Carla Zampatti is hospitalised in Sydney after falling down stairs at the opera

Carla Zampatti has been rushed to hospital after falling down stairs at the opera on Friday night.

The fashion designer, 78, was attending the opening night of La Traviata on Sydney Harbour when she was knocked unconscious after she fell on the bottom steps of a staircase.

She was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital and will remain there for observation.

Opera Australia chief executive Rory Jeffes told The Sydney Morning Herald, staff looked after Ms Zampatti until an ambulance arrived.

‘My understanding is that they just cared for her, she appeared to be in and out of consciousness and therefore they just made sure she was comfortable until the ambulance arrived,’ he said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Carla Zampatti for comment.

Carla Zampatti’s name is synonymous with Australian fashion. 

The high-end designer was born in Italy and immigrated to Western Australia in 1950 when she was about eight years old.

She previously said her desire to show her adopted country her talents was the driving force behind her successful career.

‘Economically, socially, lifestyle – migration has been a huge benefit for this country,’ she said.

‘This country today is an economic force and I do believe it’s primarily because of the wonderful contributions that hardworking ambitious [immigrants bring].’

She said when a person arrives in a new country, there is often a desire to show their value to the country.

‘It’s interesting coming to a new country, you’re an outsider, and you want to prove to the country that has adopted you how good you are – that was my driving force and I do believe everyone who arrives in this country has an ambition on how they could add value to the country.’