Fashion lovers in Sydney’s affluent Lower North Shore have been dealt a disappointing blow, with a beloved boutique set to disappear from one of Mosman’s busiest shopping strips.
The iconic Camilla boutique on Military Road – known for its vibrant silk kaftans and bohemian resort wear – is preparing to close after more than a decade in the suburb, sparking speculation among locals about what might replace it.
News of the departure surfaced in a post shared to the popular Mosman Living Facebook group, where residents were urged to snap up the label’s signature pieces while they still could.
‘Grab your kaftans while you can, Mosman!’ the post read.
‘The Camilla Mosman boutique is apparently on the move, with the retail space being listed for lease online.
‘A popular stalwart of the Military Road location, Camilla has been there for over 10 years, providing locals with vibrant resort wear for their travels.’
The post quickly ignited discussion among locals, many of whom said the boutique had long been a fixture of Mosman’s retail scene and a go-to destination before jetting off on holidays.
Others began speculating about what kind of business might take over the coveted storefront, with the post adding: ‘We’re wondering what will go in the location now… what would you like to see open in Mosman?’
The Camilla boutique on Military Road – known for its vibrant silk kaftans and bohemian resort wear – is preparing to close after more than a decade in the suburb, sparking speculation among locals about what might replace it
News of the departure surfaced in a post shared to the popular Mosman Living Facebook group, where residents were urged to snap up the label’s signature pieces while they still could
‘It would be the perfect spot for a Haigh’s Chocolate Shop,’ one person wrote.
‘Hope they will have a moving out sale,’ another added.
‘Anything but another chemist!’ another quipped.
‘Please another nice dress store,’ a fourth person pleaded.
The Camilla label was founded in 2004 by Australian designer Camilla Franks, who built the brand into one of the country’s most recognisable luxury fashion exports.
Often dubbed the ‘Queen of the Kaftan’, Franks is known for her elaborately printed silk garments inspired by global travel, spirituality and art, with many of her pieces featuring intricate hand-embellishments and bold colour palettes.
Interestingly, Franks’ entry into fashion came somewhat by accident.
Before launching her now multimillion-dollar label, the Sydney creative worked in advertising and television production before pursuing acting on stage.
The Camilla label was founded in 2004 by Australian designer Camilla Franks, who built the brand into one of the country’s most recognisable luxury fashion exports
It was during rehearsals that people began asking if they could buy the dramatic kaftans she wore while performing.
‘I got into acting, and my acting days were the platform to the Camilla days,’ Franks previously told news.com.au.
‘To be brutally honest, I wasn’t a brilliant actress, but people in the fashion world coming to the show were asking me to sell them my kaftans and rehearsal gear.’
What began as a passion project quickly evolved into a thriving fashion business.
Franks debuted her first collection in 2004 at the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney in a theatrical runway show she choreographed herself, before launching at Australian Fashion Week later that same year.
Often dubbed the ‘Queen of the Kaftan’, Camilla Franks (pictured) is known for her elaborately printed silk garments inspired by global travel, spirituality and art, with many of her pieces featuring intricate hand-embellishments and bold colour palettes
Her big break came when David Jones decided to stock the label’s first collection, helping propel the brand into the mainstream.
More than two decades on, the label has grown into a global fashion empire.
Today, Camilla operates more than 30 boutiques worldwide, with the majority located across Australia.
As of early 2025, the brand had 24 standalone boutiques across the country, alongside concessions in high-end department stores including David Jones.
While the Mosman store may be closing its doors, the label continues to expand across major fashion hubs including Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as internationally.
For now, however, locals say they will miss the colourful presence of the boutique that has long added a splash of resort-ready glamour to Military Road.
‘Oh no, how are the Mosman ladies going to cover up their champagne and lunchtime figures now?’ one concerned poster wrote.
And if the Facebook chatter is anything to go by, Mosman shoppers will be watching closely to see what takes its place.
