Brands Like Carla Zampatti: 6 Australian Labels to Know

If you like Carla Zampatti for its tailoring and occasion wear, the closest Australian alternatives are Scanlan Theodore for minimal tailoring, Rebecca Vallance and Alex Perry for evening and occasion dresses, Maticevski for sculptural gowns, Camilla and Marc for modern workwear, and Aje for printed, feminine dresses. Each covers part of what Carla Zampatti does. None has the same sixty-year history: Carla Zampatti showed her first collection in Sydney in 1965.

Key facts

• Closest for tailoring: Scanlan Theodore.
• Closest for evening: Rebecca Vallance and Alex Perry.
• Most sculptural: Maticevski.
• Most relaxed: Camilla and Marc.
• Most colourful: Aje.

What makes Carla Zampatti distinct

Carla Zampatti cuts tailoring and occasion wear in a firm crepe, mostly in black, navy and ivory, with a single strong detail per piece: a cape, a jewel button, a waterfall drape. Most of the current crepe is made in Australia. The house has dressed Australian women from Princess Mary of Denmark to Julia Gillard and Cate Blanchett. See Who is Carla Zampatti.

The alternatives

1. Scanlan Theodore

The Melbourne label is the closest match for tailoring: clean suiting, knitwear and dresses with very little decoration. Choose it for workwear that is even more minimal than Carla Zampatti. Shop Scanlan Theodore.

2. Rebecca Vallance

Rebecca Vallance shares the Carla Zampatti instinct for polished occasion dressing, with more embellishment: pearls, bows and tailored party dresses. Shop Rebecca Vallance.

3. Alex Perry

For red-carpet gowns and structured evening dresses, Alex Perry is the more dramatic choice. Read our Alex Perry vs Carla Zampatti comparison. Shop Alex Perry.

4. Maticevski

Toni Maticevski, who designed a tribute look for the Carla Zampatti 60th anniversary show, cuts sculptural gowns and tailoring for evening. Shop Maticevski.

5. Camilla and Marc

The Sydney label is the relaxed alternative: modern workwear and dresses with a softer line. Shop Camilla and Marc.

6. Aje

Aje is the choice for colour and print, with sculptural, feminine dresses for weddings and the races. Shop Aje.

How they compare

Carla Zampatti pieces to start with

1. Black Crepe Fitted Waist Jacket

The house jacket.

2. Navy Crepe Cape Midi Dress

The occasion dress.

3. Black Crepe Layered Sleeve Gown

The black-tie gown.

Frequently asked questions

What brands are similar to Carla Zampatti?

Scanlan Theodore, Rebecca Vallance, Alex Perry, Maticevski, Camilla and Marc and Aje are the closest Australian labels, each matching a different part of Carla Zampatti’s range.

Is Carla Zampatti a luxury brand?

Carla Zampatti is a premium Australian designer label. Its tailoring is made largely in Australia in lined crepe, and it has been worn by royalty and prime ministers.

Is Carla Zampatti more formal than Scanlan Theodore?

Carla Zampatti is more formal, with more occasion and evening wear. Scanlan Theodore focuses on minimal daywear and tailoring.