Carla Zampatti’s life and legacy are set to be honoured in a first-of-its-kind retrospective exhibition celebrating the iconic Australian designer at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
The Australian fashion industry was rocked by Zampatti’s death in April 2021, after she suffered a fall just one week prior.
Now her designs are being brought back into the spotlight for a special exhibition that delves into her design work and personal life.
Powerhouse worked with more than 50 lenders to secure the designs on display, which includes a gown worn by none other than Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
It was the very same gown the princess wore for her appearance in The Weekly in 2013.
So how can you check out the exhibition and see it all for yourself? Keep reading for all the details.
What is the Zampatti Powerhouse exhibition?
Aptly titled Zampatti Powerhouse, the exhibition will feature 100 of her most memorable designs.
(Image: Getty)Aptly titled Zampatti Powerhouse, the exhibition will feature 100 of her most memorable designs, as well as events hosted by cultural institutions and foundations she supported in life.
It will be hosted at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and feature pieces Zampatti designed, as well as items from her own personal life and wardrobe.
“Zampatti Powerhouse will showcase the oeuvre of an Australian icon at the forefront of Australia’s fashion industry, from designing a car with Ford to the uniform for Australia Post,” said Powerhouse Trustee Kellie Hush.
“I’m so excited to see the beautiful, rare Carla designs found in private wardrobes and hearing the associated stories.”
The exhibition will also incorporate first person reflections from Zampatti’s clients, family, staff and friends.
WATCH: Julie Bishop pays tribute to Carla Zampatti at Fashion Week
Her son and Carla Zampatti CEO Alexander Schuman said in a press statement: “It is an incredible honour for Mum’s design legacy to be showcased in a major exhibition at Powerhouse Ultimo.
“Mum loved the magic of fashion, the big runway shows as well as hearing her customers’ personal stories and how her designs often played a small part in moments of significance in the lives of many Australian women.”
The exhibition will also be working together with cultural institutions and foundations Zampatti supported in life to host several special events.
These include live performances, late-night programs and panel discussions which will delve into her work as a designer, businesswoman and philanthropist.
Notable designs on display
Princess Mary wore a recycled Zampatti gown for her royal portrait in 2015.
(Image: Danish Royal Family/Franne Voight)There will be several iconic pieces on display for the exhibition, most notably a dress Princess Mary wore for her royal portrait in 2015.
It’s believed to be on loan from the Australian-born royal herself, who has been known to keep gowns in her wardrobe and rewear them through the years.
Other exciting pieces include pieces worn by high-profile Australian women like Julia Gillard, Julie Bishop, Tina Arena and more.
Zampatti’s daughter Allegra Spender has also loaned to the exhibition a blue jacket which belonged to her mother, which she wore while campaigning for the federal seat of Wentworth.
Zampatti Powerhouse exhibition dates
Carla Zampatti was an Australian fashion designer and businesswoman.
(Image: Getty)The Zampatti Powerhouse exhibition will open on November 24, 2022 and run into the new year.
Who is Carla Zampatti?
Carla Zampatti was an Australian fashion designer and businesswoman beloved by some of the most stylish names in Australian culture.
She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1987 and has had her designs worn by countless notable women, including politicians and royals.
Zampatti died on April 3, 2021, after succumbing to injuries sustained in a fall while she was climbing a staircase on the opening night of an opera at Mrs Macquarie’s Point in Sydney.
