Who Is Carla Zampatti? The Designer, the House and What to Buy Now

Carla Zampatti AC was the Italian-born designer who built one of Australia’s longest-running fashion houses. She showed her first small collection in Sydney in 1965, launched it nationally in 1967 and set up Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd in 1970. She died in Sydney on 3 April 2021, aged 78. The label she founded is still designing in Sydney, now led by Head Designer Tanya Emon Beattie, and it marked 60 years with its Ubiquity show at Australian Fashion Week in May 2025.

Key facts

• Founder: Carla Zampatti AC, born in Italy, settled in Western Australia with her family in 1950.
• First collection: 1965, photographed in front of the Sydney Opera House while it was still being built.
• Company: Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd, established 1970. Some sources give 1970 as the founding date; the label itself dates from 1965.
• Known for: sharp tailoring, the jumpsuit, satin evening dresses and occasion wear.
• Worn by: Princess Mary of Denmark, Dame Quentin Bryce, Julia Gillard, Julie Bishop, Gladys Berejiklian, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett.
• Today: a second-generation house, with collections designed by Head Designer Tanya Emon Beattie.
• Where to buy: Carla Zampatti boutiques in Australia and New Zealand, and online at Coveti, which ships worldwide.

Carla Zampatti’s story

Carla Zampatti moved from Italy to Western Australia with her family in 1950, as a child who spoke no English. In her twenties she moved to Sydney, and in 1965 she produced a small collection of her own. Two years later it was selling nationally. She founded Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd in 1970 and spent the next five decades building it into a national chain of boutiques.

Her clothes followed the lives of the women who bought them. She dressed women through the liberation movement of the 1960s, then into boardrooms, parliaments and major family occasions. In the early 1980s Ford asked her to design the interior of a new Ford Laser aimed at women drivers. The first Carla Zampatti Laser came out in 1985, followed two years later by a second Laser collection and a Meteor.

She was as well known in business as in fashion. She was named the inaugural Australian Business Woman of the Year in 1980, chaired SBS, and served as a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW. Italy made her a Commendatore of the Order of Merit in 2004, she was named an Australian Fashion Laureate in 2008, and in June 2009 she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC).

How did Carla Zampatti die?

Carla Zampatti died in Sydney on 3 April 2021, aged 78, after a serious fall at an opera performance. Her death was widely reported in Australia and overseas, and she was farewelled at a state funeral in Sydney.

Carla Zampatti’s family

Carla Zampatti had three children: Alexander Schuman, from her marriage to businessman Leo Schuman, and Bianca Spender and Allegra Spender, from her marriage to lawyer, politician and diplomat John Spender. Bianca Spender designs her own label, and Allegra Spender is the federal member for Wentworth. Carla Zampatti also had nine grandchildren.

Who designs Carla Zampatti now?

The house describes itself as a second-generation fashion house and keeps designing in Sydney. Head Designer Tanya Emon Beattie led the Spring 2026 collection, Reflections, which opened Australian Fashion Week 2026 at the Park Hyatt Boardwalk on Sydney Harbour: 45 looks of sharp tailoring, fluid evening wear, liquid sequins, hand-applied glass beadwork and devore velvet. The year before, the 60th anniversary show, Ubiquity, put 60 looks on the runway beside tribute pieces from 14 Australian designers, among them Toni Maticevski, Christopher Esber, Michael Lo Sordo and Bianca Spender.

What Carla Zampatti is known for

Three things define the house. The first is tailoring: jackets that pull in at the waist, often with jewel buttons, cut to be worn as suits. The second is the jumpsuit, which the house treats as one of its icons. The third is evening wear, from satin bias dresses to crepe gowns with one strong detail at the shoulder. Most pieces come in black, navy and ivory crepe, and most of the current crepe collection is made in Australia.

Carla Zampatti pieces to buy now

1. Navy Crepe Scarf Jacket

A single-breasted crepe jacket with a detachable scarf that falls in a waterfall drape. It is the house tailoring in one piece.

2. Black Crepe Fitted Waist Jacket

Three jewel buttons pull in the waist. Wear it with the matching bootleg pant as a suit.

3. Black Crepe Layered Sleeve Gown

A column gown with white petal panels across the shoulders, made for black tie.

4. Navy Crepe Cape Midi Dress

A pencil midi with an asymmetric cape. It is the house answer to the mother of the bride question.

5. Black Georgette Sleeveless Waterfall Dress

The waterfall dress is one of the most searched Carla Zampatti styles. This one falls in soft georgette folds from the neckline.

Read on: our guides to Carla Zampatti dresses, Carla Zampatti suits and the Carla Zampatti size guide, and the full Carla Zampatti edit at Coveti.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Carla Zampatti?

Carla Zampatti AC was an Italian-born Australian fashion designer and businesswoman. She showed her first collection in Sydney in 1965 and founded Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd in 1970. The label continues under Head Designer Tanya Emon Beattie.

When was Carla Zampatti founded?

The label dates from 1965, when Carla Zampatti showed her first small collection in Sydney. She launched it nationally in 1967 and incorporated Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd in 1970.

Is Carla Zampatti still alive?

No. Carla Zampatti died in Sydney on 3 April 2021, aged 78, after a fall at an opera performance. Her label continues as a second-generation fashion house.

Who are Carla Zampatti’s daughters?

Her daughters are Bianca Spender, who designs her own label, and Allegra Spender, the federal member for Wentworth. Her son is Alexander Schuman.

Is Carla Zampatti made in Australia?

Much of it is. Most of the Autumn 2026 crepe tailoring and dresses carry a Made in Australia label. Some denim and accessories are made overseas, and Coveti lists the country of origin on each product page.

Where can I buy Carla Zampatti outside Australia?

Coveti stocks Carla Zampatti and ships worldwide from its UAE and Australia hubs by DHL Express and FedEx International Priority. Every piece is 100% authentic and verified before dispatch.