Carla Zampatti (1942-2021) was born in Italy, emigrating to Australia with her family in 1950. In 1965 Carla produced her first small fashion collection and in 1970, she founded her ready-to-wear boutique-style business Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd.
She became one of the first Australian designers to include swimwear in her collections, and over the years became an Australian fashion institution, dressing Australian celebrities including Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett. She passed away after a fall at the age of 78.
Written by Fashion History Museum, Cambridge, Ontario
from a 1967 dress
Courtesy of Fashion History Museum, Cambridge, Ontario