The family of Australian fashion icon and former SBS chair Carla Zampatti has accepted the NSW government's offer of a state funeral, days after a fall at an outdoor opera performance.
In a statement on Sunday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian described the designer as 'talented, generous and inspiring. A true trailblazer in every respect'.
"On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Carla." the statement said.
Details of the State Funeral will be provided in the coming days.
Tributes continue for Ms Zampatti, 78, who died at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital on Saturday morning.
The mother-of-three and grandmother to nine had spent a week in hospital after falling as she attended an outdoor opening performance of Opera Australia's La Traviata in Sydney.
Opera Australia has acknowledged the tragic death but has not responded to a report of 'dangerous' stairs at the performance.
Carla Zampatti in 2019. Source: WireImage via Getty Images
"Opera Australia is deeply saddened by the news of Carla Zampatti's passing," a statement read.
"Ms Zampatti was an Australian fashion icon and a passionate supporter of the arts who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with her family at this time."
Opera Australia was asked to respond to comments from Ms Zampatti's contemporary and ABC Chair Ita Buttrose that the stairs were dangerous and needed improvement.
"The stairs are very dangerous at the opera," Ms Buttrose told ABC TV.
"Install some rails because otherwise other people might fall as well."
Born in Italy in 1942, Zampatti migrated to Australia in 1950 at age nine, setting up her fashion famous label at 24.
Her designs have been worn by some of Australia's most influential women, including Princess Mary of Denmark, Australia's first female prime minister Julia Gillard, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and Ms. Berejiklian.
"Carla has long been celebrated for making Australian women feel confident and elegant through her exceptional design, tailoring and understanding of the modern woman," her family said in a statement.
Ms Zampatti was named Australian Designer of the Year in 1994, awarded the Australian Fashion Laureate in 2008 and a year later was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, Australia's highest civilian honour.
Daughter Bianca, who followed in her mother's footsteps as a designer, has posted an emotional tribute to her "inspiration" on Instagram.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor leader Anthony Albanese have also paid tribute.
Ms Zampatti served as the chair of SBS for 10 years from 1999 to 2009.
“She was a passionate advocate for SBS and its unique role in the media landscape, including through its in-language services, so vital in helping new migrants navigate and participate in Australian life,” an SBS spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.
“Having migrated herself as a young child, settling in Australia with her family, Ms Zampatti truly believed in SBS and its purpose and was committed to promoting greater understanding of and between Australia's diverse communities.”
“Carla will be remembered as an extraordinary leader, and a legend in Australian business.”
Additional reporting by SBS News.
