How Carla Zampatti's Influence Will Live on In the Brand's Designs

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With renowned designer Carla Zampatti’s recent passing, the fashion world in Australia and beyond has been mourning the loss of a true icon. To say that she inspired a new era of fashion would be an understatement.

We’re not alone in saying that Zampatti will be truly missed, but we do not doubt that her legacy will continue to live on. From the beginning, the designer aspired to create clothes that women could feel confident and comfortable in.

Before Zampatti disrupted the Australian fashion scene, women's clothes weren’t tailored for business—and when they were, they weren’t made to fit well.

Seeing a space that needed filling, Zampatti began creating business attire for women, with the female body in mind. With her impressive skill and keen eye for design, Zampatti showed women that dressing professionally didn’t need to be drab. Today, it’s easy to take for granted what Zampatti worked so hard to establish, allowing women to feel confident and empowered at once.

Though Carla is unequivocally known as an “Australian designer” within our country, she actually grew up in Lovero, Italy. The ornate draperies and fabrics of her local church inspired a love for fabric in Zampatti. When she moved to Australia, she brought this love with her and began making clothes largely focused on amazing textiles.

Often, Zampatti was stopped on the streets, with women asking where she bought her clothes. It was through this that Zampatti realised that Australian women had a hunger for design and fabrics just like her—but there was nowhere they could get them. In an effort to make beautiful clothes available to women across Australia, she started her brand.

It is evident today that the designer and her unique perspective shaped Australian fashion as we now know it. Though she is sadly no longer with us, we are certain that her influence will continue to ring loud and true for years to come.

“The brand will live on with Carla's vision to create clothes that make women feel that they can take on the world,” the fashion house shared with us. By refining Zampatti's original designs and crafting them to a higher degree each time, the brand vows to keep the designer’s presence at its core.
To pay homage to Zampatti’s signature style, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite pieces from the brand. Each of the items below sums up Zampatti’s vision and the goals of the brand to help women look and feel their best.

Our Picks:

Calra Zampatti, Blue Stripe Maxi Shirt Dress ($350)

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Need something to wear to weekend brunches? This dress is perfect to throw on for a stroll and coffee in Surry Hills: The neighbourhood where Zampatti opened her first boutique in 1972

carla zampatti camel cape — carla zampatti, Cognac Ponte Cape ($429)

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Yes, you need a cape for winter. This cognac colour will make any outfit look instantly classy. Plus, it’s great for throwing on for your commute to work or keeping warm in an overly air-conditioned office.

carla zampatti, The Blue Love In Bloom Chemise ($859)

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This dress strikes the perfect balance between feminine and professional. In 1980, Zampatti was awarded the inaugural Australian Business Woman of the Year award—and we like to think that this pick channels that energy well.

carla zampatti long sleeve dress — carla zampatti, Park Avenue Enchantment Dress ($949)

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There’s nothing like a long sleeve dress for winter, and we’re obsessed with these neutral tones. Pair it with nude heels and gold jewellery for an effortlessly elegant look.

carla zampatti white thrill shirt — carla zampatti, White Sheer Thrill Top ($499)

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Need an easy “going out” outfit? Throw on jeans, this top and some heels and you’ll be looking good in no time. You can easily dress this blouse up or down depending on how you accessorise, making it a very worthy investment.

carla zampatti red dress — carla zampatti, Red Celebration Caped Sleeve Dress ($929)

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The slit sleeves give this classic turtleneck dress an instantly-dramatic upgrade. We love this red colour for it’s powerful wow-factor. Ready to turn heads?

carla zampatti, Black Siren Jacket ($899)

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Think power suit, but make it chic. Zampatti was a master at stylish tailoring, and the refined elegance of her suits proves it. In the ‘90s, Carla’s clean-cut tailoring and interesting lines brought her to the forefront in the eyes of major department stores. David Jones began stocking Carla Zampatti clothes in 1990 and Myer (then Grace Brothers) followed shortly after in 1992.

Love designer fashion? Find out what a post-COVID world means for the luxury fashion industry, here.

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