Australian fashion icon Carla Zampatti was ‘secretly battling early stages of Parkinson’s disease’ prior to ‘frail’ designer’s tragic death at opera
Carla Zampatti was reportedly battling early stages of Parkinson’s disease prior to her tragic death on April 3.
Friends of the designer allegedly told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that Carla had been keeping her illness a secret for some time.
The news comes after Carla’s friend Kerri-Anne Kennerley revealed heartbreaking details about how ‘frail’ Carla was before her tragic death.
Secret health battle: Carla Zampatti (pictured) was ‘secretly battling Parkinson’s disease’ prior to her tragic death
According to the mystery insiders, the Australian fashion icon’s Parkinson’s disease symptoms became more pronounced over the past year.
However, this has yet to be officially confirmed by an official source close to Carla.
Speaking To The Daily Telegraph last week, journalist Kerri-Anne, 67, said: ‘Carla has [had] been quite frail for a long time, she was so tiny.’
‘I’m assuming when she fell she hit her head very badly and eventually that’s led to her demise,’ the TV host added.
She finished: ‘I think she cracked her head and neck, at the age and stage you just don’t recover.’
Health: Friends of the designer told The Daily Telegraph, Carla had been keeping her illness a secret but her symptoms became more pronounced over the past year
Earlier this month, Kerri-Anne paid tribute to her ‘dear friend’ on social media.
‘Carla was a brilliant designer, but more importantly a very kind and generous woman and dear friend,’ she wrote.
‘As neighbours, we became closer thanks to her escape artist pup and have had many fond memories and fun times since. All my love, KAK,’ she added.
Sad details: It comes after Kerri-Anne Kennerley revealed some heartbreaking details about her tragic death
Paying tribute: Kerri-Anne paid tribute to her ‘dear friend’ on social media
Carla, 78, died on April 3, days after a fall at an outdoor opera performance.
The mother-of-three and grandmother of nine had spent a week in hospital after the accident.
Born in Italy in 1942, Zampatti migrated to Australia with her parents in 1950 at age nine, and set 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.
Fashion icon: Carla, 78, died on April 3, days after a fall at an outdoor opera performance. Her designs have been worn by some of Australia’s most influential women, including Princess Mary of Denmark and Australia’s first female prime minister Julia Gillard
Last week, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Carla was a role model for generations as Australians.
The trailblazing fashion designer was farewelled at a state funeral at Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday.
Carla 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.
Role model: Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Carla was a role model for generations as Australians