Former foreign minister Julie Bishop has again given her support to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation's (OCRF) Frocktober campaign.
In similar fashion to last year, Bishop wears a custom-made gown by Adelaide designer, Jaimie Sortino.
Last year, Sortino formulated the idea with his cousin, Jenna Crierie, in the early days of her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, after experiencing abnormalities at 22 years old.
The cousins worked together on the project as a way to share Crierie's story and support other women affected by the disease.
Crierie unfortunately passed away before she was able to see Bishop in the dress.
This year's dress is a red and pink ombre tule ball gown that features words from those living with ovarian cancer, and those from families who have lost to this illness, representing the multiple layers and journeys they go through.
The campaign images have been shot by renowned photographer Russell James against the backdrop of MRL’s Mt Marion Lithium project in outback WA, encouraging Aussies to engage in conversations about women's health and ovarian cancer in all settings, including the workplace and industries that have traditionally been dominated by men.
The Frocktober campaign raises awareness and much needed funds for important Ovarian Cancer research.
"With no early detection test, ovarian cancer is an insidious and dangerous condition," Bishop said.
"It is a great privilege to support the work of OCRF in developing a test that will give women hope in fighting ovarian cancer," she said.
This year's campaign also has big boots to fill, following last year's Frocktober which was the most-successful in the campaign's history.
In 2020, the Frocktober campaign raised a total of $647,686, smashing its goal of $600,000.
This year, the event aims to raise over $800,000.
Sortino said that in his 10-years as a couture designer, the Frocktober project remains one of his most important.
"The Frocktober gowns are without a doubt the most important I have designed in my whole career.
"This dress is made out of determination to make a difference and to help raise crucial funds for the OCRF that will continue to support people and families in similar situations to my own.
"I am forever grateful that Julie Bishop has again shown her support towards myself, Jenna and the entire OCRF community.
"I originally reached out to her on social media last year with an idea, and I would have never thought it would have led to this. I hope it’s something we can continue to create and evolve, year after year," he said.
Frocktober begins today and runs for the month of October.