Carla Zampatti

Carla Maria Zampatti , (born 19 May 1942) was an Italian-Australian fashion designer and businesswoman.

Contents

• Fashion designer carla zampatti shares her wardrobe must haves thecarousel com
• At home with carla zampatti
• Family
• Honours
• Death
• References

Carla Zampatti was Executive Chairman of Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd. She was a board member of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the European Australian Business Council, Sydney Dance Company, MCA Foundation and UTS V-C's Industry Advisory Board.

Born in Lovero, Italy, Zampatti settled with her family in Australia in 1950. In 1965, she produced her first small collection for Zampatti Pty Limited, followed two years later by a national launch, and in 1970, by the establishment of Carla Zampatti Limited.

Zampatti opened her first boutique in 1972 in Surry Hills, Sydney Australia. Over the next three years the Mosman, Double Bay and Elizabeth Street Sydney boutiques were opened, growing the Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd company to create a chain of 30 Carla Zampatti boutiques and concept stores across Australia. With the growth of the label, Zampatti moved into David Jones in 1990 and Myer stores in 1992. Australian singer of Italian descent, Tina Arena, was known to wear her pieces, as are other Australian icons Princess Mary of Denmark, Dannii Minogue, Delta Goodrem and Ita Buttrose.

In 1973 Zampatti became one of the first Australian designers to introduce swimwear into her collection. Expanding into other areas of fashion, she was commissioned to create the first designer eyewear of Polaroid's range.

In 1983, Zampatti launched her first perfume, 'Carla'. It was a success, and she released a second in 1987, 'Bellezza'.

In partnership with Ford Australia, Zampatti was asked to redesign a car especially for the women's market. Her first Laser, produced in 1985, was followed two years later with a collection of Lasers and Meteors.

Zampatti was recognised with a number of Australian and international awards for achievement and excellence. She was a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), was a Bulletin/Qantas Businesswoman of the Year, and in 1994 the fashion industry of Australia named her Designer of the Year. In 2004, the Italian government appointed Zampatti Commendatore (Commander) in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

In January 2005, Zampatti was honoured by Australia Post, and named a 2005 Australia Post Australian Legend. This award is announced annually in the lead-up to Australia Day, and its recipients are individually featured on a postage stamp. Zampatti later designed the new Australia Post corporate wear, launched in October 2007.

The Australian Fashion Laureate was given to Zampatti in August 2008. This award is polled by members of the industry, an initiative of the New South Wales Government and IMG Fashion. It recognises outstanding achievement and is the highest honour in the Australian fashion industry.

Zampatti has also held a number of directorships, including Chairman of the SBS Corporation, a director of the Westfield Group and a Trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Zampatti used to divide her time between her business commitments locally and overseas, her public engagements and her other directorships.