Political Running: How Julie Bishop makes athleisure cool

There's no escape from a politician's busy schedule and in between the endless meetings and travel opportunities, it can be hard to fit in regular exercise.

Julie Bishop is perhaps the most active political exerciser. As Australia's Foreign Minister, Bishop travels the world in the name of diplomacy. But despite her gruelling schedule, Bishop always finds time for a run.

Her commitment to jogging has been widely reported, and whilst travelling the world, Bishop always rises early for an hour's run. From the beaches of Cairns to the sweltering climates of Indonesia, Bishop is dedicated to the cause.

Julie Bishop is well known for her fashionable dress sense and this stylish look also makes itself known in her workout gear. A true champion of athleisure, Bishop sports coordinated items for her jogs. Black running tights with graphic logos, matching quilted vests and neon tops are key to her look, as are trusty pairs of Nike trainers.

Aside from the motivation of doing a run, for most of us (me included,) choosing what to wear for a workout can be as tough as the physical pain itself! Bishop is a great example of how selecting simple, no fuss athleisure pieces is always a good choice. Her look is effortless, and displays her love of fashion that provides a function.

Julie Bishop's running look reminds me in many ways of Claire Underwood's athleisure attire in House of Cards. Classic and no-nonsense, the two also sport eerily similar haircuts.

So if you're a running enthusiast or an eager beginner like me, look to Julie Bishop for how to do athleisure in a chic and effective way.

Julie Bishop's amazing jackets

Recently re-elected as the Federal Member for Curtin and as Australia's Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop is currently attending a programme of AESAN foreign ministerial meetings in Laos.

I'll be taking an in depth look at Bishop's fantastic style in a future post, but for now, I'm really excited by her collection of jackets. A fuschia pink cowl neck silk jacket is the ideal number to pick if you want to stand out in a room of generic suits!

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My other particular favourite is this zipped jacket featuring a horizontal striped pattern of rich blue, black, blush pink and terracotta. It's perfectly proper whilst demonstrating Bishop's love of fashion. If you know who the designer is then please let me know!

What do you think of Bishop's Laos jacket collection?

Collette Dinnigan: Unlaced

I stumbled across the Collette Dinnigan: Unlaced exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and am I glad that I did!

The exhibition is the first to explore the work of this internationally acclaimed Australian fashion designer.

Featuring ensembles, accessories and archival material from the Museum’s collection and Dinnigan’s personal archive, this exhibition presents her signature lace and embellished designs in a series of striking themed sets.

Realised by Anna Tregloan, an award-winning stage designer and artist, the scenes bring into focus Dinnigan’s unique creative perspective; they highlight the romantic, feminine designs that have seen her work sought after by a star-studded clientele including Taylor Swift, Dita Von Teese and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Each dress was more beautiful than the last, and the use of light, streamers and moodboards told the story of Dinnigan, her work and clients in a spectacular way.

Some of my favourite pieces were those worn by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Princess Mary of Denmark and Nicole Kidman. An amazing part of the exhibition was the moodboard room, where Dinnigan's creative colour coded processes were on show. A mix of invitations, letters and personal mementos really told the story of Dinnigan and her creative process.

The Julie Bishop dress

If you're in Sydney anytime until September 2016 definitely check out Unlaced!