The appropriation of other cultures is rampant in our own, and it's rare to find those who have genuinely experienced other parts of the world and are truly inspired by them, but this is exactly what Sydney designer Camilla Franks has set her sights on with her new line 'Jambo, Jambo!'
Camilla has been active for over ten years, has stores in five states across the country, and her clothing in stockists all over the world.
Camilla says of her recent experience abroad: “It is as if I am seeing colour for the first time. Brilliant. Intense. So deep are these electric hues I come alive. I see. Africa awakens me. Awakens my senses. Reaches into the heart of me and tears at my core. Her cities. Her deserts. Her tribes. Her incredible landscapes. Her wildlife. Her savannahs. My feet leave the ground and I soar with warriors in some kind of wild, desert elegance. Adorned like a desert queen, the dust flies as I join my new tribes in ritual movement. I am free. I am finally me…”
Africa itself is a wild melting pot of countries and cultures, each with their own styles and histories, and 'Jambo, Jambo!' utilises a variety of materials to reflect this. Wool, silk, suede, jacquard, and leather all feature and surprise in different ways across the new range. While designed as ready to wear, a number of the pieces could be easily paired despite their intense, kaleidoscopic patterns. The colours are spectacular and dominating, reminiscent of the bright worlds of Morocco and Kenya, and showing a marked difference from the earthy tones of her previous collection 'El Duende'.
“These pieces are a true ode to the modern woman. In my mind, she harbours great strength, style, independence, and soul. Her forward thinking mind forms the structured design, while each stitch is held together by her nurturing spirit. It is a concept that allows refined luxe to meet bohemia,” Camilla says, defining the style.
Camilla's 'Jambo, Jambo!' Spring Summer 2016 collection is available now.
