With a career spanning five decades, there's not a lot Australian fashion designer Carla Zampatti hasn't achieved.
But for the first time, Zampatti has been chosen to close Fashion Week in Sydney.
"It was a wonderful surprise when they asked me to close the week," she told AAP ahead of Thursday's show at Carriageworks.
Zampatti hasn't shown at the industry event since 2014, when she took out the coveted opening slot.
She says the event has changed significantly since she first became involved 23 years ago.
"My first show was in 1996 at Fox Studios - it was wonderful and the industry had only started to stage large scale runway shows," Zampatti said.
"In those days the catwalk was raised and a large logo on the wall was essential. Today there is no limit to the creativity of a show."
This year, Zampatti's work will be sharing the spotlight with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, a group she has been involved with for almost 25 years.
Her collection is inspired by "today's bold era of change-making women.
"The silhouette continues to be long and lean and this season there will be spots, stripes and two-toned designs and then a vibrant floral," Zampatti said.
* Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia runs until May 18
Australian Associated Press
