Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s partner Jodie Haydon made a striking appearance in a smoky gray ball gown at a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and his wife Jill at the White House.
But many failed to notice the subtle, hidden meaning woven into her elegant dress, designed by famed Australian designer Paolo Sebastian.
The intricate design features native birds such as the kookaburra and delicate flora motifs
Jodie Haydon (pictured far left) wowed at the state dinner hosted by Joe Biden and his wife Jill
Subtle Australian motifs are woven into the fabric, showcasing the rich tapestry of the country’s unique flora and fauna.
This included intricately embroidered native birds, such as the iconic kookaburra, and delicate patterns inspired by native Australian flora.
Mr Albanese and the US president will end their time together after meetings with a star-studded dinner at the White House.
Rapper The Kid LAROI and Vance Joy, the musician behind 2013 Triple J Hottest 100 winner Riptide, are in attendance.
Australian rapper The Kid Laroi wore a smart black suit during the state dinner at the White House
American comedian John Leguizamo, best known for his role as Sid in the Ice Age films, has also shown his face alongside former Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg.
In the beautiful state dining room – lavishly decorated with curtains, flowers and linens hand-picked by First Lady Jill Biden – the duo and a few hundred close friends will break bread and plot the future of the free world.
The three-course, five-star feast, prepared by chef Katie Button, presented on tables adorned with American pink roses and Australian eucalyptus, is in stark contrast to the Prime Minister’s favorite Marrickville pork bun.
Guests start with pumpkin soup and roasted beet salad, before the chef says the sarsaparilla-braised short ribs fall off the bone easily.
Dessert is a hazelnut and chocolate mousse cake, while the dignitaries enjoy some tunes from the ‘President’s Own’ Marine Band and the Army and Air Force Strolling Strings.
Rock band The B-52s were set to perform songs including the 1989 smash hit Love Shack, before organizers decided that partying while conflict raged around the world might not be the best look.
“We initially planned for the legendary B-52s to perform their iconic dance and party music, we are now in a time when so many are facing grief and pain, and we have decided to adjust the entertainment portion of the evening,” said dr. Biden in a statement.
‘Food is comforting, reassuring and healing. And we hope that this dinner will also contribute to that.’
It will be one of the most lavish dinners the man who grew up in Sydney’s public housing has ever enjoyed, but the White House insists the event will be a low-key, even homely affair.
“(The First Lady) always sets a table with candlelight and flowers, often freshly cut from her garden,” White House Human Services Secretary Carlos Elizondo said.
‘(The dinner) packages provide that same natural ease of being in someone’s home, with tables displaying flowers in large and small vases, making guests feel as if they are sitting in a field of flowers.’
Chef Button described preparing the feed with the First Lady as “an incredible honor and a true privilege.”
“We wanted to welcome guests from Australia with the warmth and bounty of autumn in the US,” she said in a statement.