The life of iconic Australian fashion designer, Carla Zampatti was celebrated today in a state funeral in Sydney, following her passing on April 3rd, aged 78.
Carla Maria Zampatti AC, was a businesswoman, executive and designer dedicated to empowering women, who relocated to Australia from Italy as a child.
The funeral, held at St Mary’s Cathedral was attended by Vogue Australia Editor-in-Chief Edwina McCann, wife to the Australian Prime minister Jenny Morrison, and hundreds of friends and family, including her three children, Alexander Schuman, Bianca Spender and Allegra Spender.
Daughter Bianca Spender, a successful designer in her own right, commented, “If she were alive today … I’m sure she would say this is the best-dressed funeral she has ever attended.” (Sydney Morning Herald)
Unable to attend alongside his wife, Prime Minister Scott Morrison praised the late designer as a “true icon” who “will be sadly missed”.
Carla Zampatti was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987 for for her Australian-made design contribution and service to the fashion industry as a whole.
Head Editor at Australian Vogue, Edwina McCann said Zampatti “perfected the Australian silhouette” with her practical, aesthetic designs made for women in the workplace.
Carla Zampatti opened her first retail store in Sydney in the early seventies, and over the years built the business to a chain of 30 boutiques and concept stores across the country.
Daughter, Bianca Spender’s eponymous label is a well-known ethical fashion labels in Australia, while lesser-known was Carla Zampatti’s commitment to these values as well.
The majority of Carla Zampatti’s garments are made in Australia and the label ensures the process is ethical by conducting audits and enlisting an Australian accreditation body.
In her own words on the brand’s website, Zampatti said;
“I have dedicated my life to those certain values which I hold dear. I have always believed in the advancement of women; developing opportunities for the next generation in fashion; supporting the arts; and advancing medical research.” Carla Zampatti
The fashion business also partnered with i-Change to support Australians in their time of need, including a shelter for women escaping domestic violence, as well as other hand-selected charities Thread Together, and Foodbank.
Coming up as a single, female-led business owner in the seventies, Zampatti’s garments were designed with empowering working-women in mind.
In an interview with journalist Melissa Singer for Sydney Morning Herald in May last year, Carla said;
“When I started in 1965, women were in a different place,” – “They were not working, certainly not leading mining or banking or building companies. They were … being discouraged by society or their families and pressured to stay home.” Her designs aim to support women in business and enhancing female beauty and form, jumpsuits being an iconic favourite from her collections.
“The Hollywood Ballgown” – www.carlazampatti.com.au
“It’s such a short time we are on this earth and if you don’t maximise it, what are you doing?” she says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of energy. If I am in a corner and find myself unhappy, I fight to get out of that corner.” Carla Zampatti (interviewed by SMH)
Zampatti’s legacy will go on, and the designer will be remembered for her empowering silhouettes and beautiful designs with a long-standing history of over 50 years contribution to the Australian fashion industry.
Our deepest sympathies are with her family during this very sad time.
Header Image Credit: Mike Flokis – Getty Images
