Sofia Tackles Fashion Waste, Following a Trailblazer's Path

Sofia Tackles Fashion Waste, Following a Trailblazer's Path

Sofia Abel is hard at work in her Brisbane studio, designing sustainable fashion that’s already gaining global attention. At just 20, she has sold out her first collection, receiving orders from across the US, Europe, and the UK.

“It’s amazing,” Sofia shares. “I started selling to friends, and now it’s worldwide. I never expected this, but I’m thrilled people love my designs.”

Her signature cutout styles, inspired by her Bolivian roots, feature ruffles and flowing skirts that reflect her personal aesthetic. Sustainability is at the core of her brand, as Sofia is committed to reducing fashion waste. “I use high-quality linen, so the clothes are made to last,” she says. “We also produce made-to-order garments to avoid overproduction and strategically cut fabrics to minimize waste.”

In addition, she is launching a garment hire service, designed to extend the life of each piece and reduce its carbon footprint by 25%.

Born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Sofia moved to Brisbane with her family at eight, speaking little English. “It was definitely tough starting school, but we made it through,” she recalls. Her first business, making hair ties and simple clothes for friends, began at age 12. However, it was a visit to a clothing factory in Bolivia that sparked her passion for women’s fashion. “Seeing all the aspects of the industry was inspiring. That’s where my passion really grew.”

Sofia draws inspiration from Italian-Australian fashion icon Carla Zampatti, who also migrated at a young age and started her label in 1965. “Carla started sewing young, just like me, and she did everything herself. I really relate to her. I admire her story and aspire to be a successful businesswoman like her.”

Last year, Sofia became the inaugural recipient of the Australian Multicultural Foundation Carla Zampatti Scholarship, a $10,000 award supporting young women from diverse backgrounds. She later interned at Zampatti’s Sydney office, an experience she describes as transformative. “It gave me confidence in my brand and myself.”

Alex Schuman, Carla Zampatti’s son and CEO of the label, says Sofia shares many qualities with his trailblazing mother. “Mum would be incredibly proud. Sofia is driven, entrepreneurial, and has a strong aesthetic. She’s breaking barriers like Mum did.”

Zampatti, who passed away in 2021, left behind a legacy of empowering women and migrants. Schuman remembers the challenges his mother faced, including financial hardships as a divorced woman in the 1970s trying to grow her business. By 1980, Zampatti had become a household name and won the first-ever Australian Business Woman of the Year award.

Today, the Carla Zampatti brand remains a cornerstone of Australian fashion, with a commitment to local manufacturing. Schuman is proud to continue his mother’s legacy with a diverse team, including chief pattern maker Trung Nam Do, who trained as a tailor in Vietnam and worked alongside Zampatti for 22 years.

As applications open for the next Carla Zampatti Scholarship, Sofia encourages other young entrepreneurs to apply. “The financial support helped me bring my vision to life. I hope more young women can fulfill their dreams through this scholarship.”