Designer DETAIL - Camilla Franks

We get up close and personal with the ‘Kaftan Queen’ Camilla Franks.

Countless women the world over have slipped into a Camilla Franks kaftan in anticipation of a little sun, sand and a whole lot of TLC. And now with a best selling coffee book, a collaboration with Elizabeth Arden and a gaggle of girls clamoring for one of these iconic kaftans, Camilla Franks is flying high on the successes of 2007.

The hows and wheres.

Originally a thespian and theatre lover, Camilla’s inspiration for turning her hand to design began “on the stage… I began by making my costumes for my characters. The audience paid more attention to my costumes than my acting… this was a sign that I needed to start a label,” Camilla remembers.

First things first, we had to ask Camilla how her love affair with the kaftan began. Naturally, it was all in the family. “They where perfect for the rehearsal room and my mother has always worn them. I get my certain style from my mother…she was a bohemian gypsy back in the day,” Camilla said.

In its few years of existence, Camilla’s label has experienced sensational success as the word about her unique and uber comfortable line of kaftans spread quickly. The have been spotted on the likes of high profile celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Prince, Nicole Kidman, Paris Hilton, Bette Midler, Kim Catrell and Elle MacPherson.

Camilla’s inspiration for her kaftans comes from her great loves of “music, theatre and my travels …when I design a collection I often listen to eclectic music, when I watch a play I usually take ideas form some of the characters and when I travels I get inspired by amazing women form all around the world.”

Women of the World

April saw the launch of Camilla’s Women of the World Book in association with UNIFEM. Stocked nationally in David Jones, the 100% non-profit coffee table book is a tribute to influential and empowering women. It features the work of 15 internationally acclaimed photographers such as Tony Mott and Robert Rosen, and embraces women of all backgrounds including the likes of Tara Moss, Bianca Dye and Maggie Tabberer.

With one successful book under her belt, Camilla says there are plans for more, “but first we will be traveling to work with the women that will benefit from the money raised. I cant wait to meet them all and to talk about how we can make it a continues project.”

Camilla goes Mediterranean.

As Camilla is known for her lively, feminine and exotic pieces, it seemed a natural fit for her to create a collection inspired by the new fragrance, Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean.

Each design in the collection has been inspired by some of Camilla’s favourite spots in this part of the world including Positano, Monaco, Antibe and Santorini. The collection features the many blues of the Mediterranean, incorporating hand beaded details on chiffon, silk and satin in a series of exotic and playful prints.

Look out for Camilla’s Antibe flamenco dress from this collection, which Camilla regards as one of her favourites.

For more information about Camilla, her projects and her collections, visit www.camilla.com.au