Julie Bishop was the undisputed queen of the 2016 Midwinter Ball.

September 1, 2016

Last night, Canberra put on the glitz and the glam for the Midwinter Ball.

The political equivalent of the Logies, attendees put aside their policy views (and presumably also the fact that it was actually the last day of winter) and put on their black tie best to raise money for charity.

Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop cemented her place as undisputed queen of the night, wearing a black ballgown by Sydney designer Rachel Gilbert.

And the always uber stylish @JulieBishopMP. pic.twitter.com/XFVOyElBWO

— Stephanie Peatling (@srpeatling) August 31, 2016

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Simple, elegant and wearing a pair of statement earrings, Bishop gave us all a lesson in how to nail a formal dress code.

JBish is back on the snaps! ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/poqwolO9rw

— Alice Workman (@workmanalice) August 31, 2016

Bishop has long been a fervent fashion lover and supporter of our local industry.

“One should never underestimate the importance that fashion plays in our social, cultural and economic fabric. Our creative industries, like fashion, music and the arts, contribute $90 billion to our economy. The possibilities and creativity I see in Australian fashion are endless,” she told The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year.

Watch: Throwback to another black tie event – the Met Gala. Post continues after video.

She wasn’t the only one to bring polish to a political event. Lucy Turnbull was also flying the flag for Aussie designers in a black and gold jacquard-style Ellery number she purchased last year.

How fab is Lucy Turnbull’s outfit? pic.twitter.com/rIdrEOpjOu

— Stephanie Peatling (@srpeatling) August 31, 2016

“It’s pretty trendy isn’t it. Not on me it’s not but it’s very cool. She’s a great designer,” she told Fairfax Media.

Chloe Shorten, wife of opposition leader Bill, brought colour to the night in a pinky-red strapless number.

And the gorgeous Chloe Shorten. pic.twitter.com/xJ2zHcnFo6

— Stephanie Peatling (@srpeatling) August 31, 2016

Arriving with Derryn Hinch, Jacquie Lambie (or ‘Jerryn’ as the pair have now been dubbed) proved you don’t need to spend big bucks to get a black-tie worthy outfit.

She told Fairfax Media her red dress was bought from a local dress shop in Burnie, Tasmania for around $150.

My date, my hairdresser, makeup artist – can you tell who is who?
Mid Winter Ball in Parliament House #auspol pic.twitter.com/hocWif3ty7

— Jacqui Lambie (@JacquiLambie) August 31, 2016

And she found beauty inspiration for the night in the most surprising of places, opting for “Kim Kardashian hair and lashes.”

“Thankfully I had some help with that. If I did it myself I’d look like a panda,” she said.

We’re still waiting on confirmation of whether Bill Shorten was channeling Kanye West with his get-up.