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| CAMILLA FRANKS BIOGRAPHY; CELEBRITY DESIGNER AND ARTIST |
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From the minute the vivacious Camilla Franks created her first kaftan eight years ago, a celebrity fashion and artist icon was born.
As a former theatre actress, Camilla designed and created her own flamboyant costumes that naturally translated into her debut kaftan collection. It was a simple kaftan concept
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that would change the course of Australian fashion history and inspire a new direction of beach and resort fashion.
The Camilla label brings worldly charm, personality and exotic flavour to timeless fashion. “It’s a label that doesn’t discriminate,” says the designer who constantly travels the world in search of inspiration. “I design for all shapes and sizes – all personalities and walks of life
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– 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 her ‘Women of the World’ book in association with UNIFEM – The Women’s Fund for the United Nations. Available nationally in David Jones, the 100% non-profit coffee table book pays tribute to 100 influential and inspiring
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women. The queen of hearts says the “Women of the World book plays a pivotal role in raising awareness and funds for UNIFEM about critical issues that face woman such as gaining economic independence, increasing access to education, preventing injustice and stopping abuse and violence.” The book has donated more than $85,000 in contributions to the Laos Economic Empowerment of Women in the Textile Project.
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Due to Camilla’s overwhelming success in Dubai, she was flown over by Harvey Nichols Dubai as their special guest of honour to close their 2007 Spring Summer Collection Parade from which she received rave reviews.
During August 2008, Camilla made history as the first Australian designer to be personally invited aboard The World - one of the globe’s most exclusive luxury cruise liners.
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During this magnificent journey through the Greek Isles and the Adriatic Sea, Camilla showcased her Spring Summer Collection with a captivating fashion show. Camilla showcased her designs again on board The World as it sailed the high seas of Mexico in June 2009. Onboard The World was a ‘pop-up store’ the first seaborne boutique for the Camilla label.
To further impress the affluent clientele of the luxury travel
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market, the Camilla label has forged an ongoing partnership with the six-star Huvafen Fushi Resort and Spa chain, operated by Per Aquum Resorts, as well as the W Hotel and The Four Season Hotel. Camilla has hosted various trunk shows at their various idyllic retreats in the Maldives, Dubai and Sri Lanka, including a joint collaboration with Swarovski for each hotel guest to “crystallise their own Camilla kaftan”. During this time, each guest of |
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the Huvafen Fushi Resort in the Maldives was able to personalise their own Camilla piece that was specifically designed for the resort.
In 2009, Camilla’s ‘Soleil’ Collection (launched in Sydney aboard one of Australia’s most prominent 52-metre super yacht Kokomo II) was inspired by the pristine waters of the Antilles. The ‘Soleil’ Collection featured romantic silk crepes and jerseys kaftans and halter and peasant
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dresses in exotic bold prints inspired by the Maldives, the Caribbean, African and Mexican coasts.
During early 2010, Camilla introduced her first winter Gelato Collection incorporating her free-flowing signature kaftans and quirky new playsuits and jumpsuits. “Drawing inspiration from my travels, the Gelato Collection embraces the Australian climate and our outdoor culture. By introducing |
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trans-seasonal colours, I have merged summer through to winter and broken winter fashion traditions to create a kaleidoscope of luminous coloursin playful kaftans, playsuits and jumpsuits” says Camilla.
Camilla mesmerised the fashion world at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2010 with the launch of her BABYLON’ Spring Summer 2010/11 Collection. Drawing inspiration from far off |
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lands, Camilla collaborated with 20th Century Fox to unveil a secret Avatar theme with a unique sensory experience and theatrical production. Vivid hues and dreamy graphics highlighted the multi-coloured imagination of The Lost Garden, Atlantis, Bermuda, Chimera, Spirits, Shadows and Pandora and Avatar ideologies translated into wearable fashion.
The ‘BABYLON’ Collection |
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transcends resort wear and beach style with Camilla’s signature free-flowing kaftans and glamorous new mini and maxi dresses, jumpsuits, playsuits, camisoles, peasant and oversized skirts, pantaloons, leggings and shoes. Bold, pastel, electric and fluro-coloured silk blend prints feature Mother Nature’s beautiful landscapes including luscious tropical and rainforest illustrations with butterflies, peacocks, Amazon tigers, |
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peacocks, Amazon tigers, snakes and fish scales as further inspirations. Carefully placed Swarovski crystals and hand beading add runway glamour.
Since launching her first range five years ago, Camilla Franks has developed an elite fan club of international celebrities including Lily Allen, Beth Ditto, Kim Cattrall, Elle Macpherson, Sharon Stone, Shakira, Fergie, Beyonce Gwen Stefani and Nicole Kidman who have all |
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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 stockist’s 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), Calypso (New York), Boutique 1 (United Emirates), and in her hometown David |
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Jones, Camilla boutiques (Bondi, Mosman and Woollahra) and online at www.camilla.com.au
The colourful story of Camilla continues… |
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CLICK HERE TO SHOP ONLINE @ CAMILLAONLINE.COM.AU