ZIMMERMANN vs Camilla (Frank)
ZIMMERMANN vs Camilla two of Australia's Leading and Iconic Fashion Labels
Published on 16 July 2025
Two Australian Fashion brands Zimmermann and Camilla exemplify world-class luxury fashion through distinctive design languages—Zimmermann’s refined femininity and Camilla’s globe-trotting vibrancy—while sharing commitments to craftsmanship, sustainability, and global reach.
About Zimmermann
Zimmermann is an Australian fashion company founded by two sisters, Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, in 1991. The brand has built a stellar reputation for offering feminine designs, intricate embellishments and signature prints to their lines. The brand is renowned for its swimwear and ready-to-wear collections, with which it started its brand. Today they offer a complete collection of dresses, pants, matching sets, skirts, accessories, shoes and sunglasses.
About Camilla
Camilla is also a luxury Australian fashion brand founded by Camilla Franks in 2004 in Bondi Beach, Australia. Her reputation has been built on bold yet intricate prints and festive, vibrant designs. Camilla’s specialty began with dresses and kaftans and later expanded into all women’s clothing, accessories, swimwear, homewares and shoes.
How many countries are Zimmermann and Camilla sold in?
Zimmermann is sold in 76 countries through 554 wholesale stockists as well as 58 stand-alone boutiques
Source: Harper's Bazaar Australia and Wikipedia
Camilla has evolved into a global luxury brand sold in 55 different countries. Also Camilla's strong theme on travel can be seen in their flagship stores featuring the "Camilla Express" train carriage with scenery relating to the latest collections.
Source: Camilla
What has Zimmermann and Camilla become renowned for?
Zimmermann has become renowned for its beautiful, luxurious designs, specifically sophisticated and feminine pieces. The collections incorporate elements of resort wear, as well as a combination of modern and nostalgic designs. Zimmermann is also known for their high-quality craftsmanship, use of natural fibres such as silk and linen, as well as intricate embellishments.
CAMILLA has evolved into a global print house and luxury brand. Prints are intricate, hand-drawn and painted by in-house artists, pieces cut and sewn by hand, and every embellishment is applied with exquisite precision. The brand is also characterised by its globe-trotting aesthetic, and the mood is inspired by luxury travel and exotic, expensive destinations.
Both Brands, Camilla and Zimmermann also offer excellent options for the highly sought after closet staple:- The Little Party Dress
Where does Zimmmermann and Camilla's inspiration come from in creating their collections?
Zimmermann’s collections draw inspiration from a range of Australian sources, including Australian culture, nature, art, and personal experiences of the two founders, Nicky and Simone Zimmermann. The brand often references Australian surf culture, natural landscapes and iconic films and imagery. Many collections are also influenced by art, historical periods and even childhood memories.
Source: AFR
Although Camilla started in Bondi Beach, Australia, the brand’s inspiration extends beyond Australia into the diverse world of global travel. The diverse cultures, art and landscapes are experiences that the designers use to translate into vibrant prints and designs that tell a story. Camilla Franks, the designer, frequently travels the world, seeking inspiration in new cultures, textiles, architecture, art, and daily life. She believes in cultural immersion, collaboration with indigenous artists and historical and artistic movements
Source: Camilla
What design philosophies do Zimmermann and Camilla run on?
Zimmermann’s design philosophy is centred around the creation of sophisticated, feminine, and playful clothing that embodies a sense of timeless elegance and contemporary flair. An emphasis on natural fibres, high-quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. They aim to minimise environmental impact while maintaining their luxurious aesthetic. Zimmermann's designs often feature flowing silhouettes, delicate lace, soft colours, and unique prints, celebrating the beauty and strength of the female form. Zimmermann’s design philosophy is summed up by:
- Femininity and elegance
- Timeless yet contemporary
- Playful and fun
- High-quality materials and craftsmanship
- Hand Crafted eyewear collection
- Sustainability
- Wearable art
- Emotional connections
- Innovation
- Bondi Luxury
Source: Zimmermann
Camilla Frank’s design philosophy is focused on creating luxurious, multi-wear pieces that empower women and celebrate their unique identities. Her designs, inspired by travel and artistic expression, are characterised by vibrant prints, handcrafted details, and a commitment to slow fashion principles. Through her designs, Camilla aims to make people feel free and empowered, encouraging a sense of self-expression and individuality. Camilla Frank’s design philosophy is summed up by:
- Inspiration from travel and storytelling
- Emphasis on artisan craftsmanship
- Multi-wear designs
- Slow fashion principles
- Empower the wearer
- Inclusivity and accessibility
- An immersive retail experience
Source: Camilla
These two brands have built stellar reputations in their own right. Both brands attract a local and international audience. Its always good to know that there are both Zimmermann alternatives and the same applies to Camilla!
What are the similarities and differences between Zimmermann and Camilla’s product range?
| Product Range | Zimmermann | Camilla |
|---|---|---|
| Dresses |
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| Swimwear |
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| Separates |
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| Accessories |
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What are the similarites and differences between Zimmermann size guide and Camilla sizing?
Both brands, Camilla and Zimmermann offer diverse sizing from petite to plus sizes to cater for all body shapes and size differences. Whilst Zimmermann has their own custom sizing variants including OP,0,1,2,3 and 4, Camilla runs their size guide with standard Australian sizing and sizes ranging from XXS,XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL. Both brands offer size guides conversions with measurements to find your perfect fit for comfort and longevity.
What awards have Zimmermann and Camilla won for their achievements?
Zimmermann has received several fashion awards, including:
- Australian Laureate Award in 2014
- AFI Best Swimwear Designer
- Prix de Marie Claire Best Swimwear Brand
- Best Australian Designer
- Recognised by Elle Australia as a contemporary brand of the year
- Best Fashion Designer of the year from the Best BANG! Awards
- Best International Fashion Brand of the Year from the GOGO Shanghai Annual Lifestyle Awards
Source: ELLE Australia as Contemporary Brand of the Year ; Chelsey House's LinkedIn post
Camilla Franks was honoured with an International Women's Day Award. Since the CAMILLA label was born on the sunny coastline of Sydney's Bondi, it was a great honour for her to win this award from the local government area of Waverley Council.
What Celebrity endorsements has Zimmermann and Camilla achieved?
Zimmermann is frequently seen on celebrities in movies and at premieres. Beyoncé wore Zimmermann in her "Formation" music video and at various movie premieres. Zimmermann has collaborated with Rose Byrne, who hosted an event for the brand in Los Angeles. Other celebrities spotted in Zimmermann include Katie Holmes, Emma Roberts, and Isla Fisher.
Source: Elle
Camilla is very well known amongst the rich and famous for her luxury bright kaftan designs. Her creations have been worn by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé.
- In 2011, Franks was a guest judge on the TV shows Beauty and the Geek and Project Runway Australia. In 2013, Franks was featured in an episode of Australia’s Next Top Model.
- In 2021, Franks was a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice Australia and was the ninth to be "fired" in the series.
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In 2022, Frank's guest starred on the series The White Lotus. She appeared in episode 6 as herself.
Source: Wikipedia
In Conclusion, both Camilla and Zimmermann have achieved global fashion status for their unique designs, philosophies, product ranges and achievements. They both continue to serve as icons of achievement as world-class Australian designers and fashion visionaries