Jodie Haydon, the new wife of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has caused a stir in fashion circles with her unexpected choice of wedding dress designer. In a move that surprised many style commentators, Haydon walked down the aisle in a custom ivory gown by the celebrated but unconventional Sydney label Romance Was Born.
A Bold Departure from Tradition
The intimate ceremony took place over the weekend at The Lodge in Canberra. Many observers had anticipated Haydon would select a gown from a more conservative Australian designer, such as Carla Zampatti or Paolo Sebastian, labels she has worn to great acclaim at high-profile events like the White House and the Midwinter Ball. Instead, she turned to the eccentric design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales, known for their theatrical runway shows, bold colours, and avant-garde aesthetic.
Remarkably, the wedding dress itself was a study in refined subtlety compared to the label's typically vibrant creations. The gown featured long buttoned sleeves, a fitted bodice, and soft, structured lines. However, it retained the designers' distinctive touch through exquisite, delicate embroidery that ran across the fabric. A cleverly hidden detail within this embroidery was a tiny golden wattle motif, Australia's national floral emblem, offering a symbolic and personal tribute woven into the dress.
A Style in Sync with the Prime Minister
For those familiar with the Prime Minister's personal style, Haydon's choice made perfect sense. Albanese is known for embracing his alternative inner-west Sydney roots, and selecting an edgy, local label aligned seamlessly with this outlook. The playful theme even extended to the couple's cavoodle, Toto, who arrived in a miniature matching dress.
The couple had previously hinted at their wedding plans in an interview with Australian Women's Weekly in February, stating their dream day would be 'small, intimate… possibly outdoors' in the latter half of the year. They also spoke candidly about navigating their relationship amidst the demands of public life, comparing the PM's long hours and travel to the challenges faced by shift or FIFO workers, and emphasising making the most of their time together.
A Love Story Forged in Sydney
The pair's romance began in 2020 at a business conference where Albanese, then in the audience, asked if there were any South Sydney NRL fans present. Haydon famously yelled out the team's rally cry, 'up the Rabbitohs'. He later introduced himself, and they agreed to meet for a drink back in Sydney, with their first date taking place at the Young Henrys brewery in Newtown.
Their bond was severely tested the following year when Albanese was involved in a serious car crash in Marrickville. Haydon recalled the terrifying moment she raced to the scene after receiving a call. 'I saw the mess of a car before I saw him and thought "he couldn't survive this",' she said. The experience revealed the depth of her feelings, cementing their relationship ahead of their history-making wedding at the official residence.
