Carla Zampatti has been announced as the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2014.
Zampatti will take the opening spot when things kick off on Sunday 06 April, marking an impressive 49 years in the volatile industry. It will be the second time MBFWA has been held at Carriageworks after its game-changing move was announced in 2012, and only the second time Zampatti has showed at the event in its 19-year history. Her shows traditionally take place off-site at an earlier date.
The “Mercedes-Benz Presents” award commends designers for dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style, and innovative design. It will place Zampatti, who previously received the Australian Fashion Industry’s prestigious Australian Fashion Laureate, among overseas “Mercedes-Benz Presents” luminaries including Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Narciso Rodriguez, and Schumacher. Locally, Easton Pearson and Johanna Johnson have been recognized in previous years.
“Carla Zampatti is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most established and influential designers,” Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific CEO Horst von Sanden said. “We are honored to welcome her into the ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents’ program, which continues to support the industry globally.”
Zampatti is about to take over Collette Dinnigan’s former store in Sydney’s Woollahra (RIP) and will also open a new boutique in Brisbane’s Indooroopilly. In a retail climate where local labels are increasingly threatened by overseas fast fashion chains, it’s nice to see one of our stalwarts thrive in the face of them.
Image: Carla Zampatti’s Facebook
