Day One
Carla Zampatti
Australian Fashion Week officially opened on Monday evening with a powerful tribute to one of the country’s most iconic fashion houses: Carla Zampatti. Held in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art with the Sydney Opera House and CBD glittering in the background, the setting was nothing short of cinematic. And after a day of rain, the skies cleared for the outdoor spectacle — a welcome relief to guests and organisers alike.
Marking 60 years of the Carla Zampatti legacy, the show titled “Ubiquity” was a masterclass in timeless glamour. Across 60 looks, the collection moved seamlessly between sharp tailoring and sweeping gowns. There was an elegance to the pieces that felt innately Zampatti — yet there were also fresh touches that nodded to a modern sensibility. Ruffles, polka dots, pussy bows, and peplum details brought a playful sense of drama, while a palette of monochromatic black and white was lifted by flashes of muted yellow, siren red, and warm bronze.
A standout moment was the collaboration with 14 of Australia’s leading designers, including Pip Edwards, Christopher Esber, Romance Was Born, and Akira Isogawa, who each created a one-off piece that reinterpreted Zampatti’s legacy through their own lens. These collaborative designs will be donated to the Powerhouse Museum, adding a layer of cultural permanence to the celebration.
While the runway itself was a showstopper, the front row offered its own fashion moments. Guests arrived resplendent in vintage Zampatti, a stylish nod to the brand’s enduring influence, alongside bold, expressive looks that reminded us why street style during Fashion Week is just as compelling as the collections themselves.
This was also the first Australian Fashion Week presented under the leadership of the Australian Fashion Council. While many attendees may have arrived unsure of what to expect, the opening night offered a reassuring signal: the spirit of Fashion Week was in very capable hands.
Day One Highlights
Day one imagery: Launchmetrics/Spotlight.
