'They remind me of the young Kennedys': The reason social media is comparing Jodie Haydon to Jackie Onassis during China trip with Albo

Sky News AU

4 days ago

Australia's unofficial 'First Lady' Jodie Haydon has sent the internet into a frenzy after wearing a striking $599 dress during a visit to the Great Wall of China.
Ms Haydon stepped out in the floral frock, designed by Chinese-Australian designer Leo Lin when she joined Anthony Albanese on a visit to the historic landmark on Wednesday.
She paired the cotton dress with hand-painted daisies and camellias, cinched by a belt, and completed the look with a white fedora and sneakers for the event, while Mr Albanese opted for a blue polo, jeans, sneakers, and a white South Sydney Rabbitohs cap.
The diplomatic fashion choice was lauded by many as a savvy nod to Australia's multicultural ties, and likened to the kind of sartorial diplomacy often practised by royals.
"As an Australian-Chinese brand, we are thrilled to see Jodie Haydon wearing Leo Lin in Leo's home country," Leo Lin's head of brand, Laura Good told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Ms Haydon has been a strong supporter of the Leo Lin label for some time and we loved welcoming her in to our Sydney showroom ahead of the trip."
Social media also lit up with praise, with one user posting on X: "Real leadership that Australia needs!!! Ms Jodie Haydon continues to be an amazing ambassador for Australia and especially Australian designers. She's wearing a design by Australian Chinese designers from Melbourne."
"Ms Haydon is sheer class!" added another.
Some admirers even drew comparisons to Camelot-era America: "These 2 are the Royal Family of Australia – like the early Kennedys. Real and adorable," one wrote.
Not everyone was impressed, however, with one critic commenting that the couple's appearance resembled "trailer trash".
The Great Wall visit marked a symbolic moment for Albanese, echoing former Labor leader Gough Whitlam's 1971 visit as Opposition Leader.
Whitlam went on to establish diplomatic ties with China in 1973, paving the way for the modern Australia-China relationship.
Ms Haydon's look also drew parallels with Tamie Fraser, wife of former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, who wore a similarly belted floral dress during her own Great Wall appearance in 1976.
Speaking at the historic site, Mr Albanese told reporters the setting represented both history and harmony.
"We are literally standing on history, history in recognition of the longevity of Chinese culture and Chinese achievement," he said.
He also spoke about his meeting with China's top leader, Xi Jinping, in Beijing, the day prior.
"Yesterday was an opportunity as well for us to develop the relationship between Australia and China," he said.
"I've said consistently that we'll cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, but engage in our national interests."
Following their visit to the Great Wall, the couple travelled to a panda conservation centre in Chengdu, wrapping up their six-day diplomatic mission to China.