If all the world's a stage, why should the nation's highest court be any different?

New judicial robes for the High Court have been unveiled, created by noted Australian costume designer Bill Haycock.

Bill Haycock designed the new judicial robes for Australia's High Court. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

The creative force behind costumes for dozens of leading theatre productions and operas, the Brisbane-based designer was commissioned by the court to replace the traditional black robes after creating robes for the Federal Court more than a decade ago.

Haycock worked with cutter Margaret Adam, clothing maker Saffron Firkins and weaver Kay Faulkner. The robes are handmade from Australian merino wool and silk, and designed to reflect the High Court's function in the Australian Federation.