Fashion designer Carla Zampatti has died following a serious fall
Australian fashion matriarch Carla Zampatti has died following a horror fall at Sydney outdoor opera La Traviata last Friday night.
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Carla Zampatti, a pioneer of the Australian fashion industry, has died.
Zampatti passed away about 10am on Saturday after being hospitalised a week ago following a fall down the stars at Mrs Macquarie’s Point on the opening night of the opera La Traviata.
The designer hit her head and was admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital on Friday, March 26, where, sources say, she went into a coma from which she never recovered.
A spokeswoman for the family, former fashion editor Kellie Hush, issued a statement on behalf of the family confirming Zampatti’s death.
Zampatti’s designs are part of the fabric of high-end Australian fashion and treasured by the nation’s most famous women, politicians and news anchors.
“Carla Zampatti is Australia’s most successful and enduring fashion designer, launching her eponymous label in 1965. Executive Chairman of Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd, Carla has long been celebrated for making Australian women feel confident and elegant through her exceptional design, tailoring and understanding of the modern woman,” the statement said
“Born in Italy, Carla settled with her family in Western Australia in 1950. After moving to Sydney in her 20s, she produced her first small fashion collection in 1965. Two years later she launched her collection nationally and in 1970 established Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd.
“A champion of Australian women and a multicultural success story, she continued to thrive as a businesswoman through enormous radical and social change, designing clothes for women fighting for liberation through the women’s rights movement in the 1960s to empowering women today in leadership, the workplace, in their home and at major life events.
“She went on to expand her retail network to create a chain of boutiques across Australia and New Zealand and her clothes are truly considered a distinctive part of modern Australian lifestyle.
“Her designs have been worn by Australia’s most influential women from Prime Ministers and Premiers to business leaders, dignitaries, award-winning journalists, royalty and celebrities.
“They include Princess Mary of Denmark, Dame Quentin Bryce, Julia Gillard, Gladys Berejiklian, Julie Bishop, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett.
“Carla Zampatti is the mother of three children Alexander Schuman, Bianca Spender and Allegra Spender from her marriages with Leo Schuman and former Australian lawyer, politician and diplomat, John Spender. She is also the proud Nonna of nine grandchildren.
“Her family is very grateful for the support and for the excellent care from the team at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
A condolence page has been established at Carla Zampatti AC|Farewelling memorial. The family ask for privacy at this time.”
Zampatti hit her head after falling on stairs following the final curtain call at the outdoor opera event in a pop-up arena.
An ambulance was called to the 78-year-old, who was unconscious for an extended period of time before paramedics arrived.
Opera Australia chief executive Rory Jeffes last week confirmed the accident telling media a lifeguard attached to the company stayed with Zampatti while staff called an ambulance.
“My understanding is that they just cared for her, she appeared to be in and out of consciousness and therefore they just made sure she was comfortable until the ambulance arrived,” he said.
MORE TRIBUTES TO CARLA ZAMPATTI
The world will never be the same without Carla Zampatti. Talented, generous and inspiring. A true trailblazer in every respect. Rest In Peace.
— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) April 3, 2021
So very sad to hear of the death of Carla Zampatti. Such a lovely woman who dressed me on a few occasions with great elegance and empathy. Her tailoring was impeccable and her style divine. My deepest condolences to her family â¤ï¸ðŸ™
— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) April 3, 2021
I am just hearing Carla Zampatti has died from her fall. This is so tragic. She was a true pioneer in fashion in Australia. A class act. She was an icon who lived with grace. So very sad for her family.
— David Campbell OAM (@DavidCampbell73) April 3, 2021
Very sad to learn of our dear friend Carla Zampatti’s passing. One of our greatest Australians - brilliant, innovative, elegant, creative. Embodying the success of our remarkable multicultural nation. Our sympathy and love are with her family.
— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) April 3, 2021
Farewell my beautiful friend and mentor. You are a legend. Fierce and gentle all in one. A very sad day. My love to Alex, Bianca and Allegra. #carlazampatti pic.twitter.com/KlellA9THj
— Kellie Hush (@KellieHush) April 3, 2021
Originally published as Fashion designer Carla Zampatti has died following a serious fall
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