Meet the Designer: Camilla Olson

Hi Elegant Readers,

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with fashion designer Camilla Olson. She allowed me to sample one of her luxurious pieces and to write a review of it (click HERE for the review). I also had a chance to ask her questions about her designs and her company. She is an inspiration for women at any age. If you really want to achieve your dreams, you have to go out and just do it.

Camilla Olson via plum alley

1. With a BA in Microbiology and an MBA in Marketing, what made you pursue a career in Fashion? As a graduate of the Academy of Art, describe the experience of showing your designs at the 2011 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week? Were you nervous, excited?

I had careers in science and business that utilized my training.
Later in life ….

My family was not wealthy and my mother sewed most of my clothes. I also sewed, but I never liked the design or skill that I produced. There is a side story about my daughter wanting to be a designer, and I fought her. Wanting to convince her that it was a bad move, I took her to a local school for an open house. To make a long story short, I enrolled at 53 years old and she studied finance! MBFW was the thrill of a lifetime, but I was exhausted, and backstage, I didn’t see it live. I also bought new heels and my feet were killing me. Still I was 10 feet high. I don’t think nerves were a part of that day, because there were so many days of nerves before getting there. By time we got there, I knew I belonged, there was just a lot of work and I had to be very focused.

2. How did you go from your MFA degree in Fashion Design to being able to have a business with staff?

I’ve started 5 other companies; so I knew some of the things to do. To fully answer this is an mba in itself. the first thing is to get a product, find some where to make it, find the materials, get some customers, and hope to get some money. All those things fell into place for me. I’ve also been blessed with wonderful people to work with. We have a wonderful team.

3. What advice would you give a person who has a passion for fashion and would like to get in to the design fashion industry?

Please work with someone who knows what they are doing; then partner with a businesses person. I’ve started 5 companies in biotech and I thought that would help me, but it was only a small help. No one would hire me at my age so I had no choice, but it was difficult and expensive to learn. Also, the important thing is to make sure you have a clear vision and a differentiated voice. There are so many designers out there, how are you going to stand out? You have to have a clear answer to that. [it took me 3 years to figure that one out.]

4. Your designs are beautiful. What inspires you? Motivates you? What inspired your 2014 Spring Collection?

I’m in a moment of transition. I was working with the fashion calendar using literary, geographic references in my fashion. But I realized that so many designers are working for those 29% of women who are passionate about fashion. What about the other 71%? Now I’m working through how to reach her. So I’m less interested in the inspiration than into how to reach her, how to talk with her. Once I see how to dialog with this woman then I will see what inspirations she wants. As for 2014 spring, it was mostly from our Anna Karenina (Tolstoy) collection. I focused on shirts that haven’t gotten much attention in the recent past. But I think the shirt is the “business end of women” as they sit at a table or desk.

5. Describe the woman who buys and is wearing your designs? What is her lifestyle?

Why would she pick your designs over another designer? See answer to question number four.

6. Describe your design principle of how nine pieces can make 30 outfits?

This is a styling question. I am working on a design principle, but more detail will remain proprietary for the moment. [your questions are pretty good! Are you looking for a job? ]

7. What is the process for choosing fabric choices for your current designs?

Very simple. MUST BE soft and feel good. And be washable.

8. What was the experience like designing an Oscar dress for Betsy Franco (mother of James Franco) for the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards? How did that change your business?

Link to San Francisco Gate article here.

9. How did actress, Tanna Frederick, become the face of your brand?

My pr agent found her. Tanna and I had an instant connection and there was no question that we should work together. So far, it has been a remarkable time together. It is truly a win-win. She is just releasing her new film The M Word about menopause. It is really funny.

Tanna Frederick for Camilla Olson

Your short film, “Identity” is so cool and retro chic. What was your inspiration for this film? Do you have plans to do more short films for your line? We filmed it at a Frank Lloyd Wright designed Civic Center in Marin County. There is an extraordinary 2^nd floor with escalators, sky light and windows that you can see in the windows. It show so well with our caging. Our art director and film team conceived the film and executed it flawlessly. I’m thrilled with it.

Tanna and I just finished 4 films. We are just finishing the music for them. They are artistic and realistic in a fun way. I cannot wait for you to see them. Two are two additional collections of 9 making 30+ looks. We filmed Tanna in all 30+ looks in one take; dressing and undressing in front of the camera. The result is gorgeous. We did that for two complete sets of 9 in one day. It was exhausting. The third film is Tanna as 5 “different” women wearing the same shirt. And the last is called Muse; it will be a surprise.

10. What’s a typical day in the life of designer Camilla Olson?

Each day is a surprise. It is usually quiet until 10 am and I can get some work done. Then I am busy responding to other people until about 5 pm. At this point my husband comes home and I try to get back to getting “my” work done. All the work changes day to day and week to week depending on where we are in the calendar.

11. Aside from the Fashion Industry, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?

I try to sleep when I can, but I am lucky when I get enough. I love catching up with my son and daughter and spend time with my husband. Fortunately, I have a lot of girlfriends and often walk the neighborhood or hills with them. We love our dog, Licky, travelling and film.

Camille’s dog Licky

Next week I’ll be at the DGA in LA for the Am Film Inst showcase for women directors. I work with one of the directors (dressing her for this and other events) and am costume director on one of her feature films. It is the most exciting thing on my plate right now.