Midwinter Ball: Style over stunts at this year’s charity bash
Politicians from all sides ditched political theatre for fashion at this year’s charity bash | GALLERY
It’s the Logies for legislators. The Dally M for dignitaries. The Brownlow for brainiacs. Welcome to the Midwinter Ball, a thoroughly modern affair in 2025 compared to previous parliaments.
Gone are the days when the annual knees up for our elected officials, lobbyists, loyal staffers and partners attended the ball when it was merely a sideshow for stunts outside the chambers.
Pipe down, Barnaby, the only whips being cracked in 2025 are those of the style-conscious MPs keen to support designers, stylists and the creative industries from their electorates.
There were no screaming protests by rogue senators such as Lidia Thorpe, except for Greens leader Larissa Walters with a more subtle pair of earrings in the style of the Palestinian flag.
Instead the style on show did the talking.
Affirmative action is doing great things for female representation and also the Australian fashion industry as politicians, their partners and corporate heavyweights descended the marble stairs of Parliament House’s Great Hall on a brisk Wednesday night.
Ms Chalmers has been busy in her day job as an editor taking in the sights and style of Brisbane Fashion Week.
Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, who is expecting a baby girl with Labor’s Josh Burns early next year, opted for a black slip dress by Bec & Bridge, an Australian brand that is a favourite of Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski.
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie leaned into gender-fluid dressing and donned a Hugo Boss suit. With a nod to former Nationals prime minister John “Black Jack” McEwen she had a Jack of Spades brooch pinned to her lapel. “Working girls. Long day at the office at Parliament House,” the former transport minister winked as she entered with her guest for the evening, Sydney Airport flack Joe Dennis.
Proving fashion is bipartisan, Sussan Ley arrived looking as fresh as snow in a white off-the-shoulder gown by Sydney designer Vallance. The same dress as Mrs Chalmers.
“(Rebecca Vallance) is known for their designs for modern women. I love it,” the Opposition Leader told The Australian of the label which is loved around the world by the likes of notable conservative commentator Holly Candy and heiress Nicky Hilton Rothschild.
Jodie Haydon – the gleaming ruby in the Prime Minister’s crown – worked with stylist Donny Galella, who works with the likes of Deborah Mailman and Turia Pitt, on a recreation of Carla Zampatti’s trademark red crepe waterfall gown especially for this year’s charity ball.
Mr Albanese used fashion to make a statement inside. For his address, an off the record speech for the room, he donned a button down shirt emblazoned with the Medicare logo.
Communications and sport minister Anika Wells utilised Facebook for her fashion.
Her second hand, one shoulder white gown was picked up on Marketplace from a mother of the bride in her Lilley electorate who originally had it made by a Brisbane designer for her daughter’s wedding.
“She was sad to sell it off and asked me if I had a good place to wear it. I said ‘Babe, she’s going to see some things, leave it with me’,” Ms Wells told The Australian.
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