Bianca Spender’s name is synonymous with considered design, creative integrity, and leadership that inspires. From her early days honing her craft at Carla Zampatti’s studio to launching her own eponymous label, Bianca has carved a path defined by purpose, courage, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

As this month’s Future Maker, Bianca shares the moments that shaped her journey, the challenges that strengthened her resolve, and the insights that guide her as a designer, founder, and advocate for women in leadership.

1. What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey? Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?
I grew up surrounded by creativity, so entering the industry felt like a natural extension of my world. My first formal step was working within Carla Zampatti’s business for many years, learning the foundations of craft, process, and the realities of running a fashion company. The pivotal moment for me was deciding to build my own label. It was both a creative calling and an act of independence. I wanted to articulate a point of view that felt deeply personal. Taking that leap, and backing myself to shape a brand defined by integrity and considered design, set the course for where I am today.

2. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style?
I’ve had the privilege of learning from remarkable women throughout my life. My mother showed me what it means to lead with conviction while staying open, curious, and human. She never taught leadership in a formal sense. It was something I absorbed from watching her navigate complexity with grace. I’ve also been influenced by peers and collaborators across the industry who challenge traditional ways of working. Their perspectives have shaped my desire to lead through collaboration, clarity, and purpose. Ultimately, my leadership style has evolved from observing people who create space for others to thrive.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it?
Balancing creativity with commercial realities is always an ongoing challenge. As a designer, your instinct is to push boundaries, but as a founder you must make decisions that ensure longevity. I had to learn how to honour both and how to protect the integrity of the design process while building a resilient business. I overcame this by surrounding myself with a strong team and trusting in collaboration. The more I leaned into communication and transparency, the more sustainable our growth became. It’s a continual practice, but it has strengthened the brand and my perspective as a leader.

4. Our industry is 76% female, however this is not the case at executive level. Do you believe the Australian fashion industry has evolved over the years, particularly in its support for women leaders? What can we all do to help change this statistic?
The industry has absolutely evolved, but there is still meaningful progress to be made. Fashion is built on the contributions of women at every level, yet the structures that determine leadership and financial decision-making don’t always reflect that reality. We can shift this by championing transparency around pay, advancement pathways, and governance, and by ensuring women have access to the capital, resources, and mentorship required to scale businesses. As leaders, we also need to model flexibility and inclusivity in how we work. Creating environments where diverse voices are not only present but genuinely influential is essential to closing that gap.

5. What's one piece of advice you’d share with someone aiming to follow in your footsteps?
Stay anchored in your purpose. Trends change, the industry moves quickly, and the pressure can be immense but if your work is grounded in an authentic point of view, it will carry you. “Be curious, be resilient, and surround yourself with people who challenge and elevate you. And remember that building a brand or a career is a long game. Progress is rarely linear, but every step, whether creative or challenging, becomes part of your narrative as a designer.”

Find more about Bianca Spender here