In conversation with Camilla Freeman-Topper
What is your earliest memory of fashion?
Some of my earliest memories are of time spent in my grandmother’s wardrobe — the weight of beautifully tailored garments, the care in their construction, and the sense of permanence they carried. It was my first understanding that clothing can hold memory, meaning, and longevity.
Your collections feel designed for real life, not just the runway. Who are you thinking about when you design, and has that changed over time?
I’m always thinking about women and the reality of their lives — how their days unfold, how they move, and what they need from their clothes. Over time, and through motherhood, my understanding has deepened. Practicality, comfort, and confidence now sit at the center of every design decision.
Your education took you from Sydney to Florence. How does that experience still influence your creative decisions today?
Florence grounded me in the importance of craftsmanship, patience, and precision. Being immersed in a culture that deeply respects tradition and process taught me to value longevity over trend. This is how I continue to approach design — from silhouette to fabrication — always asking whether something will endure both aesthetically and emotionally.
Looking back, were there any key moments or decisions that helped define the direction of the brand or your role as a designer?
Launching the brand with my brother Marc was a defining moment. From the outset, we were clear on our values — integrity, quality, and purpose, and those principles continue to guide us. Learning to trust intuition in decisionmaking rather than external expectation was another turning point. That clarity allowed the brand to find its voice.
In recent years you’ve used Camilla and Marc’s platform for campaigns such as ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ — blending fashion and purpose. How does advocacy shape your vision for the future?
Advocacy is everything to the Camilla and Marc business — it has reshaped how we think about responsibility and impact. Using our platform to drive meaningful change for all women around the world sits at the forefront of everything we do. We exist for women; every decision we make is for the future of women and their health, and what could be more important than that? In the year 2026, the fact that women do not have an early detection test for the deadliest female cancer is not okay — we exist to change that, for all women. When purpose becomes the central part of business, it has the ability to shift conversation and create historymaking outcomes and that’s the future we’re committed to.
What’s one thing you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
To trust myself more, while continuing to challenge and evolve creatively and personally.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers?
Define your purpose and stay true to it. Fashion is a competitive space, and without a clear sense of identity and vision, it’s easy to lose your way. Work hard, be patient, trust your instinct – and remember that longevity is far more powerful than immediacy.
This article originally appeared in Fashion Quarterly’s Autumn 2026 issue.
Imagery: Supplied.
