Cheque, stripes and spots in the mail
NATIONAL: Australia Post has unveiled a new-look retail staff uniform designed by Carla Zampatti.
The uniform – to be worn by 8,000 retail staff working in over 4,000 Australia Post outlets nationally – comprises 80 pieces in navy, red and white and includes tailored suits in plain navy or pinstripes, shirts in bold red striping or navy spots on white, striped ties for men, scarves for women and a range of knitwear in a navy and sand palette.
Zampatti was invited to design the collection by Australia Post managing director Graeme John as part of a broader re-vamp designed to reflect the changing focus of Post’s retail offering.
"We needed to ensure that our retail collection reflected our staff’s professionalism in dealing with an ever increasing number of high end business transactions," John confirmed, adding that the uniforms were in keeping with Australia Post's recent investment in new fit outs for its retail outlets.
Zampatti said the collection had to cater for different climates and working environments, with fabrics that were functional and long-lasting and garments that were both "fashionable and adaptable".
"When I design for people in business I consider the sense of empowerment that comes from a well cut garment in the best quality fabrics. My intention in creating the collection for Australia Post was to design clothes the wearer enjoys wearing and feels comfortable in, and that suit the job they need to perform."
This is not the first time Zampatti has teamed up with the postal service, having featured on the official Australia Day stamp series with five other leading Australian fashion designers in 2005.
Zampatti was also responsible for designing the corporate Commonwealth Bank uniforms in 1986. Her latest collaboration with Australia Post was officially unveiled at a star-studded soiree at Sydney's Aria Restaurant with reserve bank board member Jillian Broadbent, Sonia Kruger and Jenny Brockie walking away with personalised stamps featuring their image.
By Belinda Smart