Part-Saudi model Shanina Shaik returned to the runway at Australian Fashion Week 2026, walking for the established Australian label Carla Zampatti during one of the event’s key presentations. The show took place against the scenic backdrop of Sydney Harbour and marked a significant moment for Carla Zampatti, a heritage brand that has shown consistently throughout the three-decade history of Australian Fashion Week, which is celebrating its 30th edition under the oversight of the Australian Fashion Council.

Carla Zampatti’s Creative Director, Tanya Eamon Beattie, unveiled a collection focused on modernizing the brand’s classic glamour for a contemporary audience. The collection featured fluid satin pieces, feather-trimmed eveningwear, sharp tailoring, and sequined gowns presented in a palette that included monochrome shades alongside softer lilac and metallic tones. Beattie described the collection’s intent as redefining “who is the modern Carla woman,” aiming to move beyond the brand’s established reputation as a “mother of the bride” label towards a more ageless, versatile identity.

Shaik’s runway appearance contributed international recognition to the event. A seasoned fashion week participant, the Australia-born model of Saudi, Pakistani, and Lithuanian descent was recently active in Paris Fashion Week in March, attending multiple high-profile events. These included a dinner celebrating the US cosmetics brand Hourglass’s new brand partner and the presentation of British designer Victoria Beckham’s latest collection.

Shaik has previously collaborated with notable fashion houses, including her 2025 appearance in a social media campaign for Victoria Beckham Beauty. Earlier this year, she also joined Net-A-Porter’s destination style festival in Montana, demonstrating her ongoing engagement with global fashion circuits.

Founded in 1965, Carla Zampatti has long been recognized for its polished tailoring and celebration of empowered femininity within Australian fashion. This season’s show reaffirmed the label’s continuing evolution under Beattie’s creative direction. In a distinctive moment highlighting Shaik’s star power, Beattie concluded the runway presentation by walking hand-in-hand with the model as the audience responded with applause.