Inside Jodie Haydon’s $10,000 makeover as Australia’s ‘First Lady’
Now that she’s the unofficial First Lady of Australia, Jodie Haydon has seen a wardrobe upgrade that includes designer pieces and custom-made dresses.
Former US First Lady Michelle Obama’s custom-made gowns for state dinners cost an estimated $12,000 each.
Melania Trump once wore a $51,500 Dolce & Gabbana jacket to the G7 summit.
When put into that context, Anthony Albanese’s partner Jodie Haydon’s recent $10,000 fashion makeover, sounds relatively modest.
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The Labor Party has confirmed that Ms Haydon’s wardrobe is a privately funded affair and neither unions, the ALP or taxpayers are picking up the tab.
But it’s a political tightrope act amid a cost of living crisis, a lesson Mrs Obama found out the hard way when she was busted wearing a pair of $540 Lanvin sneakers to a food bank.
Ms Haydon’s new wardrobe includes a range of Australian designed Carla Zampatti suits and Karen Gee dresses that retail for $2100 for a custom made item.
As the designer Karen Gee’s Instagram account now confirms, it was a custom dress that Jodie Haydon wore to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London.
“Thank you again for giving me the privilege of wearing an Australian made and designed piece like this for such an important occasion. I felt so proud to be wearing it,’’ Ms Haydon wrote in reply.
Ms Haydon, who works as the women’s officer for the NSW Public Service Association, has understandably organised a new wardrobe for international travel.
Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCann told news.com.au that Jodie Haydon was doing a “really good job” in showcasing Australian designers.
“She’s chosen designers such as Carla Zampatti and Karen Gee that are really good quality,” McCann said.
“I mean, I think probably the most daring look (Jodie Haydon) wore was to the winter ball with the sequins. She looked highly appropriate and really elegant. I would say she’s working with a seamstress, the clothes fit well.
“And she clearly is a very intelligent woman, accomplished in her own right. And she’s doing that remarkably well.”
The big difference between the fashions of the First Lady in the United States and here at home – the term “First Lady” an Americanism that is rarely used in Australia – is who pays.
There’s no budget or staff or office in Australia, as there is in the White House for the incumbent Jill Biden.
“She doesn’t have the assistance of a big office, the stylists, as the First Lady in the US absolutely does,’’ said McCann.
“She’s constantly in the public eye now and expected to dress appropriately for all occasions.”
“I think it can be very intimidating. I know that other partners of prime ministers have felt that it really was almost part of the job that they didn’t sign up for, that they had to be a clothes hanger on top of everything else.
“It’s always been fascinating if people come into those roles with a natural kind of interest in fashion. Quentin Bryce was a good example. Julie Bishop, obviously, was fashion obsessed, really. I think they enjoyed the process.”
Fashion stylist Donny Galella said that whether she was working with a stylist or not it was great she was representing Australian designers.
“And what captured my attention at the Queen’s funeral was I just thought, ‘Wow, that’s a really lovely choice of hat.’ She had a beautiful pillbox. style hat. So very polished, very put together. It’s been nice to kind of watch her evolution over the last few months. I’m assuming she’s working with the stylist. If not, hello, I am available,’’ he laughed.
There’s also been the appearance of a Carla Zampatti Florence Feather Jacket that she wore to sign the condolence book in London and for the Queen’s memorial service in London.
It retails for $1249. The matching pants are $549.
“You can see she’s come into her own, just really kind of got more tailored things and more finished cinching in her waist,’’ Mr Galella said.
“She has gone into beautiful colour lately. She wore a beautiful pink dress when she met the French president. And the silhouettes are really flattering.”
Personal brand expert Imogen Lamport said the best advice was to get clothes that fit.
“Honestly, well cut clothes make a huge difference. By having things that fit, even if she’s bought it off the rack, she’s probably had things altered to fit,’’ she said.
“Little tweaks can make a big difference. It doesn’t matter how much money you drop on a piece of clothing, if it doesn’t fit you it’s never going to look good.”
Ms Haydon, who is still working full time, pays herself for all of her clothing.
Government sources said she was “passionate about supporting Australian made and Australian designers”.
She has paid retail prices for all items, no items were gifted and as such there was nothing to disclose.
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