Australian designer Camilla Franks, 42, has announced a shock breast cancer diagnosis just four months after giving birth to her baby girl, Luna Gypsy Jones.
The creative director of kaftan empire, CAMILLA, announced the news on Wednesday morning and revealed she would begin treatment under one of Australia’s leading oncologists ‘very shortly’.
‘I start on this journey humble but resilient; I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared but I am fearlessly determined to do whatever it takes by focusing on my body, mind and spirit as I take my first trusting steps towards recovery,’ she said.
Australian designer Camilla Franks, 42, has announced a shock breast cancer diagnosis just four months after giving birth to her baby girl, Luna Gypsy Jones
‘Many of my wider CAMILLA tribe have already been on this journey themselves and I know will be an inspiration to me as I begin mine.
‘As you know, my beautiful daughter Luna arrived a few months ago, and it is her smile and warmth that remind me this is a challenge I will embark on with courage – for her and my fiancé as well as myself.
‘With the incredible love and support of my little family I have no doubt I will beat this. I am so grateful for those around me, who have already been such an amazing support to me following this news.’
Camilla, who has only recently returned from maternity leave, said her ‘robust executive team’ will continue to drive the brand but she does intend to manage the creative direction of the CAMILLA brand throughout her treatment.
She will do so alongside her Head of Design Jenna Redfern and Design Director Natalie Wood.
The creative director of kaftan empire, CAMILLA, announced the news on Wednesday morning and revealed she would begin treatment under one of Australia’s leading oncologists ‘very shortly’
Since giving birth she has working hard to juggle work commitments and motherhood.
In the May issue of Vogue, shesaid she would only be returning to her fashion empire for three days a week.
‘To begin with I’ll be working three days a week,’ she revealed, before adding: ‘These times are too precious and I don’t want to miss a moment.
Camilla, who counts global names like Oprah and Beyonce as fans of her bespoke kaftans, added their were plenty of willing babysitters in her office.
‘I’m fortunate I can take Luna into the office with me where I have an endless supply of willing babysitters.’
Camilla, who runs the multi-million dollar empire, gave birth to Luna Gypsy Jones in January
The designer’s kaftans have turned into a multi-million dollar business empire, with 20 retail stores Australia-wide, and a 200-strong workforce.
In the wide-ranging interview, Camilla said she and her partner JP Jones wouldn’t be slowing down, with the pair being an avid traveller.
She said the pair would never stop globe-trotting, adding it’s the cornerstone of their ‘prints and collections’ each season.
With her upscale bohemian style, Camilla was philosophical about her first child, praising the adage: ‘When the child is born, the mother is also born.’
‘I start on this journey humble but resilient; I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared but I am fearlessly determined to do whatever it takes by focusing on my body, mind and spirit as I take my first trusting steps towards recovery,’ she said
Professing to love her new role as mother-of-one, she admitted nothing could have prepared her for the experience.
She added any fears about child rearing were ‘washed away’ when the bundle of joy was put in her arms.
She finished the interview, saying that Gypsy gave her a new sense of purpose – saying little Luna is her ‘greatest creation of all.’