Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum to hold first Carla Zampatti retrospective

Carla Zampatti exhibition to celebrate designer’s work and life; do you have any vintage pieces in your wardrobe?

Along with pieces from Carla Zampatti’s archives, the Powerhouse exhibition is calling for public submissions. Picture: Nikki Short

From 1960s minidresses through to the chic, colourful suiting of today, Carla Zampatti dressed generations of Australian women for their every stylish move.

In November, the first full retrospective of the much-loved Australian designer’s work and life will open at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.

The museum had begun discussions with Zampatti prior to her tragic death following an accident last year. “We had had a couple of meetings with Carla before she passed away and she seemed really excited about the idea of it,” Lisa Havilah, chief executive of MAAS, told The Australian.

Since her passing, “we thought it was even more important to celebrate the incredible contribution that she’s made”.

With the family’s blessing and the use of the company’s archives, the exhibition will not only cover off the trends of the era, but chart women’s place in Australian society through to the top of the ­corporate ladder. Polka dot maxidresses from the 70s will rub up against wide-shouldered power suits from the 80s.

The exhibition will include more than 200 fashion items, as well as photographs, ephemera and branded items, including her perfume and perhaps even one of her Ford Lasers from 1985.

The public is being called upon to help with the exhibition. “There is a massive gap between the 60s and 80s where Carla had a few items (in the archives) but not as many as a museum would like, which is why we’re calling out to Australian women to have a dig in their wardrobes or their mother’s wardrobes,” said Kellie Hush, a trustee of the Powerhouse.

Ms Hush said many pieces will be instantly recognisable, such as Zampatti’s famous jumpsuits, while others will surprise visitors.

Information on how to make submissions to the exhibition can be found at the MAAS website.