Fashion Houston 2011
Featured
Camilla
Since launching her label seven years ago, Camilla Franks continues to be internationally recognised as a designer who has a unique approach to creating colourful, playful and luxurious lifestyle fashion statements. With an ever growing list of celebrity fans including Oprah Winfrey, Lily Allen, Kim Cattrall, Fergie, Beyonce and Gwen Stefani who have all embraced her creations. Camilla is a brand on the move.
So, how did Camilla Franks become one of Australia's most iconic fashion designers? During the early stages of Camilla's theatre career, she took the initiative to design and create flamboyant costumes to represent her characters. "Women loved my costumes and the demand grew from strength-to-strength so I decided to launch my own label", recalls Camilla.
Camilla's debut collection was launched during 2004 at The Intercontinental Hotel – an Opera that she choreographed and directed. "I'm still amazed that a simple kaftan concept started the evolution of my brand", says the designer who picked up David Jones department store as one of her first stockists and today is available at 11 of their department stores.
Camilla's signature colourful graphic prints and free flowing designs are the core focus of the designer's individuality and popularity, however, the business entrepreneur in her is continually diversifying her brand. "My label has evolved from beach and resort fashion into ready-to-wear clothes so I can cater for all of my clients – playsuits, reversible coats, camisoles, maxi dresses, drawstring dresses, sequinned mini tanks, leggings, shoes and accessories. They can be worn to work or even the most elaborate red carpet event."
Camilla's unique design philosophy that "All women have the right to look and feel beautiful no matter their age, colour, size or origin" is a testament to the brand's popularity. "I design for all shapes and sizes – all personalities and walks of life – I just want to make women look and feel beautiful whether it's in a figure-hugging micro mini or a lavishly bejeweled cocktail dress".
During 2007, Camilla launched the 'Women of the World' book in association with UNIFEM – The Women's Fund for the United Nations. The 100% non-profit coffee table book tributes 100 influential and inspiring women – "The Women of the World book plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and funds for UNIFEM about critical issues that face women such as gaining economic independence, increasing access to education, preventing injustice and stopping abuse and violence", says Camilla who as a result helped raise more than $85,000 which is the largest single donation Unifem has received, the money helped the Laos Economic Empowerment of Women in the Textile Project.
With a worldwide demand, it is no surprise that the Camilla has closed the Harvey Nichols Dubai 2007 Spring Summer Collection Parade, launched her first pop-up sea-born boutique on The World cruise ship (2009) and has partnered with six-star Huvafen Fushi Resort and Spa chain, W Hotel, The Four Seasons Hotel and Qualia Resort. In addition, Camilla has hosted global trunk shows in the Maldives, Dubai and Greece, including a joint collaboration with Swarovski for each hotel guest to "crystallise their own Camilla kaftan". During this time, each guest of the Huvafen Fushi Resort in the Maldives was able to personalise their own Camilla piece that was specifically designed for the resort.
Last year Camilla captivated the fashion world at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2010 with the launch of her BABYLON' Spring Summer 2010/11 Collection. The designer collaborated with 20th Century Fox to unveil a secret Avatar theme with a unique sensory experience and theatrical production which was one of Australia's most talked-about runway shows.
Camilla takes a new direction with her 2011 Woodstock Autumn Winter range introducing original styles, cuts and prints in dark monochromatic silhouettes pared with the brand's iconic colourful designs. "It's all about layering chunky knitted jumpers with billowing dresses, leather leggings and wedges for a gypsy, earthy and hippie looks that offer super comfort and individuality", says Camilla. Furthermore, "For the first time ever, my Woodstock Collection incorporates a traditional winter palette with my signature graphic and colourful prints offering women from both the northern and southern hemisphere an opportunity to wear my brand".
Camilla is on demand. For the last two consecutive years, Camilla has been a special guest judge for Foxtel's Project Runway Show where she continues to inspire the fashion talent. In addition, Camilla is the 2011 Singapore Tourism Board's Australian ambassador for their Great Singapore Sale Campaign (May-June) where she will design an exclusive bag to promote the campaign.
Camilla's signature colourful and handmade graphic prints take centre stage in each of her ranges and are a true testament to her ever-increasing global popularity. The label is distributed in high-end boutiques and luxury department stores worldwide (USA, Europe, The Middle East and Asia) including Harvey Nichols (UK, Dubai and Riyadh), Intermix and Calypso (USA), Boutique 1 (United Emirates), and in her hometown David Jones, Camilla boutiques (Bondi, Mosman and Woollahra) and online at www.camilla.com.au.
The colourful story of Camilla continues to charm the globe and will soon include a homewares range.
