Midwinter Ball 2023: Fashion Takes Center Stage Amidst Political Turmoil

The Midwinter Ball at Parliament House featured a surprise guest: fashion. Most attendees stuck to subtle displays of "fashion diplomacy," with a few notable exceptions. Labor's Jodie Haydon wore a Carla Zampatti gown, while Greens leader Larissa Waters sported Palestinian flag earrings by Indigenous outfit Haus of Dizzy. Some attendees strayed from the "buy Australian" mandate, but did so with class, including Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie in a Hugo Boss tuxedo.