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Carla Zampatti Spring/Summer 2011/12 Collection

Receiving an invitation to attend and blog the Carla Zampatti Spring/Summer 2011/12 show was a surprise and an exciting moment!  The event guest list included VIP clientele, celebrities as well as fashion's elite.. It was honour to attend.  Carla Zampatti has been in the industry for 46 years and is considered to be an Australian Fashion icon.  A Carla Zampatti collection is the epitome of femininity, sophistication and elegance and this collection was no exception.
The event was held at the Carla Zampatti headquarters car park (formerly a carriageway dating to the 1800s) at Kent Street Sydney.  The juxtaposition between the raw setting of the car park and the Carla Zampatti clothing was fascinating and effective.  The collection was titled 'The Strength of Simplicity' and this described it perfectly.  The collection embraced femininity, elegance and simplicity and was inspired by the 1990s, focusing on "all about the back."  The show opened with simple and strong lined silhouettes with dashes of red, black and cream.  The collection progressed, with classic and tailored pieces including structured jackets, wide-legged flared pants, trench coats, jumpsuits, shift dresses, maxi skirts, and halter neck draped tops.  The pieces were complimented with unique floating organza hats by Jonathan Howard from Hatmaker.  As the music by the Sydney Dance Company became more dramatic, the mood changed and Carla Zampatti's signature gowns began grace the runway.  The "all about the back", which had slightly appeared earlier, was now the focal point of the pieces.  The gowns were strong statements and consisted of the "sexiest strong graphic back detailing which can be twisted, draped and adapted to suit the mood or occasion."  The fabrics consisted of "new look linens and bamboo to the sheerest organza and georgettes."  Bold and vibrant colours were used including royal 'liquid like' blue, tangerine, striking red, silver, as well as soft creams and pink.
The collection was classic, gorgeous and elegant!  I absolutely love it!  I felt so privileged to be sitting amongst the high fashion elite guests including my favourite magazine editors, such as Kirstie Clements, Jackie Frank and Elizabeth Renkert.  I cannot wait for Bianca Spender's show at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week which begins on Monday!  Be sure to follow The Lilac Mannequin on Facebook and Twitter for constant updates straight from the runway!    
The Carla Zampatti gift bag! 
 (Images above Copyright The Lilac Mannequin)