Amber Keating, the fashion designer formerly known as Amber Symond, has reverted to the surname Keating on her social media accounts, two years after announcing her separation from Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond.
The 54-year-old, best known for her label The Common Hours, quietly signalled the change by updating her online handle. Australian tabloid reports suggested the move was unexpected given the high public profile of the Symond name and in some quarters was discussed as possibly linked to prenuptial arrangements, though the designer has given no public explanation for the change.
Keating, who was born Amber McDonald and was previously married to Patrick Keating, is the mother of two children. Patrick Keating is the son of former Australian prime minister Paul Keating. Amber and Symond began dating in 2011 and married in 2016. The couple separated in December 2023 after eight years together.
Since the split, Amber has concentrated on expanding her fashion label and renovating a Paddington residence, according to media reports. The pair issued a joint statement at the time of their separation saying, "We enter this new chapter of our lives with a deep, mutual respect and friendship for each other. We are united in our love and commitment to our family."
John Symond has attracted attention for other reasons since the split. In 2025 he listed his Point Piper mansion, known as Wingadal, with reports saying he put the exclusive Sydney property on the market for a record-breaking price. When listing the home, Symond said he planned to spend more time overseas and praised the house for its role in family life and for hosting charity events. Media coverage has also reported that Symond spent time in the south of France following the separation.
Wingadal, which Symond bought in 1999 and spent years transforming, sits on a large water-front block overlooking Sydney Harbour. Property agents quoted in Australian press described the listing as one of the most significant in recent memory for the market.
Reports since the separation have suggested relations between the former couple have improved. Australian media outlets have noted that Symond's adult daughter, Deborah, has maintained a close relationship with Amber and that the parties have presented a cooperative front in public statements.
Keating’s surname change is the latest public development in a high-profile personal chapter for two figures long visible in Australian business and cultural circles. The designer has not issued a public comment beyond the social media update, and Symond has not publicly addressed the change of name. Further details of the reasoning behind the update have not been disclosed.