For a rare fairytale moment in Australian politics, Jodie Haydon avoided the princess fantasy of meringue dresses and sweetheart necklines, instead choosing a dramatic long-sleeved gown fit for a fashion queen from Sydney label Romance Was Born, for her wedding to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The elegant gown, with fabric-covered buttons, demonstrates the restrained artistry of designers Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, who this year celebrated their label’s 20th anniversary at Australian Fashion Week.
“It was an honour to dress Jodie, and we think she is amazing,” Plunkett says. “The dress is so beautiful, it fuses our love of Australian natives and a contemporary silhouette.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in MJ Bale and Jodie Haydon wearing a gown by Romance Was Born married at The Lodge in Canberra.Credit: Mike Bowers
In the past, Romance Was Born designs have incorporated Australian native flora and fauna elements through the work of May Gibbs characters Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, but they contained themselves on this occasion to subtle references through the embroidery.
Haydon was on hand to witness the unveiling of the designers’ portrait at the National Gallery Portrait Gallery in Canberra in July, placing them among early contenders for the coveted commission.
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“The elegant long silk gown with beautiful embroideries and adornments are signature Romance,” says Mattie Cronan style director, The Australian Women’s Weekly, who worked with Albanese and Haydon for the March issue of the magazine, released just in time for the election campaign.
“Jodie is a passionate champion of Australian fashion and especially female founders.”
Romance Was Born is popular on the red carpet with stylish actors such as Cate Blanchett and Rose Byrne, but finance executive Haydon’s surprise selection should help shift their profile beyond fashion insiders.
