We’ve had climate couture, now the Voice finds its way onto the red carpet

Melbourne-based Thompson, who will attend the ball as Stewart’s date – “I’m carrying the train!” – hopes a fashion moment tied to the Voice will help the issue reach new audiences, particularly young people on social media platforms where the discussion may not be as active.

“Jana and her dress will stop people on their Instagram scroll,” Thompson says. “Hopefully, then people will decide to learn more [about the Voice].”

The champagne-coloured, one-shouldered gown is printed with the text of the Uluru Statement, as well as the word “yes” in “Labor red”. Stewart will also wear a red velvet cape featuring the word “yes”, proving Canberra’s winter weather is no match for fashion activism.

Speaking to this masthead after the Voice legislation passed the Senate, Stewart says the gown exemplifies her personal fashion philosophy of “wearing my values”.

“I’ve been very conscious and deliberate about the things I wear and how I present myself,” she says. “There are lots of stereotypes about First Nations women – how we look, how we dress. I have always wanted to put my best foot forward.”

Prior to joining the Senate in 2022, Stewart was about to launch her own fashion label, Frankly Blak. She intended to make “nice linen dresses”, printed with her own Aboriginal art. But then life, specifically politics, got in the way. She says she plans to make herself some bespoke pieces to wear in parliament soon. For now, she’s happy to make a statement wearing the dress Thompson, who is also her sister-in-law (the women are married to brothers) has designed.

“A lot of time in politics, you are speaking to the same crowd,” Stewart says. “Wearing this dress is an opportunity to wear my values and create conversations [about the Voice] in circles that aren’t necessarily watching parliament.”

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