Camilla Franks reveals the Amalfi’s best-kept secret
The kaftan queen has long been infatuated with the ritzy Italian coastline, and she has a string of favourite haunts.
Camilla Franks’ global wanderings are immortalised in the fabric of her wares. For nearly two decades the designer has curated collections inspired by the people, cities and natural landscapes she has encountered on her extensive travels, from Morocco’s bustling souks and Peru’s textile artisans to the world’s most remote jungles, deserts and islands. These days, travel for the 47-year-old designer is a family affair, with Franks’ five-year-old daughter Luna joining her intrepid adventures. “She has even started picking up the camera, styling the models and giving feedback,” says Franks. “It’s like she’s stepping in the role of my co-creative director.”
The Camilla founder’s most recent collection, Amore Mio, is an ode to her first overseas trip post-pandemic. “Navigating Covid without the ability to travel meant my creative wings were clipped,” she says, “but as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and my heart was absolutely aching for Italy, so in July 2021, I left as the doors to the world reopened.’’
‘The world inspires my work’
Travel is the beating heart of my brand and what inspires our collections, and it’s more than just a visual experience. It has many dimensions: sights, sounds, flavours, aromas and sensations. I love to explore ways I can intertwine travel as a storytelling medium through my designs. It was a while since we told the stories of our travels through prints, so an Italian collection felt fabulously fitting – it was a “go big or stay home” decision.
‘Amore Mio is my love letter to Italy’
I’ve always held a special place in my heart for Italy and it was amazing to be able to honour it with this collection inspired by its history, romance, textures and natural beauty; it’s one of the strongest I’ve delivered. We travelled along the Amalfi coast for the campaign shoot. It was dramatic, colourful, adventurous and made possible by kind locals, mountains of pasta and a few rounds of spritzers.
‘I’m always lured back to this region’
Every time I revisit the Amalfi coast, I fall in love again and in a whole new way. From memory, I was 19 and living in London the first time I visited and I instantly fell in love with its energy and all its layers, from the architecture and winding roads that hug cliff faces and offer panoramic views, to the hidden – and not so hidden – beaches and their healing waters.
‘In Italy, ‘la vita e bella’’
For me, Italy is a patchwork of all things good. Good food, good music, good architecture, good art, good lovers and good times – each bound together with the richness of life and the love of tradition. Lemons the sizes of your head, the insatiable scent of salt, and recipes that have been lovingly passed down for generations. And of course, the soundtrack of Italians conversing over love, family and food.
Favourite place to stay
Nestled on a steep cliff side, Santa Caterina often feels like a patchwork of family pride and coastal charm steeped in seductive Italian luxury. Ripened for over a century by the Gambardella family, its art deco build is wrapped in lemon trees and bougainvillea while its whitewashed interior is brimming with antiques, hand-painted floor tiles and panoramic windows.
Best way to explore
Without a single doubt, hire a boat for the day. Dock at tiny, sheltered beaches, swim through caves and stop off at tavernas and bars along the way. If staying on the mainland, jump on a boat and head across to Capri for a long lunch and some shopping – just because.
I won’t travel without
Ultra Violette sunscreen. It stays on for hours and hydrates my skin while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. When flying, my essentials are definitely my Camilla eye mask and silk pyjamas, and for luggage, Rimowa makes the most durable and chic suitcases, which I Airtag to keep track of wherever I go.
My excess baggage culprits
Make your way past the touristy shops and there you’ll find some beautiful family-run artisan shops selling handmade ceramics, local art, and Italian textiles. I like to stock up on linen pieces for both home and wardrobe, and often come home with a few oversized handpainted serving dishes. Sorrento’s shopping district is a treasure trove of one-off Italian designs and special pieces you can’t find anywhere else.
Amalfi’s best-kept secret
When it comes to Italy, the locals’ chosen haunts are usually the hidden gems. The best place to escape the tourist masses and for an authentic experience is Praiano. The sleepy little seaside town is perfect for a few days of rest and relaxation, but if you’re looking to party with the locals, it also boasts the two best beach clubs on the coast: Il Pirata and One Fire Beach.
My favourite spot for aperitivo
In Positano it’s always the legendary Franco’s bar, positioned up high on the Positano cliffs overlooking the magic Mediterranean. It has the perfect vibe to watch golden hour go by while sipping a perfectly made Aperol spritz.
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