My father, on the other hand, was an intellectual, a diplomat and a quiet, considerate thinker from a privileged family".

[3] Spender earned a Bachelor of Commerce at the East Sydney Fashion Design School.

[4] Spender started her fashion career designing in her mother’s studio from age 12.

After completing her degree, Spender travelled to Italy and Paris to immerse herself in pattern making and design.

[1] She lives in Sydney with husband Sam McGuinness, whom she met in 2005 at a gig.