BISHOP DIGS FROCKTOBER CAMPAIGN
JULIE Bishop and Adelaide designer Jaimie Sortino are hoping their latest fashion collaboration can unearth more funds for ovarian cancer research.
The former foreign minister donned a showstopping, red and pink creation by Sortino for a photo shoot this week at the Mt Marion lithium mining project in outback WA. Designed for Frocktober, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s (OCRF) annual fundraiser, the custom-made tule ballgown has special meaning for Sortino.
His cousin, Jenna Crierie, died from the disease about 12 months ago at age 33.
“I wanted to do something for her that kept her legacy and her story going because I think that’s really important, that women’s faces are put to this disease and they’re not forgotten,” he said. “I hope she’d be watching and very proud of what we’re doing.”
It’s the second time the Adelaide designer has dressed the former politician for the charity.
Last year, Sortino and his late cousin worked together on a gown that Adelaide-born Bishop wore for an OCRF fundraising shoot at Cottesloe Beach, in WA, in October. Just days later, Crierie passed away after an 11-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Sortino said the striking mining backdrop was designed to “make a statement” and draw attention to the “silent killer”.
“Julie was on board straight away this year and she’s always fantastic to work with,” he said.