At Home with Julie Bishop: Former Foreign Minister shares five of her favourite things

In our candid new property series, celebrities and prominent Australians take us behind closed doors and share their five favourite things around their home.

These pieces could be anything, but all carry meaning.

Our At Home series launches with Julie Bishop, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, who continues to inspire with her philanthropy and is a trailblazer to many.

Wedgwood clock

“It belonged to my late mother, Isabel. It was on her dressing table at Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills and it reminds me of her every day,” Ms Bishop tells Nine. “She was very gracious and beautiful and the clock is a constant reminder of her.

“The best piece of advice she ever gave me was to not let others define who you are, to set your own standards and work hard to achieve them.

“She always used to say, ‘you go this way but once’. That was her favourite saying, meaning that you should take every opportunity and live every moment to its fullest.”

Red Prada Swarovski heels

“I have more than one pair of red shoes, but red shoes in general are of significance. At my press conference announcing my resignation as Foreign Minister in August of 2018, I wore red sequined shoes. Images of those red shoes went viral.

“I was asked to donate the shoes to an exhibition on the empowerment of women in politics at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra, so my red shoes are still in that exhibition. These shoes I have worn on a number of occasions.”

Ms Bishop, who was often described as the Minister of Fashion in the media for her glamorous wardrobe, has always strived to promote Australian designers through her platform.

“I believe you should be authentic. I have always loved fashion and have always been interested in it, and have sought to promote Australian fashion overseas when I was in a position to do so. You can hold down a serious job yet still pursue your passion.”

Mattel Foreign Minister Julie Bishop Barbie Doll

Ms Bishop wore a chic navy Armani coat dress and red stiletto heels when she announced her resignation as Foreign Minister in August, 2018. Mattel chose that outfit when they asked if she would agree to have a Barbie made in her image.

‘The image they chose was that picture of me as Foreign Minister in that blue coat dress,” Ms Bishop says.

“Mattel has a Dream Gap Project about empowering little girls to dream and they design and produce Barbies in the image of what they call ‘trailblazers’ to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and follow their aspirations. It’s a very worthwhile project.

“Being referred to as a ‘role model’ and ‘trailbazer’ is something I don’t take lightly. It’s not something I sought out to achieve, but if people see me in that positive light then I’m happy to accept it.

“If you’re passionate about an area of endeavour, then pursue it. Get the best advice you can, speak to people who have your interests at heart and pursue it. You should always aim high and pursue your dreams.”

Commander of the Order of Merit of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down on 17 July, 2014, while flying over eastern Ukraine. The 38 Australians on board died.

Ms Bishop was recognised for her efforts in gaining access to the crash site.

“It was a very tragic event, and my role in the international response to the downing of MH17 was a huge part of my experience as Foreign Minister without a doubt,” Ms Bishop says.

“I was awarded the Commander of the Order of Merit of the Netherlands for my part in gaining access to the crash site, and it was presented to me by the Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, at a NATO Summit in Wales in September, 2014.

“I was honoured to receive it, but certainly on behalf of the Australian people for whom I was acting.”

Ms Bishop considered it important that an Australian was leading the charge in the investigation.

“We lost the second highest number of passengers on that flight after the Netherlands, 38 Australian citizens and residents, so of course we had a significant role to play in helping coordinate the international response.”

Collection of Leon Pericles post-modern artworks

“Leon is a famous Western Australian artist and sculptor, and I have always admired his artistic talent,” Ms Bishop says.

“This collection is from his whimsical, Tiggy Puggenheim Collection. It’s a play on Peggy Guggenheim, the great American art collector, so he’s got this series called Tiggy Puggenheim.

“They are absurdly charming satirical takes on famous painters like Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and Wassily Kandinsky.”