Carla Zampatti: Tributes pour in after fashion icon dies, aged 78
Carla Zampatti’s daughter Bianca has shared her grief as politicians, models, family members and journalists pay tribute to the late fashion designer.
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Late fashion icon Carla Zampatti’s friends, fans and family have shared heartfelt tributes after news of her shock passing, with daughter Bianca telling followers she is “heartbroken”.
Politicians, models, media personalities and family have taken to social media, these are their tributes.
BIANCA SPENDER, DAUGHTER AND FASHION DESIGNER
“Today I lost my mother, my inspiration, my mentor and my friend. I am lost for words and totally heartbroken.”
SCOTT MORRISON
“Jen and I are terribly saddened by the passing of Carla Zampatti. We have lost a truly great and inspirational Australian.
“Carla was an icon to the fashion industry, a pioneer as an entrepreneur and a champion of multicultural Australia. It was our great honour to have known her.
“She was a very kind, strong, elegant and sincere woman. She will be sadly missed by family, friends and all who she inspired alike.
“Her contribution to our nation will be timeless, just like her designs. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family.”
GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN
“The world will never be the same without Carla Zampatti.
“Talented, generous and inspiring. A true trailblazer in every respect. Rest In Peace.”
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
MALCOLM TURNBULL
“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.”
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
SARRAH LE MARQUAND, STELLAR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
“Like everyone in the fashion and publishing industry, I am devastated to hear of Carla Zampatti’s passing.
“Her impact on Australian fashion is immeasurable, with her designs long coveted by everyone from celebrities strutting down the red carpet to everyday Australian women seeking the perfect outfit for a special occasion.
Over the years at Stellar, we have called upon Carla’s pieces countless times to create magazine moments that we know will stand the test of time and her classic style will endure as part of her legacy.
“We have always enjoyed working with Carla and her quiet determination and grace have been a source of inspiration for many, including her peers. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time.
“I know fellow designer Camilla Franks spoke for many when she told Carla during an in-conversation with Stellar last year: ‘You really are an Australian treasure and I just adore you to pieces’.”
MAGDA SZUBANSKI
“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.”
DAVID CAMPBELL
“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.”
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
SAMANTHA ARMYTAGE
“Absolutely devastated at the loss of my beautiful friend Carla Zampatti this morning.
“She was a creative genius, a wonderful generous elegant woman & very much a part of many of my favourite memories.
“She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten and will live on forever in my heart, & my wardrobe.
“Vale Carla.”
DEB KNIGHT
“So sad to hear that Carla Zampatti has died.
“She was a fashion icon and a wonderful woman.”
JODI MCKAY
“Vale Carla Zampatti – Australia’s greatest designer.
“I treasure my ‘Carla’ outfits and have kept every one since my late twenties.
“You never give away a ‘Carla’.
“My thoughts are with her family and friends at this most difficult time.”
ALAN JONES
“An awful day. Australia has lost a legend. From humble beginnings to genuine and uncontrived greatness.
“Honoured that Carla has been a close friend for years. She will live on in our hearts forever. “There is no preparation for this devastating loss.
“True love is sharing. Carla received that and gave more. She is now a portion of the loveliness which she always made more lovely.
“Vale Carla Zampatti.”
REBECCA GIBNEY
“So shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of the extraordinary @carlazampatti.
“I have worn Carla’s designs in so many fashion shoots, to a multitude of awards nights — including the International Emmys — and most recently on the series Under The Vines currently shooting in New Zealand.
“The third photo was used only a few weeks ago to publicise the show and the character of Daisy Munro wearing a white Carla Zampatti suit and hat inspired by Carla.
“Sending so much love to Carla’s family and friends at this very sad time. Rest In Peace.”
TANYA PLIBERSEK
“An absolute tragedy. Sending my love to Carla Zampatti’s beautiful family and many friends.”
TONY ABBOTT
“Carla Zampatti AC was an icon of fashion, a trailblazer businesswoman and a great Australian.
“Her passing is a sad loss. Margie and I are deeply sorry and thinking of her much loved family at this time.”
MEGAN GALE
“Classy, sophisticated, smart and an incredible mother and business woman.
“A trailblazer for the Australian fashion industry and an absolute icon. You will be missed but not forgotten.
“Rest in love & peace.”
JESSICA GOMES
“RIP. All my love Queen. You were always so sweet and kind to me.
“Ill never forget these moments. Such an honour to have graced your presence.
“Sending all my love and prayers to Bianca. We have lost an icon today but her spirit will live on forever.”
ALEXANDRA GASTON
“What an incredible woman. All my love.
“Carla was so kind to me at the beginning of my career, I will always remember her as a beautiful, intelligent, chic woman. Thank you Carla.”
ELLE FERGUSON
“We have lost an icon. Sending love and strength to the family.”
SONIA KRUGER
“Carla was a beautiful woman in every sense.
“A true style icon and inspiration who will be missed by many.”
DANNII MINOGUE
“I am so sad to hear this news. I was so lucky to have met Carla.
“I have always been in awe of her style and the class she brought to Australian fashion.
“We have lost a legend to the fashion world. Condolences to her family and close friends.”
LANA WILKINSON, DESIGNER
“Our industry has lost an icon today. Carla Zampatti your contribution to Australian fashion will live on and it was a true privilege to work with you and your brand over the years.
“My deepest condolences.”
SBS
“SBS is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of its former Chair, Carla Zampatti AC.
“Ms Zampatti served on the SBS Board as Chair for ten years (1999-2009), drawing generously on her extensive business leadership experience to help steer the organisation through a decade of great change in the media industry.
“During her tenure, Ms Zampatti and her fellow Board members oversaw significant moments in SBS’s 45-year history. She was a passionate advocate for SBS and its unique role in the media landscape, including through its in-language services, so vital in helping new migrants navigate and participate in Australian life.
“Having migrated herself as a young child, settling in Australia with her family, Ms Zampatti truly believed in SBS and its purpose and was committed to promoting greater understanding of and between Australia’s diverse communities.
“Carla will be remembered as an extraordinary leader, and a legend in Australian business. She was a well-respected member of the SBS Board, with great nous, energy, resilience, and creativity, and whose contribution was valued enormously.
“SBS passes on its deepest sympathies to Carla’s family, friends and all who loved her.”
MARGARET THROSBY
“Sad to hear of the death of Carla Zampatti.
“She was an important figure in Australian fashion and an incredibly nice person. RIP”
OPERA AUSTRALIA
”Opera Australia is deeply saddened by the news of Carla Zampatti’s passing.
“Ms Zampatti was an Australian fashion icon and a passionate supporter of the arts who will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with her family at this time.”
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