Julie Bishop, Nadia Bartel stun at Melbourne David Jones event

Fans of former politician Julie Bishop have praised the 66-year-old after she stepped out in a jaw-dropping outfit that left many impressed.

Australian stars glammed up the grand opening of Melbourne’s new flagship David Jones store on Wednesday night.

Leading the black carpet arrivals at the revamped department store was politician turned fashion icon Julie Bishop who stunned in a sequined black gown.

The former foreign affairs minister looked a million bucks posing at the entrance of the new six-storey “flagship” store for the Australian retailer, draping a blazer over her shoulder to keep off the unseasonal chilly spring weather.

The 66-year-old, who split from her partner of eight years David Panton in July, teamed her all black ensemble with a silver bedazzled bag and matching jewellery, wearing her signature short haircut in a sleek style.

Stream the news you want, when you want with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

Julie Bishop stuns at the grand opening of the newly revamped David Jones store in Melbourne. Picture: Josie Hayden

She showed off her toned arms in a black strapless gown. Picture: Sam Tabone/WireImage

She’s gone from being a politician to a fashion icon in recent years. Picture: Josie Hayden

At one stage, Ms Bishop slipped off her jacket, showing off her toned arms in her strapless dress. Social media users were quick to praise her glamorous look, describing the outfit as a “head turner”.

Other guests at the glamorous event included former WAG Nadia Bartel who wore a red mesh dress that featured a fitted bodice.

The fitted maxi dress finished just above her feet, giving the mum-of-two an elegant silhouette.

Nadia, who recently rocked a trendy G-string gown to an event celebrating her friends – shoe designer Lana Wilkinson and fashion label owner Rebecca Vallance – styled her bronze-coloured hair in a sleek down-do.

The fashion-brand owner finished her look with simple white pointed heels and no accessories.

Nadia Bartel was also at the star-studded party. Picture: Josie Hayden

Model Olivia Molly Rogers, who recently announced her separation from her husband of seven months, turned heads on the black carpet in a puffy punk gown made by Cappellazzo Couture.

The former Miss Universe Australia oozed classic glam with her ensemble, opting for a pink velvet clutch and simple pearl accessories.

She wore her brown bob in a ’60s style wave, posing for pictures on her Instagram that she captioned: “When the brief is ‘subtle’.”

Many of Olivia’s supportive fans were quick to comment and praise her outfit, describing the dramatic dress as “jaw-dropping” and “magical”.

“Love this whole look,” one wrote, while another said: “It’s giving fairy floss FAB.”

“Umm wow,” Nadia Bartel commented.

“Omg! The dress of dreams! Fabulous Olivia!” another agreed.

Model Olivia Molly Rogers was glowing despite her recent separation from her husband of seven months. Picture: Josie Hayden

She rocked a couture pink gown to the black tie ball. Picture: Josie Hayden

MasterChef host Melissa Leong was at the black tie party wearing a dress with a thigh-split and a plunging neckline.

The TV presenter teamed her black number with a gold clutch and black lace gloves.

Celebrity stylist and shoe designer Lana Wilkinson was also at the event wearing a white Toni Maticevski gown with a pair of her own gold heels.

Melissa Leong also rocked an all black number. Picture: Josie Hayden

Work on revamping the Melbourne David Jones store on Bourke Street began last year and introduces a new luxury womenswear and accessories floor as well as adding premium service offerings including personal styling suites and made-to-measure services.

“We are thrilled to complete the once in a generation refurbishment of our Bourke Street Flagship, marking the beginning of a new chapter for our store and ushering in a new era of retail in Australia,” David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe said.

“With customer experience at the core of this transformation, the refurbishment includes three highly curated floors showcasing [the widest range of] international and Australian luxury designers and premium full-service offerings, transforming the store into a world-class, one-stop luxury shopping destination we know our customers will be drawn to.”