This week, Australian label CAMILLA AND MARC presented its Spring/Summer 2019 collection at a site on Wooster Street in New York. Walking in past poshly-dressed mannequins, cacti, and large campaign prints tacked to the wall, we were greeted by the founders—brother and sister duo Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman.
Excited to first see the collection unfold, we explored its many shapes, which played heavy on structured, masculine tailoring with feminine silhouettes. There were reimagined suits with blazers featuring long hems and parted, petaled sleeves, and flared business pants. We also caught sight of new accessories—like open-toed velvet heels with silver buckles and ankle bows, a larger-than-life bag, and an astrological print in black and white.
Camilla Freeman-Topper, Marc Freeman.
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
Whitewall spoke with the Camilla about the new collection, shooting the campaign in Mexico, and celebrating the brand’s 15th anniversary this year.
WHITEWALL: This year, you’re celebrating 15 years of fashion. What does this mile-marker mean to you?
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
CAMILLA FREEMAN TOPPER: It’s a huge honor and extremely humbling. When we first started CAMILLA AND MARC, we had the ambition to create a brand that women would really connect to and reaching this milestone has been confirmation that what we’re bringing continues to resonate with our customer.
We’re also deep in reflection, reflecting on our past and our future – it’s been a really beautiful time to stop, pause and appreciate how far we’ve come, it’s been the most amazing journey.
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
We’re also taking this opportunity to be future focused. As we expand internationally, we’re exploring new ways of doing things at every level. As our customers evolve, so do we, and it’s an incredibly exciting time for the business.
WW: Tell us a bit about your campaign, which was shot in Mexico. What did the location reflect, and how was the energy something the brand vibed with?
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
CFT: The campaign represents the concept of future forward and a future woman; Imagining two space dwelling time travelers from the future, who, coming from lands unknown make an emergency exit on the small town of Sayulita, Mexico.
We chose to shoot with two photographers to get two different perspectives which was a very conceptual and unique process. Shot by Simon Lekias and Georges Antoni, the campaign highlighted the futuristic, architectural elements of the collection and its sculptural shapes, as well as technical fabrications and interesting details in a surprising and unexpected way.
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
What eventuated was an adventure for all of us, involving a lot of sunshine, moonlight, color, fabric, and print.
WW: Your designs shine with masculine tailoring, yet feminine silhouettes. What is a piece in this collection that really exemplifies that?
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
CFT: The black lumen architectural blazer and pant brings together the feminine and masculine elements really beautifully. The suit look is sharp and structured, while contouring is highlighted with subtle piping in a classic black sports crepe which hugs the female form and punctuated with flair sleeves and trouser cuts.
WW: Tell about your creative process. Where does it start? With a travel, a sketch, a fabric swatch?
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
CFT: It always begins with a feeling, and it’s always connected to the women we dress. It usually begins with travel, either a destination I have an innate connection to or one that comes very organically. From there it takes shape. When it comes from a place of connection, from a very natural place, there is always flow.
WW: Tell us about your new accessories this season. Love the huge bag and the wonderful shoes!
Courtesy of CAMILLA AND MARC.
CFT: We’ve launched a full collection of luxury leather goods and accessories. Each item is crafted to be classic, timeless and elegant for the woman we design for.
Belt bags, cross body bags and large tote bags are all new to the collection. SS19 accessories explores otherworldly notions through the eyes of a futuristic woman. The focus is on 70s detailing, combining materials, texture and contrasting color to style back with the RTW SS19 Collection.
The oversize bags explore themes of non-conformity, confidence, boldness and a desire to normalize these in everyday life, giving you the sense that she could be anywhere or do anything.
This season’s leather boots are crafted in smooth calf leather, taking inspiration from the 70s with chunky gold front zip detail, a soft point toe and classic stacked heels.
Also featured is an aero dynamic style boot with silver and blue metallic with white and red matte napper leather, talking to our space and late 60s inspired theme.
