International Womens Day with Camilla Franks

Each year as part of International Womens Day, Waverley Council in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, recognises a local woman for their contributions, creativity and impact. I was thrilled to host an in conversation event as part of Waverley Council’s IWD celebrations with the 2025 Waverley Council International Women’s Day Award recipient Camilla Franks.

Camilla is an international businesswoman, philanthropist, artist and designer. She launched her fashion label 20 years ago and it’s now a global powerhouse brand, sold in over 55 countries.

Camilla and I spoke about how she dreamed up her brand and built it from the ground up, without studying fashion or business. Camilla reflected on her decision to set up The Hunger Project, an Australian charity that aims to facilitate programs for women and girls living in marginalised areas of India to develop skills and knowledge that empower them to make positive and tangible cultural and structural changes within their communities.

Camilla spoke about the ways that she disrupted some of the norms in the fashion industry with inclusive sizing (much earlier than many other designers), by creating clothing that celebrates the female form and also offers beautiful options for women in modest communities, and her company’s BCORP certification. Camilla also spoke honestly about surviving cancer, about what it means to her to be a mother and how work environments can support and propel working mothers and all women. It was a wildly inspiring and joyful evening and conversation. Most of the audience were Camilla label fans and arrived wearing Camilla outfits. Which meant the whole room sparkled like a disco ball even in the dark!