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Carla Zampatti

Carla Zampatti.jpg
Born (1942-05-19)19 May 1942
Lovero, Italy
Died 3 April 2021(2021-04-03) (aged 78)
Nationality Australian
Label(s)
Carla Zampatti Limited
Spouse(s) Leo Schuman (m. 1964–1970)
John Spender (m. 1975–2010)

Carla Maria Zampatti (born May 19, 1942 – died April 3, 2021) was a famous Italian-Australian fashion designer. She was also a successful businesswoman. Carla Zampatti was the head of her own company, Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd. She was known for her elegant and timeless designs.

Early Life and Beginnings

Carla Zampatti was born in Lovero, Italy, in 1942. When she was eight years old, in 1950, her family moved to Australia. This is where she grew up and started her amazing career.

A Career in Fashion

Carla Zampatti started her fashion journey in 1965. She created her first small collection for her company, Zampatti Pty Limited. Just two years later, her designs were launched across Australia. In 1970, she officially started Carla Zampatti Limited.

Opening Boutiques

In 1972, Carla Zampatti opened her very first fashion shop. It was located in Surry Hills, Sydney. Over the next few years, she opened more shops. These were in Mosman, Double Bay, and Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Her company, Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd, grew a lot. Soon, there were 30 Carla Zampatti shops and concept stores all over Australia.

Expanding Her Brand

As her fashion label became more popular, Carla Zampatti's clothes started to be sold in big department stores. In 1990, her designs were available at David Jones. By 1992, you could also find them in Myer stores. Many famous Australians wore her clothes. These included singer Tina Arena, Princess Mary of Denmark, Dannii Minogue, Delta Goodrem, and Ita Buttrose.

New Designs and Products

Carla Zampatti was always looking for new ideas. In 1973, she was one of the first Australian designers to include swimwear in her collections. She also designed the first special eyewear for Polaroid. In 1983, she launched her first perfume, called 'Carla'. It was very popular. She released a second perfume, 'Bellezza', in 1987.

Carla Zampatti even worked with Ford Australia. She helped redesign a car especially for women drivers. Her first special Laser car came out in 1985. Two years later, she released a collection of Lasers and Meteors.

Business Leadership

Besides designing, Carla Zampatti held many important positions. She was the Chairman of the SBS Corporation. She was also a director of the Westfield Group. She was a Trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. She managed her time between her business, public events, and other leadership roles.

Awards and Recognition

Carla Zampatti received many awards for her work. In 1987, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This was for her great service to the fashion industry. In 2009, she was given an even higher honor. She became a Companion of the Order of Australia. In 2001, she received the Centenary Medal. This was for her leadership in Australian business.

She was also named the Bulletin/Qantas Businesswoman of the Year. In 1994, the Australian fashion industry named her Designer of the Year.

Australian Postage Stamp

In January 2005, Australia Post honored Carla Zampatti. They put her picture on a special commemorative Australian postage stamp. Other famous Australian fashion designers were also featured. This award is given each year before Australia Day. Later, in 2007, Carla Zampatti designed the new uniforms for Australia Post workers.

International Recognition

In 2004, the Government of Italy also recognized her achievements. They made her a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

Australian Fashion Laureate Award

In August 2008, Carla Zampatti received the Australian Fashion Laureate Award. This is the highest honor in the Australian fashion industry. Members of the industry vote for this award. It recognizes outstanding achievements in fashion.

Personal Life

Carla Zampatti was married twice. Her first husband was Leo Schuman. They married in 1964 and divorced in 1970. Her second husband was a politician named John Spender. They married in 1975 and separated in 2008, divorcing in 2010.

She had three children: Alex Schuman, Allegra Spender, and Bianca Spender. Allegra Spender now helps manage Carla Zampatti Limited. Bianca Spender is also a fashion designer.

On March 26, 2021, Carla Zampatti attended an opera in Sydney. She fell on a staircase and was taken to St Vincent's Hospital. She sadly passed away from her injuries on April 3, 2021.

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