Carla Zampatti’s daughter Bianca Spender prepares to return to Fashion Week after death of mother

Bianca Spender is set to make her return to Afterpay Australian Fashion Week following the untimely death of her mother, late designer Carla Zampatti.

Spender, 45, started her fashion journey while working with her mother in 2004, before founding her own label in 2009.

Bianca will be presenting her collection onsite at Carriageworks on the Carla Zampatti Runway, named in tribute to her late mother.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, she said: ‘I had been thinking a lot about the concept of optimism through the pain when I was designing the range and I think this is applicable to so many people off the back of turbulence of the past two years.

‘In the lead-up to the show it’s been really special to be able to feel her presence, rather than the absence. I know she will be there with us all.’

Carla, 78, died on April 3 last year, days after a fall at an outdoor opera performance.

‘I know she will be there with us all’: Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Bianca said: ‘I had been thinking a lot about the concept of optimism through the pain when I was designing the range and I think this is applicable to so many people off the back of turbulence of the past two years’

The mother-of-three and grandmother of nine had spent a week in hospital after the accident.

Born in Italy in 1942, Carla migrated to Australia with her parents in 1950 at age nine, and set up her fashion famous label at 24.

Her designs have been worn by some of Australia’s most influential women including Princess Mary of Denmark, Australia’s first female prime minister Julia Gillard, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and Gladys Berejiklian.

Fashion icon: Carla, 78, died on April 3 last year, days after a fall at an outdoor opera performance. Her designs have been worn by some of Australia’s most influential women, including Princess Mary of Denmark, Australia’s first female prime minister Julia Gillard, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and Gladys Berejiklian

Carla was named Australian Designer of the Year in 1994, awarded the Australian Fashion Laureate in 2008 and a year later was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, Australia’s highest civilian honour.

AAFW kicks off Monday and will run until Friday at Sydney’s Carriageworks.

For the first time, organisers IMG and AAFW have announced ‘the experience’ – a series of runways, events that are open to the public. 

Iconic: Carla was named Australian Designer of the Year in 1994, awarded the Australian Fashion Laureate in 2008 and a year later was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, Australia’s highest civilian honour