MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Legendary Fashion Designer Carla Zampatti Has Died Aged 78

Legendary Fashion Designer Carla Zampatti Has Died Aged 78

Carla Zampatti Closes MBFWA 2019 In Signature Style

Carla Zampatti Closes MBFWA 2019 In Signature Style

Iconic Australian Designer Carla Zampatti On The Best Piece Of Business Advice She's Ever Received

Iconic Australian Designer Carla Zampatti On The Best Piece Of Business Advice She's Ever Received

Carla Zampatti And Dami Im Team Up For 2019's Virgin Australia Grand Showcase

Carla Zampatti And Dami Im Team Up For 2019's Virgin Australia Grand Showcase

{headline}

{headline}

The Winner Of The Inaugural Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award Has Been Announced

The Winner Of The Inaugural Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award Has Been Announced

BAFTAs 2021 Red Carpet: All The Best Dressed Stars

BAFTAs 2021 Red Carpet: All The Best Dressed Stars

Australian Of the Year Grace Tame Helms marie claire’s May Cover

Australian Of the Year Grace Tame Helms marie claire’s May Cover

{headline}

{headline}

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pay Tribute To Prince Philip On Their Archewell Website

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pay Tribute To Prince Philip On Their Archewell Website

"It's The Love Story For Me." The World Reacts To Prince Philip's Passing

"It's The Love Story For Me." The World Reacts To Prince Philip's Passing

Prince Philip Duke Of Edinburgh Has Passed Away, Aged 99

Prince Philip Duke Of Edinburgh Has Passed Away, Aged 99

The Surprising Reason The Queen Always Wears Mint Green For Special Occasions

The Surprising Reason The Queen Always Wears Mint Green For Special Occasions

'MAFS' Star Jason Has Apologised For "Inappropriate Remarks" In Viral Video

'MAFS' Star Jason Has Apologised For "Inappropriate Remarks" In Viral Video

Reese Witherspoon Shares the Clean Skincare Changing Her Skin (and The Industry) For the Better

Reese Witherspoon Shares the Clean Skincare Changing Her Skin (and The Industry) For the Better

We Finally Have Our First Look At The Long-Awaited 'Friends' Reunion

We Finally Have Our First Look At The Long-Awaited 'Friends' Reunion

  1. Home
  2. News

Remembering Carla

Icon, mentor, friend: editor Nicky Briger looks back on the life, talent and times of the legendary Carla Zampatti - by Nicky Briger
  • 06 Apr 2021
Remembering Carla

If you thought Carla Zampatti was slowing down in her later years, you’d be wildly mistaken. Glimpsing her in action was enough to prove this force of Australian fashion could continue forever, just like her timeless designs. Two years ago, I snuck backstage to wish her luck before her epic solo show at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Carla was hosting the Grand Showcase, the festival’s major event and also the largest parade of her career complete with 500-plus exquisite pieces and a rousing performance by singer Dami Im. Behind the curtain was a frenzy of activity, except for Carla, who stood calmly in the eye of the storm, directing the models while meticulously making finishing touches on each and every outfit. Carla hardly needed my luck – right after the show, she received a 15-minute standing ovation, the crowd erupting into rock-star hysteria as she lapped the runway. She was 76.

With the shock death on Saturday morning of Carla Zampatti, Australia has lost its most loved, enduring and famous designer. Many say it’s impossible to imagine the Australian fashion industry without her, especially as her eponymous label continues to thrive to this day. For 55 years, she’s remained a mainstay on the style scene by never veering from her core belief that clothes are meant to make women feel confident and empowered. From her trademark jumpsuits and perfectly tailored jackets, pants and power dresses to her successful eyewear collection, millions have a Carla Zampatti piece in their wardrobes. She’s dressed politicians, dignitaries, royals, CEOs and celebrities – a veritable Who’s Who of Australian powerhouse females - but Carla’s greatest pride and joy was designing for the “ordinary” woman, ensuring everyone felt like girl bosses in her clothes, no matter their age, size or background.  

carla

I was lucky to have met Carla decades ago when she befriended my parents in the early 80s. As a kid, I remember Carla arriving at our home for raucous dinner parties in killer pantsuits, chunky jewels and a Dynasty-style jacket slung over one shoulder. She was this impossibly glamorous enigma with a deep, lilting voice. But beyond her impeccable style, Carla was a hugely successful businesswoman and fiercely independent single mum, quite different to the women I knew at that time. I was in awe, and overcome with child-like shyness whenever she visited.

It wasn’t till much later in life, when I edited InStyle and then marie claire, that our paths crossed more frequently. I interviewed her for work often, but we’d always glide off-topic to discuss life, love, women, fashion and family, always family. Talking to Carla was a revelation – I’ve never met anyone who knew resolutely what she wanted, and was determined to get it, but always achieved her goals with grace and good humour.

Like her, my father was an immigrant who arrived in Sydney with nothing, so we often discussed the impact of those early years. Carla moved from Italy to Freemantle at the age of nine with her miner father. She’d cultivated a love of fashion and art during her youth in Lovero, a small town 120km north of Milan, and these passions never dissipated, finally spurring Carla to buy a one-way bus ticket to Sydney at the age of 19. She married Leo Schuman in 1964, and launched her first small collection the year after with her husband as business partner. When the marriage failed in 1970, Carla lost her factory but importantly retained the rights to her name, so launched her first tiny boutique in Surry Hills in 1972 under the company name, Carla Zampatti Limited. (Years later, Carla told me her greatest business advice would be not to take a business partner: “You can do this yourself!”). By the mid-70s, Carla had launched 30 boutiques across Australia, and was soon after awarded Telstra Businesswoman of the Year.

Throughout her career, Carla never forgot her Italian heritage, bringing that European sensibility to her life and work, but she was equally appreciative and proud of Australia, even becoming the first female chair of SBS for a decade.

carla

Beyond fashion, Carla was a self-confessed “culture vulture” and fierce patron of the arts, holding positions as trustee of the NSW Art Gallery, Sydney Dance Company and MCA Foundation, to name a few. When my brother and sister launched the Australian World Orchestra, Carla generously opened her home to many fundraisers, keeping the champagne flowing while charming potential doners. “She was the most extraordinary supporter; nothing was too much trouble or off limits. Her home almost became our second office, albeit with much better views,” says Gabrielle Thompson, the head of the AWO. “Everyone in the orchestra is devastated by this news; we’ve lost one of our own.”

Others admired Carla for her limitless reservoir of creativity, kindness and curiosity.        

“Carla was always curious and fascinated with how modern women lived their lives,” remembers Kellie Hush, former editor of Harper’s Bazaar. “She would often ask me, ‘What do women want today?’ I loved that about her. That curiosity. Most recently we were debating what women would want to wear post-COVID. She strongly believed we’d all want to dress up again. I didn’t think we were ready. The chicest woman I know would believe that! Personally, she was a beautiful friend. So successful and strong publicly, but privately so warm and generous. I’ll miss our chats and cups of tea in her sunroom enormously.”

carla

Similarly, Jackie Frank, founding editor marie claire, will miss their many catch-ups and deeply admired her trailblazing attitude about women’s rights, as well as her ability to constantly tap into the zeitgeist by meeting young talent. “She was a mentor to many, and inspired generations of young designers, but also learned from them.” Instead of being fearful of competing creatives, Carla embraced them, working alongside fashion brands such as Romance Was Born and Dinosaur Designs, even producing a still-popular collection of glasses for Specsavers. “She surrounded herself with the best and expected the best, but she was also warm, curious and so much fun” said Adam Worling, her former publicist and friend. “She also made my life easy cos she never took a bad photo! She’d do three poses and then say to the photographer, ‘We’re done now; you’ve got the shot’. And she was right.”

Adds Jackie Frank: “She was always the last to leave a party and an absolute speed demon. I remember zipping around Sydney in her sports Merc at a limit I doubt was legal. I was terrified and elated all at the same time!”

During what would be our last interview, I asked her to pinpoint her greatest achievement. “You’d expect me to say sustaining a fashion brand for over 50 years, but really it’s my kids, Alex, Bianca and Allegra. Without a doubt, my children are my proudest achievement.”

Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare-

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare

Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare-

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Legendary Fashion Designer Carla Zampatti Has Died Aged 78

Legendary Fashion Designer Carla Zampatti Has Died Aged 78

Carla Zampatti Closes MBFWA 2019 In Signature Style

Carla Zampatti Closes MBFWA 2019 In Signature Style

Iconic Australian Designer Carla Zampatti On The Best Piece Of Business Advice She's Ever Received

Iconic Australian Designer Carla Zampatti On The Best Piece Of Business Advice She's Ever Received

Carla Zampatti And Dami Im Team Up For 2019's Virgin Australia Grand Showcase

Carla Zampatti And Dami Im Team Up For 2019's Virgin Australia Grand Showcase

{headline}

{headline}

The Winner Of The Inaugural Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award Has Been Announced

The Winner Of The Inaugural Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award Has Been Announced

BAFTAs 2021 Red Carpet: All The Best Dressed Stars

BAFTAs 2021 Red Carpet: All The Best Dressed Stars

Australian Of the Year Grace Tame Helms marie claire’s May Cover

Australian Of the Year Grace Tame Helms marie claire’s May Cover

{headline}

{headline}

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pay Tribute To Prince Philip On Their Archewell Website

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pay Tribute To Prince Philip On Their Archewell Website

"It's The Love Story For Me." The World Reacts To Prince Philip's Passing

"It's The Love Story For Me." The World Reacts To Prince Philip's Passing

Prince Philip Duke Of Edinburgh Has Passed Away, Aged 99

Prince Philip Duke Of Edinburgh Has Passed Away, Aged 99

The Surprising Reason The Queen Always Wears Mint Green For Special Occasions

The Surprising Reason The Queen Always Wears Mint Green For Special Occasions

'MAFS' Star Jason Has Apologised For "Inappropriate Remarks" In Viral Video

'MAFS' Star Jason Has Apologised For "Inappropriate Remarks" In Viral Video

Reese Witherspoon Shares the Clean Skincare Changing Her Skin (and The Industry) For the Better

Reese Witherspoon Shares the Clean Skincare Changing Her Skin (and The Industry) For the Better

We Finally Have Our First Look At The Long-Awaited 'Friends' Reunion

We Finally Have Our First Look At The Long-Awaited 'Friends' Reunion

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe & receive a gift from Go-To Skincare