Zampatti Powerhouse
Image: Zampatti Powerhouse. Courtesy of Powerhouse Museum.
When legendary Australian fashion designer Carla Zampatti died in 2021, the Zampatti Powerhouse exhibition was already in the making. Women all over the country came out with personal stories about Zampatti and her designs: a 21st birthday outfit, a first date dress.
The Powerhouse Museum has some big shoes to fill when it comes to fashion and design – a $500 million renewal of the previously STEM-focused museum has many Sydneysiders on their toes, waiting to see how it will play out.
And for a debut onto the fashion scene, this exhibition makes a powerful mark. The story of Zampatti’s life, her footprint in the fashion world and her legacy as a mother are all curated into the exhibit.
Alexander Schuman, Zampatti’s son who is now CEO of Carla Zampatti’s brand, opened the exhibition at the Ultimo Powerhouse Museum with a heartfelt speech about the collection. Bianca Spender, one of Zampatti’s two daughters, was by his side.
“These two years have been a huge passion project for so many people” Schuman said.
Entry to the exhibition begins through a towering room covered in velvety fabric floors and walls. Then, Zampatti’s life works, some donated from personal collections, some from fashion archives, are showcased on black mannequins.
Her collection is sorted into colours and patterns, with elegant yet bold reds, creams and blacks drawing the eye from the back of the room. The clothes, however, are brought to life by the personal stories inscribed beneath them.
Not only is the iconic blazer worn by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and a gorgeous evening gown worn by Miranda Kerr on display, but also items from everyday Australians who found a special moment in Zampatti’s designs.
