During the recent 2006 NRA Australian Fashion Design Awards I was privileged to interview Carla Zampatti, who is the ambassador for this prestigious event.

The interview took place during a luncheon at the Sofitel Gold Coast where Carla spoke to a packed ballroom about her life in Fashion.

Some of the questions are listed below:

QUESTION: Carla, how and when did it all begin?

CARLA: At the age of five whilst visiting a group of Italian dressmakers, a very long time ago, I thought, “this is for me".

QUESTION: The conundrum for most women is juggling career with motherhood and family life. How did you manage this aspect – growing your business so successfully whilst raising your family?

CARLA: With a lot of help! I’m a bad cook and not the best housekeeper. My three kids have forgiven me now. They really are appreciative.

QUESTION: For some of us, working with our daughters can cause a few lumpy bits – though they are our greatest fans they can also be tough markers. How does it work for you and Bianca?

CARLA: It works wonderfully but, yes of course, there are those moments. It was unexpected that she loves designing so much. She is very talented – I didn't force it.

It was initiated during the holidays as it was her holiday job to come to work with me.

QUESTION: What would you say was your most notable moment in your design career?

CARLA: Every latest collection – I become very excited about it! Also when Ford approached me in 1981 to design a car for women which launched in 1985. It sold so well – the Ford Laser – that they invited me again in 1987.

QUESTION: Where do the influences come from to inspire you to design every season’s new collection?

CARLA: Fabric, firstly. I focus on cut and make – how the garments fit, this is so important. Tailoring is so long lasting – quality fabrics, beautiful fit on the skirts, jackets and pants. Sometimes my clothes last too long my customers tell us.

QUESTION: Do you have a museum or archive?

CARLA: I haven’t really planned one, though yes, I do have a large archive and women sometimes send me pieces they have loved which no longer fit but they want kept.

QUESTION: This new winter collection we have seen today has some lovely surprises: jumpsuits, little trapeze dress, tuxedo pants and, of course, your wonderful new jackets and full length gowns.

CARLA: Yes the trapeze and the jumpsuit are from the wardrobe of reference. Lots of velvet, beautiful tailoring. Yes, a beautiful season.

QUESTION: Carla, we have loved following your career and your interesting and full life. Is there a book in you?

CARLA: No I am too young for an autobiography. I am too busy living.

QUESTION: What is your best travel tip to women?

Carla Zampatti is her own house model, trying on every single sample piece.

She works a lot with black and navy – actually, says navy is gentler on a woman's skin as she ages, though black can look great on everybody, sometimes with the addition of pearls at the neck. This can soften and break the black.

I could have talked to her all day. What a marvellous hard working woman – with a great sense of both style and wit.

Carla Zampatti fashion available at David Jones Stores, selected Myer Stores and Carla Zampatti Marina Mirage and Wintergarden (where I shop for Carla Zampatti).

Di Cant for istylefashion.com