At this year’s Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Midwinter Ball, held in Canberra on 27 August, Jo Taranto, environmental strategist and partner of Bennelong MP Jerome Laxale, wore her values, literally.
We asked her about the story behind her incredible gown and the conversations she hopes it will spark.
Tell us about the incredible gown you wore to the Midwinter Ball
I wore a custom-made French linen gown, which had been eco-printed and overdyed with Fustic and black tea dyes. The dress was an unusual and bold choice with a bias cut style made with a circular pattern developed digitally in Clo-3D by the designer. To me, the dress is quite timeless with its draped style and full skirt. It reminds me of quite a classical Greco-Roman style.
Who helped you to bring the dress to life?
The gown reflects a network of designer Daisy Rose Cooper, who is behind the up-and-coming label Sleight of Hand. She is Blue Mountains-raised and is known for eco-printing and sustainable fashion, showcased at Australian Fashion Week. The project came together because of my good friend and stylist, Jo Gambale (Jo is the founder of Slogue, a Seamless supporter.) Jo is known for her commitment to slow fashion, and she brought together a team of young sewers and contributors who helped us bring it all together.
What are the conversations you hope your gown will spark?
I’m an environmental strategist and work with business leaders, so conversations about nature and climate are always at the forefront of my mind. The dress was specifically designed to spark conversation about the Australian relationship with nature at a critical moment for environmental reform. In the next few weeks, we will have new climate targets set and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act reform. These laws are important for industry and investment, and I want them to be as strong as possible. I believe the leaders who have the courage to tackle environmental challenges will ultimately make the best business and policy decisions.
Are there any other inspiring fashion stories from the Midwinter Ball?
This year was remarkable, as it felt like sustainable fashion and outfits with a positive social and environmental impact were much more the norm. I know Annika Wells got her dress from Facebook Marketplace. Zali Steggall was wearing a dress in collaboration with social charity Dress to Impress. Renee Coffey wore a custom-made dress in collaboration with a young designer from TAFE Queensland. Ged Kearney wore an outfit from Daia Collective by Deeksha who is a local, young designer and an ambassador for Beyond DV. Susan Templeman wore a Blue Mountains designer’s creation made using textile off-cuts. And Jodi Haydon looked amazing in a custom gown from Seamless member, Carla Zampatti.
Images supplied courtesy of Jo Taranto
