In celebration of Refugee Week 2025 and its powerful theme, “Finding Freedom,” Bianca Spender is proud to support our ongoing collaboration with The Social Outfit – a social enterprise championing employment, creativity, and independence for refugee and migrant women in Australia.
For Bianca, this partnership is both professional and deeply personal. With over two decades of connection to the makers behind her garments, she has long recognised the power of craft not just as a skill, but as a means of self-expression, agency, and belonging.
This collaboration honours the freedom found in creative work, in being seen and supported, and in continuing the legacy of her mother, Carla Zampatti, a devoted supporter of The Social Outfit. Together, they celebrate fashion as a medium not only for beauty, but for justice, opportunity, and connection.
Scroll on to read a heartfelt conversation between Bianca and The Social Outfit, as they reflect on craft, connection, and the true meaning of finding freedom.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR COLLABORATION WITH THE SOCIAL OUTFIT…
“This collaboration with The Social Outfit is a deeply personal one, rooted in shared values of empowerment, creativity, and community. I’ve always been passionate about honouring the hands that make our clothes, many of who come from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Working with The Social Outfit allows us to directly support refugee women through meaningful employment and skills development in the fashion industry.
This partnership also continues a legacy close to my heart. My mother, Carla Zampatti, was a devoted supporter of The Social Outfit and believed deeply in its mission. I’m proud to carry that commitment forward, celebrating the craft and resilience of the women involved, and using fashion as a platform for positive social impact.”
HOW IMPORTANT IS A COLLABORATION LIKE THIS? HOW DID THE PARTNERSHIP COME ABOUT?
“Collaborations like this are incredibly important, not just to me personally, but to the broader industry. They highlight the power of fashion as a force for good. Partnering with The Social Outfit enables us to directly support refugee women through creative, dignified employment, and to shine a light on the incredible talent within these communities.
It was through my mother’s passionate support of The Social Outfit that I first engaged with their work. Continuing that relationship feels like an extension of her legacy and aligns so naturally with our values at Bianca Spender. Respect for craftsmanship, community, and the human stories behind every garment.”
WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE OR CAN WE DO REGARDING THE SOCIAL ISSUES OF MIGRATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY?
“There’s still so much work to be done, and I believe it begins with acknowledging that these issues are deeply interconnected. Migration is often driven by instability – be it social, political, or environmental. Supporting migrant and refugee communities means creating systems that are inclusive, equitable, and offer real opportunities for contribution and belonging.
From an industry perspective, we must take responsibility not only for how we produce clothing, but for who is involved in the process. Valuing diverse makers, paying fair wages, and offering skills training are powerful ways to uplift migrant communities.
At the same time, environmental sustainability requires a shift away from fast, disposable fashion. We need to design with longevity, repurpose what already exists, and prioritise circular systems. These aren’t separate conversations. Empowering people and protecting the planet go hand in hand.
Ultimately, it’s about placing care at the centre of everything we do: care for people, care for craft, and care for the future.”
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
“I’d simply like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with The Social Outfit, and for the women whose talent and resilience continue to inspire me. Fashion can be such a powerful storyteller, and I believe it’s our responsibility as designers to use that platform to celebrate diverse voices, create opportunities, and tread more lightly on the earth.
This collaboration is a reminder that beauty is not just in the garment, but in the hands and stories behind it.”