Each week, Sunday Life quizzes a prominent woman about her style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, contributing editor Georgie Gordon chats to designer Camilla Franks.
Camilla Franks: “Everyone has a right to feel empowered and beautiful in their fashion choices.”Credit:Camilla wears the Camilla x Wonder Woman collection
How would you describe your style?
Opulent bohemian. It’s all about self-expression; fashion as a feeling. It has certainly evolved from the barefoot Bondi Beach hippie vibe. I’m still proud of my moniker as the kaftan queen and I’m still a bejewelled gypsy at heart, with a penchant for lavish florals, lace and embellishment, but now I love to add a harder edge, with a leather jacket and studded spikes, or go softer, with luxurious loungewear. It depends on my mood.
What are three of the essential items in your wardrobe?
A beautiful dress, a fabulous coat and Nike high-top sneakers for keeping up with a three-year-old.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
Antique old pawn (vintage Native American) rings.
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And the most recent addition?
A Camilla “Abingdon Palace” puffer jacket.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? A silk slip dress – it’s feminine and sensual without being too overt. I’d add a beautiful floral and lace layering piece, or a faux fur.
… on a plane? Loungewear. I love the luxury of super-comfy pieces. I’d go Camilla Zenwear in animal print.
… to the Oscars? I’d bring some fierce rock-star glamour to that red carpet! A figure-hugging catsuit embellished in gold and slashed to the waist with chandelier earrings, sky high heels and a full-length statement evening coat. I’d be bejewelled and dripping in ostrich feathers.
“Now I love to add a harder edge, with a leather jacket and studded spikes, or go softer, with luxurious loungewear. It depends on my mood.”
What’s your favourite fashion era?
I love the 1960s and ’70s. Our current “Runaway Royal” collection is inspired by the swinging ’60s in London and Barbara Hulanicki’s iconic Biba boutique. It was the place to hang out. She really shook up the world with her art deco wonderland, filled with luxe and lush designs. Everyone was in on it: the Stones and their girlfriends, the Kinks and the Who, models Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. The ’70s fashion captured the soul of a free-spirited generation, the whole flowers-in-the-hair, peace, paisley, psychedelic mess of it. It epitomises my hippie heart and soul. The kaftan became a symbol of that era; it was exotic yet casual.
