In the past 18 months, Carla Zampatti has experienced a series of significant milestones. Notably, Tanya Eamon Beattie, who previously worked as a design assistant and was a protĂ©gĂ© under Carla, has returned to the brand as its creative director. Beattie’s inaugural collection, Resort 2026, marked the 60th anniversary of the brand, and now her second season coincides with the celebration of the 30th edition of Australian Fashion Week. While such events often evoke nostalgia, they also provide an opportunity to reinterpret the past, a perspective Beattie embraced upon her return.
Beattie is focused on looking forward rather than dwelling on the past. “I feel like with this new collection and this AFW, we’re really trying to just express who we are going into the future, and who is the modern Carla woman,” she stated. This vision translated into a focus on refined separates, such as a feathered crop top and a lilac blouse, along with a selection of silky ensembles. Beattie explained that these pieces aim to shift the brand’s image from “mother of the bride” to that of a globally empowered woman.
Though traditional eveningwear and old-school glamour were still present—exemplified by a long white catwalk set against the Sydney Opera House—the classic liquid sequin designs were modernized with features like low-cut backs and shorter hemlines. A high-collared, drop-waist polka dot dress, for instance, would suit both the mother and the bride. Through these subtle modifications, Beattie seeks to make a clear distinction: “It’s a bit more ageless, so not necessarily tapping into a younger market, but just feeling like anyone can wear it.”
