All of us at CAMILLA were thrilled when our Founder and Creative Director Camilla Franks was honoured by her hometown with the 2025 International Women’s Day Award, and at the very spot where it all began.

The CAMILLA label was born on the golden coastline of Sydney’s Bondi, so to receive the International Women’s Day award from the local government area, Waverley Council, held special significance.

“International Women’s Day is a time when we acknowledge the women and girls who have made it their mission to shape a brighter, more equal future for us all,” said Camilla Franks. “To be recognised by my local community is deeply humbling. This award is a powerful reminder of the roots that have shaped my journey, and the precious collective that has been my foundation.”

Our Founder and Creative Director was presented the award in a beautiful, eclectic ceremony at Bondi Pavillion on March 7, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Australian design, leadership in business, advocacy for women and philanthropic endeavours.

Waverley Mayor Cr William Nemesh mingled with land custodian Aunty Lola Ryan, kindred spirits from the local community, members of the glitterati, fellow artists, politicians, professors and Camilla’s 7-year-old daughter, Luna, as Camilla reflected on her life journey with interviewer Michaela Kalowski.

“When I started the brand, it was never about creating beautiful clothes, she shared. “It was about finding a purpose founded on kindness, inclusivity and empowering women to be their most genuine, authentic selves. It’s a shared vision that we hold deep within the heart of our entire CAMILLA world. We’re driven by lifting others up in every single way can.”

Waverley Council has had a long history of supporting the advancement of women and celebrating International Women’s Day. Counting six female Mayors in its recent history, it is led by Deputy Mayor Dr Keri Spooner, General Manager Emily Scott and a largely female executive team.  
 
“Every year, in honour of International Women’s Day, we triple the CAMILLA brand’s donations through i=Change to our three women’s charities from $1 to $3 for every online order,” said Camilla. “We’ve donated over $670,000 hand-in-hand with our beautiful customers.”

“This award is testament to the power of that vision. It belongs to every woman who has ever worn CAMILLA and every woman who is striving to make the world a better place. It recognises the countless, fearless women who continue to break boundaries, to learn, love, survive, and do whatever they can to make today, and tomorrow, better than yesterday.”

We hope all the women in our CAMILLA community had a moment to recognise their power and potential on International Women’s Day. Let’s continue to lift each other up and create a harmonious universe where we celebrate and thrive on equality.