Designer DETAIL - camilla and marc

Familiar balance

For sister and brother team, Camilla and Marc, it seems the strength of the eponymous label is in their differences. "We are often on a different creative wavelength; we believe this is one of the reasons why we work so well together. Because we share a common aesthetic, even if we have different points of reference and inspiration for creativity, our ideas always work together."

This unique symmetry is also reflected in their technical backgrounds. A graduate of Sydney's Whitehouse Institute of Design, in 2003 Camilla Freeman was awarded a post-graduate scholarship to the world renowned Accademia Italiana Arte Moda in Florence, while Marc brings to the partnership a background in engineering and business, having completed a Masters of Commerce.

Keeping it real

Although influenced by trends and the maturing in general of fashion, Camilla and Marc are weary of the pack "We try to distance ourselves from looking at what everyone else is doing however there are obviously some designers that we respect and believe are incredibly clever".

The rise and rise

Citing Cristobal Balenciaga as their first designer crush, it is no surprise that the Freemans are loved for their impeccable quality, feminine signature and continued innovation. They are also loved for their story - since its debut at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week 2003, camilla and marc has seen a spectacular rise in the local and international fashion world and recognition came early when, for the first time ever, an Australian department store chose to stock a label in its first year of business. Editorial regulars in the likes of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, YEN, Russh and Madison the label is stocked nationwide and in exclusive boutiques internationally including New York's Elizabeth Charles and London's Selfridges.

The future is bright you see

The success of camilla and marc continues unabated; their Spring Summer 0708 collection kicked-off The Australian Fashion Week with an off-site show at the Sydney Theatre Company. Cleverly, the change in setting offered the perfect introduction, as the classic lines, girlish dresses and sweet details characterizing former collections took backseat to a harder modern aesthetic with an overt 1960's influence.

"Our Spring Summer 0708 collection is about the future of our label and how we think the camilla and marc girl wants to dress - accordingly we have created a strong collection of modern, directional silhouettes that are paired back with feminine and timeless fabrics. The collection is one we really enjoyed working on, and one that I really enjoy wearing! It's full of pieces that are simple but make you feel really special when they are on" Camilla explains.

This seasons hemlines are revealingly short on single piece outfits and the regular neutral pallet of camilla and marc is infused with bright cobalt, coral red and metallic. Thigh grazing dresses, sporty jumpsuits, hoods and zippers feature highly and showcase the collections strong, contemporary flavour and give edgy compliment to what is a distinctly feminine range.

Camilla's top five:

1. Joline Frock - A fabulous shift dress with an exposed zipper down the entire length of the dress
2. Ashley Vest - Hooded leather vest
3. Lou Pant - A pair of killer Jodhpur leggings
4. Shannon Frock- A bright cobalt mini dress - it just screams summer and fun.
5. Peta Frock - Crisp white shirtdress.

In a store near you…

camilla and marc stockists include Myer (NSW, VIC & QLD); Parlour X (NSW); Joy Hysteric (QLD); Emporia (WA); Momento Dezigns (ACT); Whistles (SA). For a complete list of stockists contact Golightly PR on 02 9699 8655.