The legacy of the late Australian design icon Carla Zampatti continued to shape and inspire local designers as they kicked off Australian Fashion Week in Sydney on Monday night.
The renowned Carla Zampatti brand celebrated its 60th anniversary by showcasing 60 iconic looks on an outdoor runway at the Museum of Contemporary Art, set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney’s harbour. Zampatti, who founded her eponymous label in 1965 and launched her first national collection five years later, passed away in 2021 after a tragic fall at an outdoor opera event. She was 78 years old.
Alex Schuman, the CEO of Carla Zampatti and son of the late designer, expressed his desire for the brand’s 60th anniversary to highlight the contributions of Australian designers. “There are countless designers, stylists, photographers, even models, who got their first run in Carla Zampatti, and now they’ve got their own brands,” Schuman remarked.
As part of the runway event, 14 local designers were featured, including well-known names like Grace Lillian Lee, Pip Edwards, Michael Lo Sordo, and Zampatti’s daughter Bianca Spender. Sydney-based designer Michael Lo Sordo, who was mentored by Zampatti, shared how honored he was to be included in this milestone showcase. He fondly recalled Zampatti’s effortless presence in the fashion world, saying she would “swan in and swan out” of rooms, often unannounced, which became an inspiration for his designs.
“Carla touched so many people over the decades of her legacy and her career,” Lo Sordo reflected, adding that the next generation of designers would continue to carry Zampatti’s influence into the future.
As Australian Fashion Week approaches its 30th year, the event’s structure has evolved. This year, the Australian Fashion Council, a not-for-profit organization, took the reins of the event. CEO Kellie Hush emphasized that Australian Fashion Week was now primarily a “trade event” rather than “fashion entertainment,” stressing the need to strengthen the industry for the future rather than focus on profit.
“Domestic customers are really important … what’s happening internationally is unpredictable,” Hush added, noting that Australia’s fashion industry, valued at $28 billion, was feeling the effects of ongoing cost-of-living pressures and recent US-imposed tariffs. Despite these challenges, Schuman observed a growing shift towards supporting local brands.
Lo Sordo also highlighted the importance of Australian Fashion Week as a platform for new talent. “It’s a really important time at the moment where we need to focus on our local industry,” he said.
In a fitting tribute to Zampatti, designs from Monday night’s runway show will be donated to the Powerhouse Museum, where they will become part of a permanent collection dedicated to Australian designers.
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