skin tight mini black number certainly looked similar to the Christina Stambolian cocktail dress worn by the British princess.

It’s even more fitting given Ms Bishops very public split from long-time boyfriend David Panton who reportedly dumped her over dinner in July ending their eight-year relationship.

“I’m very busy,” Bishop told Confidential of her newly single life.

Julie Bishop introduced her former beau of eight years, David Panton to Prince Charles. Image: Instagram

“I spend a lot of time at the ANU as chancellor, I’m doing a lot of speaking engagements and attending fabulous events like the David Jones launch”.

Just this month, Bishop hosted a Q&A with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended by university students from across Australia.

Ms Bishop also showed off a return to her iconic close-cropped blonde look after many months of growing out her hair post-politics.

“Ooo has she gone short hair again! I love her with short hair,” One fan, @amysuart commented below the photo.

Julie Bishop hosts a Q&A with President Zelenskyy as part of her role as ANU Chancellor. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Looking gorgeous, what an inspiration, love the new do,” a friend said.

Bishop told Confidential she rushed to the salon just hours before the event.

“It’s a post-Covid recovery haircut,” Bishop said.

“After we went into lockdown I let my hair grow and then it became so easy but I managed to get an appointment with Scott Sloan, whom I have a great deal of respect for, and he cut my hair so I’m ­feeling great.”

Ms Bishop was joined on the guest list by indie artist Vera Blue, model Natalie Roser, TV-host Erin Holland, activewear entrepreneur Pip Edwards, and fashion designer Bianca Spender at the flagship store.