It's not often you come across a lady who is supremely confident, remarkably successful as an entrepreneur and all-bella-class.

At the 31^st Italian Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala Dinner held last Friday (6 Nov) at the Westin Sydney, one such lady was honoured; Ms Carla Zampatti - ICCI's 2009 Hall of Fame recipient. Not only does she amaze with her iconic collections, we're truly inspired by the many demanding roles she is able to fulfil (mother, mentor, designer, business woman, exec chairman...the list goes on).

Most warming moment of the night - the acceptance speech by the patriarch of Italian Restauranterus Beppi Polese and his wife Norma when awarded a Business Excellence Award. Who else has a family-run restaurant going strong after 52 years?