Carla Zampatti’s grieving daughter Bianca Spender honours late mum ahead of state funeral

Bianca Spender has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Carla Zampatti, ahead of the fashion icon’s state funeral.

The grieving daughter of fashion icon, Carla Zampatti, has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late mum ahead of her state funeral.

Zampatti will be honoured at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday after her family accepted the NSW government’s offer of a public farewell and her fashion designer daughter, Bianca Spender, said she’s touched by the outpouring of support.

“Thank you. Thank you to my incredible family, who are holding each other close right now,” Spender wrote on Instagram.

Bianca Spender’s tribute to late mum Carla Zampatti on Instagram

“To my team and @carlazampatti’s loyal staff for their strength and commitment. And a huge thank you to you all for the heartfelt condolences. Your response has overwhelmed us all. “The outpouring of sympathy reflects what a singular force Mum was. Her passion, energy and style was unparalleled, and it is heartwarming to see that she touched the lives of so many people xb.”

Spender and Zampatti had a very close bond.

Friends and fans of Zampatti, including her celebrity clients, are expected to attend the 10:30am service, which will also be live streamed.

Zampatti tragically died at age 78 on April 3, one week after a fall at the opening night of the

Opera Australia performance of La Traviata at Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

Bianca Spender and her mum Carla Zampatti in 2015. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Zampatti was a single mum who raised three children. Here she is with daughters Bianca and Allegra. Picture: Instagram

Italian-born Zampatti launched her first fashion collection in 1965 and opened her first boutique in Surry Hills in 1972.

She was often hailed for her elegant designs as well as her support for women’s empowerment campaigns.

In 1987, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the fashion industry as a designer and manufacturer.

Zampatti’s former neighbour, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, said Zampatti was a champion for women.

“She was a really good woman’s woman, very kind and generous and bright,” Kennerley said.

“She was quite vocal before this #MeToo movement came along, she was one of the women who was always prepared to help anybody else.”