ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
IT HAS BEEN A SLIGHTLY TERRIFYING ROLLERCOASTER: DESIGNER CAMILLA FRANKS ON HOW SHE CHANGED THE FACE OF FASHION, WRITES ROSEMARY BALL
Renowned Australian designer Camilla Franks cannot fathom that it’s been 16 years since her bohemian kaftans swept the style set. She prayed her first theatrical showcase at the Intercontinental in Sydney would change her life – and it has. Now, A-list celebrities including Oprah, Beyonce and JLo wear the eponymous label and the Bondi creative has become a national icon.
But Camilla says “success doesn’t come without a darker side and the past few years have been challenging”.
“It has been a beautiful, colourful and slightly terrifying rollercoaster,” she laughs.
In 2018 alone, Camilla witnessed the exponential growth of her multimillion-dollar business, gave birth to her daughter Luna Gypsy and danced with the devil of breast cancer.
The kaftan queen says the worst of the storm has passed and she is counting down the days until 2021 – because it will be a year to remember. She’ll be walking down the aisle to meet her long-time love, Welsh artist and musician JP Jones. “In 2017 he proposed to me up a mountain in Wales in a blizzard,” Camilla says.
“Every time we’ve tried to set a date, something gets in the way – pregnancy, cancer and COVID. “But 2021 here we come, baby.” Camilla and JP’s story reads like a Nicholas Sparks novel. They met and dated as young travellers in London in the late 90s. When Camilla’s visa ran out, she returned to Australia but they kept in touch.
The flame flickered for 15 years until they eventually reunited in 2015.
Camilla says the couple’s world was complete after the birth of their daughter, Luna Gypsy.
“Luna bear is now two years old … she’s funny, curious and a mixture of JP and I. She definitely has our creative genes.”
Reminiscing on Luna’s life prompts the designer to think about her battle with stage three breast cancer. Camilla says chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and shaving her waistlong auburn hair, started a whole new journey of self-discovery.
“I’m so grateful to live in Australia and therefore have access to the best treatment and support — I may not be having this interview today if I lived elsewhere,” she says.
“Creative visualisation was a huge part of this journey for me and I used to make chemo my friend.
“I knew I was in the fight of my life so I had to focus on keeping my mind and body strong.
“It’s been in my darkest and most challenging moments in my life that the best change and growth actually happens.
“If cancer taught me one thing, it’s to surrender and let go of whatever life brings up.
“As humans, we all want to control … but we need find strength and we need to learn how to swim with the tide.”
Camilla’s bold positivity has become something of a signature, not just for her, but for her brand.
“The greatest feeling as a designer is seeing a woman unleash the goddess inside when she puts on a CAMILLA,” she says.
“It’s an intimate and moving experience that brings so much joy and sometimes happy tears.”
The creative says she will never conform to the rules of fashion because she won’t trade authenticity for approval.
“The fashion industry has come a long way in my 16 years but when I first started out I encountered ageism and shapism, which naturally led women to feeling intimidated and disempowered to express themselves,” she says.
“It is such bulls*** and I’m glad the industry has embraced a much more forward-thinking attitude towards the wonder of the human body.”
Designing the opulent collections involves an “18-month ceremony”. “Our office becomes a working canvas, with textiles, clothes, photos and inspiration boards in every corner,” she says.
“We will often sit late into the night on the floor mapping out the collection and our vision.”
In recent years, the CAMILLA brand has expanded to mens’ and kids’ clothing, accessories and luxury homewares. More recently, Camilla was inspired to add a “fur baby” collection to her empire.
The inspiration behind the range is Lily, a dog she has been fostering from Pound and Paws and Pound Patrol Rescue animal shelter during the pandemic.
Camilla’s philanthropic heart extends well beyond her Woollahra home to her business.
The designer says from the beginning she has been compelled to engage in charity and give back to the community.
The colourful label is involved with UNIFEM and The Hunger Project’s Unleashed Women’s Initiative. Camilla’s brand and tribe exclusively funds The Butterfly Effect program to help educate and train 1000 young women in Bihar, India around issues affecting their health, freedom and safety.
Camilla says after a trip to Jodhpur, India a few years ago she understands every dollar can turn lives around.
“So far, we’ve had great results – seen girls going back to school and saying no to childhood marriage,” she says. “My brand is bigger than fashion. It’s about the full vision with heart. Every female is entitled to education, protection and empowerment to be their free self.”