Since 2003, siblings Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman have dedicated all their efforts to reshaping Australian fashion with their luxury label, CAMILLA AND MARC. By exploring premium-quality materials, sharp cuts, and beautifully constructed shapes, they are giving a new meaning to the stereotypically Aussie attire, opening up space in racks filled with beachwear and hiking gear for an extremely polished and clean line of clothing. Think perfectly tailored trousers, boxy fits, and sophisticated patterns—the designs are timeless, modern, and classy, with an edge.

As they unveil their latest drop, featuring the Resort 2024 collection, we connected with Camilla Freeman-Topper, the creative mind behind the brand, to understand more about the processes behind product development, inspirations for the new line, having your brother as a business partner, and the responsibility of empowering women through her designs. Keep scrolling…

Hi Camilla! How are you doing?
Hello, I am well thank you, happy to be here.

Did you and Marc always know you wanted to go into business together?
We had always talked about developing a business together, and we were lucky it ended up happening in a really organic way that played to both of our strengths perfectly.

When I was studying design, I was offered a scholarship to pursue my masters at Accademia Arte Moda in Florence, and at the same time was invited to show a collection at Australian fashion week. Marc was studying engineering at the time and was very savvy and business minded, so in the moment, it felt like a natural decision to start a brand together – I would manage design and creative and Marc would run the financials and business side of things. That’s how it started anyway – today, we are both across all aspects of the business.

When did you start experimenting with textiles and design and when did you know it was what you wanted to study and pursue as a career?
Very early on I realised I wanted to pursue a creative career path. I always loved fashion and arts and had a strong eye for detail from a young age. My grandmother Joy played a part in enabling that, she was a very chic and stylish woman, always impeccably dressed, everything in her wardrobe was made to measure. I would spend hours rummaging through her wardrobe and trying on her pieces, back in the 80’s she had the most beautiful embellished custom pieces. She taught me the importance of creating timeless keepsakes (some of hers I am lucky enough to own today) and the power of well-made clothing, which today serves as the core foundation of my brand. I went on to study design at the Whitehouse Institute in Sydney Australia before I was awarded my scholarship in Florence.

What was the process like of starting the brand? What were some of the challenges that you may not have anticipated and what is it like to work with your brother?
It was a whirlwind to say the least. We were young and naïve. You take every risk because you have nothing to lose, and you learn valuable lessons along the way. Marc and I share a connection that goes beyond just being business partners; it’s a profound sense of family. They say you shouldn’t mix business with family, but for us, this was the only way it would work, the only way it would be successful and the only reason we are where we are today. Being siblings, we feel comfortable expressing our thoughts to one another without any fear or judgement, we take the time to consider each other’s opinions and have a very open line of communication. Naturally, we agree and disagree, but can find common ground quickly, and move forward. We don’t view our differences in opinion as obstacles, rather, we see them as opportunities for growth.

What do you aim to say through your brand? How do you set forth to empower women through design?
Designing for women is not just a creative endeavour, it’s a significant responsibility that involves shaping emotions and empowering confidence. Connecting to this intention is something my team and I do regularly. The very foundation of our brand philosophy revolves around the belief that clothing is a powerful means of empowerment, and every design is a testament to this. How a woman feels when she wears the clothing is very important to me.

Where do you typically go for inspiration for a collection?
Anything from art, travel, nature, film and more. Typically, I will focus on one core element of inspiration, but bring in both visual and spiritual aspects. I always want to design not purely based off a vision, but off feeling as well. What does this mean and how does it relate back to the woman’s life? What is the spiritual connection of my inspiration and how can I create a deeper meaning to the collections.

Specifically, what was the inspiration behind the Resort 2024 collection?
Resort 24 is titled Metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is a representation of a romantic and beautiful journey that traces a woman’s evolution in life. Inspired by the transformative journey of exotic and rare moths that resemble the delicate beauty of a butterfly. Moths are sensual and mysterious creatures, much like women, embarking on a voyage of transformation to become the best version of themselves, and in the process, beauty and intricacies are uncovered.

Can you speak a bit about working with Diana Bartlett on the campaign imagery? How did she help bring the pieces to life?
Diana is a long-term friend of the brand. Her vision, talent, work ethic and inviting personality are some of the many reasons why we love working with her to help us bring projects to life. We worked with Diana on our Resort 24 campaign, which was shot in Florence. Florence holds a special place in my heart, in many ways it was the beginning, the genesis of where we are now as it was the city I studied my masters and really refined my skillset and vision for the brand. To shoot there for our Resort campaign felt like we were coming full circle, particularly as we approach our 20th year in business. Diana has an impeccable sense of style and an incredible eye, so she helped bring an elevated European aesthetic to this shoot.

We love your collaboration with Otiumberg! How did you initially begin working together and how has it evolved over the collections?
We began our collaborative venture with Otiumberg after years of respect for one another’s practice. Otiumberg is also a sibling founded business by sisters Rosanna and Christie, who share our same vision to create timeless pieces that can be passed down to future generations. This is our third collaboration with them. We had a little bit more fun with shapes and materials for this collection. My favourite piece being a spiral pendant which sits on a black cord necklace, a nod to the 90’s and nostalgic for me in my early teens.

The brand reflects what real women are wearing in Australia… what are some common misconceptions about the country and its style that you’d like to debunk?
Australian women are not given enough credit for their level of taste. One of the misconceptions is the notion that Australian fashion is confined to beachwear. While Australia is undoubtedly synonymous with a relaxed culture and lifestyle, reducing our fashion identity to casual beach attire does not nearly showcase the sophistication that defines Australian women’s style.

Any exciting plans for the future?
We’ll be back in Europe in February/March of next year for something special. Watch this space!