In 2019 the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry had its 41st Business Excellence Awards Gala Ball. This event that happens every year has the goal of exhibit and award Italian and Australian companies, as well as connect businesses from those two countries. Francois Santo partnered up with the iconic Carla Zampatti, gathering the finest jewelry to give Zampatti’s creations a final touch at the event's catwalk.

 

 

Francois Santo is the heir three generations of traditional jewellery hand makers. He started working on his family bench as an apprentice at the age of 16, where he learnt to draw, design and polish jewellery and the art of ornament engraving and melting precious metals to create different alloys. After three years of intensive learning, Francois left his family’s business to pursue his style and further his jewellery studies. During a visit to Australia in 2011 his talent was readily recognised, leading him to open his studio in Sydney. 

Carla Zampatti is one of the most recognisable names in Australian fashion. Born in Lovero, Italy, Zampatti settled with her family in Australia in 1950. In 1965 she produced her first small collection and nationally launched it in 1970 with the establishment of Carla Zampatti Limited. Zampatti opened her first boutique in 1972 in Surry Hills and with her distinct, signature style, spreaded boutiques across the country. Francois and Zampatti joint forces to present stunning looks at the Gala Ball, making that night as brilliant as it could be.

 

Also present at the event, the Ferrari Club Australia. A group of enthusiastic Ferrari Owners who participate in hundreds of diverse and interesting activities every year. At the Gala Ball, they presented some of their best acquisitions to the 500+ guests.