A Life-Changing Experience
Australian fashion icon Pip Edwards has opened up about her harrowing experience during the Bondi shootings. The founder of P.E. Nation shared her story with the Sydney Morning Herald, recounting how she and her girlfriend took shelter under a car just meters away from one of the gunmen who unleashed a deadly attack in Sydney on December 14, 2025. This tragic event claimed the lives of 15 civilians.
Edwards described the moment she and her girlfriend saw the gunman’s foot and the gun, saying they “just held each other and breathed.” She recalled that all she could think about during that terrifying time was her son, Justice. “I had to surrender to the fact that it could be over,” she said.
In an Instagram post after the attack, Edwards shared her account of the events. She mentioned that she and her friend Jess Engels were walking past the bridge on Campbell Parade when the shooting began. “The shots continued to fire incessantly, and quite literally as close as two metres away,” she wrote.
They quickly sought refuge under a van, watching the gunman’s feet and gun pace in front of the van right at their heads. “I was convulsing with fear, trapped, thinking this was it for us,” she added.
Edwards and Engels remained hidden under the van for approximately 15 minutes until the shooting ceased. Following the incident, Edwards spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about the emotional toll it took on her. She mentioned starting “a lot of therapy” within three days of the ordeal. “I knew the only way through this was ‘flipping the script.’ Now, what I used to attach as a priority is not important any more,” she said.
For 25 years, Edwards had tied her sense of worth to work and identity, whether as a mother or as the founder of P.E. Nation. “I’ve had to dismantle that,” she added.
New Perspective and Career Shift
The experience during the Bondi shootings played a significant role in Edwards’ decision to step down from her position as Creative Director at Ksubi in January. In addition to this, her son moving to the US to pursue a career in basketball also influenced her choice.
“[It] gave me a new perspective. Life is precious and it isn’t permanent. I had ticked the boxes I needed to tick,” she said. “It was the closing of a chapter of how I ran my career, which was at full pace, full tilt, 24/7. And that’s not sustainable – not for my health, not for longevity, not for my creative process.”
Edwards emphasized the importance of reevaluating priorities and finding balance. She believes that life should not be lived at a constant high speed. “I had to let go of the need to always be on the go,” she said.
Her journey through the trauma of the Bondi shootings has led her to a deeper understanding of what truly matters. It has inspired her to take a step back and focus on what brings her true fulfillment.
Lessons Learned
Through this experience, Edwards has learned that life is fleeting and that it is essential to cherish every moment. She encourages others to reflect on their own lives and consider what they value most.
- The importance of family and personal well-being
- The need to find balance between work and life
- The value of taking time for self-reflection and healing
Edwards’ story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there can be opportunities for growth and change. Her journey has been a powerful lesson in resilience and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.
