Background
Zampatti has three children, Alex Schuman, Allegra Spender and Bianca Spender.
Zampatti has three children, Alex Schuman, Allegra Spender and Bianca Spender.
As afive-year-old, Italian-born Carla Zampatti visited a group of dressmakers and knew immediately what her life’s path would be. She arrived in Australia in 1950 as a nine-year-old with big dreams and a determined attitude. After
releasing a small collection in 1965 Carla Zampatti now spearheads one of Australia’s most impressive fashion houses and is recognised internationally for her excellent business acumen.
1967 saw Zampatti’s first national launch, followed three years later by the establishment of Carla Zampatti Ltd.
Her first boutique opened in Surry Hills in 1972, followed closely by stores in Mosman, Double Bay and Elizabeth Street in Sydney. There are now 30 Zampatti boutiques and concept stores in Australia.
Zampatti was one of the first Australian designers to expand her range by designing swimwear in 1973, a line of sunglasses for Polaroid and her own perfumes, "Carla" in 1983 and "Bellezza" in 1987.
David Jones first stocked Zampatti’s range in 1990, followed by Myer in 1992. In 2005, Zampatti was named an Australia Post Australian Legend and featured on a postage stamp. Two years later Australia Post released their new corporate uniform, which was designed by Zampatti.
Zampatti received the Australian Fashion Industry’s highest award – the Australian Fashion Laureate – in 2008, which recognised her outstanding achievements. 2009 saw Zampatti adding to her 1987 Order of Australia medal when she was appointed Companion of the Order of Australia as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
When not designing, Zampatti is a trustee of the Sydney Theatre Company Foundation Trust and a board member of the Australian Multicultural Foundation as well as the European Australian Business Council.
Zampatti has had the rare honour of designing cars – the 1985 Ford Laser, followed by the 1987 Laser and Meteor – aimed at capturing the women’s market. They sold exceedingly well.
