leading ladies

Together, they are two of Australia’s most iconic and inherently elegant women. On the 55th anniversary of her fashion label, CARLA ZAMPATTI chats life, family and finding your calling, with women’s rights pioneer and dear friend of 40 years, former governor-general DAME QUENTIN BRYCE

- RACHEL SHARP

Fashion icon Carla Zampatti and Dame Quentin Bryce, who was the first female governor-general of Australia

DAME QUENTIN BRYCE: I must start by saying 55 years in the fashion industry is truly incredible. Carla, you’ve contributed to our community in so many ways, not only through beautiful clothes and fabrics, but also through your support of the arts and music, dance and theatre. [Zampatti has served as chairwoman of the SBS Corporation and trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and currently sits on multiple boards, including the Sydney Dance Company, MCA Foundation and Australian Multicultural Foundation.]

CARLA ZAMPATTI: Yes, 55 years is a long time but I have no plans to retire. I’ve been very, very lucky Quentin—lucky to have wonderful family, wonderful friendships, and a life full of fashion, my first love. If you find something you adore doing and people love what you do, it’s magic. But enough already about me: look at you! You were Queensland director of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. You climbed right to the very top of what’s possible as the [first female] governor-general of this country [the 25th person to hold the office, from 2008-2014] and you did it with dignity and style. I remember travelling with you to Europe when you were the GG and people just fell over themselves because you were so beautiful, so stylish, so knowledgeable, so on top of business, human rights, equal opportunity, everything. Plus, you’ve had more children than me, and a successful marriage, so you’ve done much better than I have. [Both laugh]