Forrest family backs Australian fashion brand Camilla

McNally said the brand had expanded in recent years beyond its roots as a resort wear and kaftan designer, and that occasion dresses were now the Camilla’s best-selling category.

The group’s menswear offer has also seen a surge in sales over the past year.

“Probably The White Lotus has really helped in that regard, really, because there were lots of very attractive gentlemen wearing Camilla,” McNally said.

The business will look to use the investment proceeds to launch new standalone boutiques overseas, as well as take brand awareness for its newer categories, like men’s and kids wear, to a new level.

It’s not the first time the Forrests have backed an iconic Australian brand, with Tattarang bringing boot maker RM Williams back into local ownership in 2020 in a deal worth $190 million.

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Nicola Forrest said Camilla Franks had put Australian fashion on the global stage.

“We are delighted to back Camilla Franks, and extraordinary entrepreneur leading a cutting-edge fashion brand and doing amazing things in the creative space,” she said.

Tattarang has placed a focus on supporting female founders in recent years, including backing SWEEF Capital, an impact investment firm focused on backing female entrepreneurs in South East Asia.

Nicola Forrest said she was focused on backing female-led and founded businesses directly and through early-stage investment funds that target female entrepreneurs.

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“There is a strong correlation between gender equality and organisational success across profitability, attraction and retention of best talent and business reputation,” she said.

The deal marks the first external investment partnership Camilla has had since Franks launched the business 18 years ago. She said Nicola Forrest and Tattarang was the right partner for the business moving forward.

“We share so many synergies with Tattarang including Australian roots, a commitment to sustainability, a purpose beyond commerce, and an interest in storytelling through art. The investment partnership with Tattarang brings me great joy.”