Julie Bishop praises Australian fashion

Australia is known for agriculture, but Julie Bishop thinks our greatest export is creativity and fashion.

Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop

Julie Bishop plans to put fashion at the centre of international diplomacy and trade. (AAP)

Julie Bishop plans to put fashion at the centre of international diplomacy and trade.

Ms Bishop was the guest of honour at the G'Day USA Los Angeles fashion week Australian designer showcase on Thursday night.

Australian actors Rebel Wilson, Hugh Sheridan, Gyton Grantley and Jessica Macnamee were also at the event.

Ms Bishop took Australian film finance investor Brett Ratner as her red-carpet partner for the glamorous evening at Union Station in Downtown LA.

She said creativity shouldn't be overlooked when it came to trade.

"I've added another hashtag #fashiondiplomacy," Ms Bishop said.

"We are known for our agricultural exports, but, in fact, our greatest resource is our people and the ability to innovate, their entrepreneurial flair and talent."

Ms Bishop noted that the University of Toronto's Martin Institute global creativity index this year ranked Australia as the most creative country, ahead of nations such as the United States, Canada and Sweden.

"When it comes to creativity, we are number one," Ms Bishop said.

Thursday's event showcased the work of Austrailan designers Emma Mulholland and Perth-based label Zhivago.

Ms Bishop wore a black fitted Zhivago dress for the occasion and had high praise for both labels.

"Emma Mulholland's clothes are so fabulous, savvy and street smart, and then the girls from Perth that make up Zhivago, they show the sophistication that makes Australian fashion."

Rebel Wilson also unveiled part of her new fashion line at the event, wearing her own designer dress.

The black and white fitted dress by Rebel Wilson for Torid included the word Rebel printed across the bust line.


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Source: AAP



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