Former prime minister Julia Gillard turned heads at Wimbledon as she swapped Parliament House for Centre Court, impressing with her stylish new look as she joined an extraordinary lineup of Hollywood stars, sporting greats and fashion royalty in the prestigious Royal Box.
The 64-year-old looked effortlessly elegant on day 12 of the Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, where she rubbed shoulders with Oscar winner Benedict Cumberbatch, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, Vogue editor Anna Wintour and actor Damian Lewis.
Gillard embraced the glamour of one of tennis’ biggest occasions in a striking Emilio Pucci Orchidee silk twill dress paired with its matching detachable cape, featuring the Italian fashion house’s signature swirling Orchidee print in vivid shades of pink, purple, coral and orange.
The flowing silk cape draped over her shoulders created a dramatic silhouette as she applauded from the Royal Box, with the lightweight fabric catching the breeze throughout the afternoon.
The bold print was a world away from the restrained colours and sharp tailoring that defined her years in politics.
Gillard completed the look with oversized cream Max Mara sunglasses that complemented the colourful ensemble with their rounded ivory frames and extra-dark lenses.
Julia Gillard (left) stunned in a vibrant Emilio Pucci ensemble while taking in Wimbledon from the prestigious Royal Box
The former PM mingled with Hollywood stars and royalty including Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, Sophie Hunter, Birgitte, Benedict Cumberbatch, C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Rike Nooitgedagt, Virgil van Dijk, Baz Luhrmann, Sandi Toksvig, Anna Wintour and Damian Lewis
Gillard’s bold Wimbledon outfit contrasted sharply with the conservative, tailored suits she wore during her prime ministership
The designer sunglasses added another contemporary touch to an outfit that would not have looked out of place at a European fashion show.
Her dress by Pucci – which is the label of the moment in Europe – sells for $3190, with the sunglasses going for $286.
The appearance marked one of Gillard’s most striking style transformations since leaving office.
As Australia’s first female prime minister between 2010 and 2013, Gillard became synonymous with tailored jackets, structured blazers, dark trousers and knee-length skirts in muted shades of black, navy, charcoal and chocolate brown.
During her years in Canberra, she rarely wore vibrant prints or flowing garments, instead opting for fitted jackets with simple tops and modest accessories.
Sunglasses were seldom part of her public appearances, and her auburn hair, cut in a short, layered style, became one of the defining features of her image.
At Wimbledon, however, Gillard projected an entirely different look. Her now blonde bob, oversized designer sunglasses and eye-catching Pucci silk ensemble reflected a more relaxed, fashion-conscious public image, while still retaining the polished appearance expected in the tournament’s exclusive Royal Box.
Throughout the afternoon, Gillard was seen applauding from the Royal Box as Centre Court spectators rose to acknowledge the action, sitting just behind Dutch football star van Dijk while Cumberbatch occupied the row in front.
Nicole Kidman battled London’s blazing sunshine as she joined Gillard in the crowd, shielding her famously fair complexion with an official Wimbledon fan
She also shared the VIP enclosure with C.S. Venkatakrishnan, chief executive of Barclays, Rike Nooitgedagt, Sophie Hunter, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and fashion icon Anna Wintour.
The Royal Box was once again one of the hottest tickets in London, with celebrities, royalty and sporting legends gathering as Wimbledon approached its climax.
The tournament has attracted an unusually broad mix of international stars throughout the fortnight.
Nicole Kidman was among those making headlines after battling the scorching London sunshine during the men’s singles final, shielding her famously fair complexion with an official Wimbledon fan before later swapping it for a wide-brim cream hat.
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Stiller, Rami Malek and Twiggy also attended during the closing weekend, while the Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
