An online memorial page has commemorated the designer’s lifelong contribution to Australian fashion,dressing some of the country’s most influential women,including prime ministers and premiers.

“Her family is very grateful for the support and for the excellent care from the team at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney,” the online obituary said.

Ms Zampatti was born in Italy before she and her family settled in Western Australia in 1950. She moved to Sydney in her 20s and launched her first collection in 1965.

Two years later the collection was launched nationally and in 1970 Carla Zampatti Pty Ltd was established.

Prominent Australians she dressed include Princess Mary of Denmark,Dame Quentin Bryce,former prime minister Julia Gillard,NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian,former foreign minister Julie Bishop and actors Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett.

Condolence messages were left on social media on Saturday,including from Ms Berejiklian,who tweeted that the “world will never be the same without Carla Zampatti.”

“Talented,generous and inspiring. A true trailblazer in every respect. Rest In Peace,” she said.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull described the designer as “one of our greatest Australians,brilliant,innovative,elegant,creative. Embodying the success of our remarkable multicultural nation.”

Labor’s spokeswoman for education and training Tanya Plibersek wrote:“An absolute tragedy. Sending my love to Carla Zampatti’s beautiful family and many friends.”

“Such a lovely woman who dressed me on a few occasions with great elegance and empathy,” said actor and comedian Magda Szubanski.

Ms Zampatti is survived by three children;Alexander Schuman,fashion designer Bianca Spender and Allegra Spender from her marriages with Leo Schuman and former Australian lawyer,politician and diplomat John Spender. “She is also the proud Nonna of nine grandchildren,” the obituary said.

Bianca Spender on Saturday posted on Instagram to mark her mother’s death,saying:“Today I lost my mother,my inspiration,my mentor and my friend. I am lost for words and totally heartbroken.”

In a statement,Opera Australia said the organisation was deeply saddened and offered sympathy to the family.

“Ms Zampatti was an Australian fashion icon and a passionate supporter of the arts who will be greatly missed,” the statement said.

Chief executive Rory Jeffes last week said Ms Zampatti’s fall occurred after the final curtain and that Opera Australia had a comprehensive safety plan including handrails and sufficient lighting.

Mr Jeffes said staff would review the lighting after the accident. Because Ms Zampatti lost consciousness,the company also contacted SafeWork NSW,which later cleared the site for the next evening’s performance.