Melbourne Fashion Festival 2017: Camilla and Marc set their sights on US expansion after VAMFF

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This was published 7 years ago

Melbourne Fashion Festival 2017: Camilla and Marc set their sights on US expansion after VAMFF

By Melissa Singer
Updated

Camilla and Marc could be the next Australian label to launch a major overseas assault, with the designers hinting a US expansion is on the cards.

Speaking to Fairfax Media on the eve of the Melbourne Fashion Festival, Marc Freeman, whose partner is his sister Camilla Freeman-Topper, said the company was experiencing substantial growth.

"Domestically our big focus has been expanding our retail network, while internationally, we have spent a lot of time in North America, which has delivered some great wins, particularly the growth of our business with [department store] Neiman Marcus," he said.

"That's probably all I can say at the moment about our international expansion."

Camilla Freeman-Topper (left) and Marc Freeman (right) with a model in one of their designs ahead of the Grand Showcase at the Melbourne Fashion Festival on Thursday night.

Camilla Freeman-Topper (left) and Marc Freeman (right) with a model in one of their designs ahead of the Grand Showcase at the Melbourne Fashion Festival on Thursday night.Credit: Louie Douvis

On Thursday night, Camilla and Marc will star in the Virgin Australia Grand Showcase, the only solo show held during the festival.

"We'd been talking to Graeme [Lewsey] for some time ... we're big fans of the festival and what it stands for, being a consumer event," Freeman said.

"[Lewsey] felt the time was right for us to present our collection in a solo setting, especially after opening our new store in the Emporium [shopping centre]."

Lewsey said having Camilla and Marc in the Grand Showcase adds to an impressive alumni that includes Dion Lee and Toni Maticevski.

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Megan Irwin wearing Camilla and Marc in the David Jones Gala Runway at VAMFF on Tuesday.

Megan Irwin wearing Camilla and Marc in the David Jones Gala Runway at VAMFF on Tuesday.Credit: Graham Denholm

Camilla and Marc will showcase 60 looks from their new collection, which was inspired by the 1986 David Lynch neo-noir film Blue Velvet.

"There's lots of sensual, yet powerful and feminine luxurious looks. The tailoring stands out, it's very sharp. We have some beautiful lace dresses which ... take a lot of time, there's a lot of attention to detail," Freeman said.

Jesinta Franklin in Camilla and Marc for the David Jones runway.

Jesinta Franklin in Camilla and Marc for the David Jones runway.Credit: Graham Denholm

He said leather, tailoring and a moody colour palette – khaki and navy, in particular – were also key trends this winter.

Freeman said the festival provided a sales boost both in the lead-up and after the event.

"It definitely drives traffic [to our website] and sales," he said.

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Freeman said the label's Melbourne and Sydney customers differed in what they bought due to the weather patterns.

"Melbourne has four seasons whereas Sydney only has two. We love layering and we're well known for our coats, which is obviously suited to colder climates."

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