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Get the 'White Lotus' Look: Tips from the Designer Responsible for Last Week's Wild Party 'Fits

white-lotus-party-costumes: Jennifer Coolidge and fashion designer Camilla Franks
Camilla Franks

TV streaming hit The White Lotus has inspired endless fan theories, extreme wanderlust and, for us, intense fashion inspo. We've watched all season as the drama increased—both in the characters' goings-on as well as their outfits.

When last week's pentultimate episode culminated in a wild party scene, we needed to know more about the sexy party looks on screen. Turns out they were made by an Australian fashion designer named Camilla Franks.

Her brand, Camilla, is a favorite of actress Jennifer Coolidge, who wore lots of the label in season one, and whose wild silk prints are seen on women and men throughout season two. (Not only that—you can see Franks wearing her own designs in the party scene, since she happened to be in Sicily when the scene was shot; she ended up helping out show designer Alex Bovaird and appeared wearing her own animal print design as an extra in the party scene.)

We asked Franks for some of her tips on getting the sexy, sun-drenched style of The White Lotus and Italy for ourselves.

white lotus fashion cast
Camilla Franks

PureWow: The wild prints of the party scene are so Italian. What are some of the hallmarks of Italian resort dress?

Camilla Franks: "Italy and fashion are synonymous, so even when it’s relaxed it’s still elevated. It’s a place that encourages playfulness with prints, luxurious, breathable fabrics like silk and linen and above all, confidence.

"Italian resort dressing is a feast for the eyes and of course the tummy. It’s about sharing meals at sunset, walking the cobblestone streets and bathing in the beauty of its people and places.

"Flowing caftans, soft-suiting in luxurious silk, and men in decadent shorts and shirt sets speak to the opulence of Italian resort styling."

whiate-lotus-fashion: woman kissing actor on the cheek
Camilla Franks

PW: There's been a lot of talk about the fashion in the party scene. Which pieces at the party are yours?
 
CF: "I had such a thrill working with costume designer Alex Bovaird on the set of this wild and wonderful scene. We styled 10 looks overall. Dider (Bruno Gouery) wore my Hotel Franks by Camilla collection – a Long Sleeve Camp Collared Shirt in print ‘Forever Family’.

"I’ve loved hearing the commentary around the styling of various characters, Portia especially. I have a saying that ‘everyone is welcome at the Camilla [brand] party no matter their age, shape, size, gender, sexuality, ability or beliefs.’ And the diversity of fashion Alex has showcased this season feels totally in sync with that ethos. No wonder we fell creatively in love!"

PW: Are there some tips you have if people want to pull off an Italian resort look of their own? What do you accessorize your silk pieces with?

CF: "For me, resort dressing is effortless sillhouetes with elevated accessories. Colour palettes that evoke emotion and nostalgia when you re-wear that piece through time.
 
"More is more. Add layers that make you feel expressive and authentic. Add the sunglasses, add the hat, add the jewels, wear the heels."

Get the White Lotus Look:

white-lotus-fashion: colorful caftan
Camilla

Camilla Kimono Sleeve Dress in The Beetles

A flowing caftan in all-silk works as everything from a swimsuit coverup on the yacht to a brunching outfit.

white lotus fashion jacket
Camilla

Camilla High Low Hem Jacket

A silk jersey jacket that looks as good belted as it does flowing open (you know, after that big pasta dinner).

white-lotus-fashion: short sleeve viscose men's top
Camilla

Short Sleeve Camp Collared Shirt in Hangzhou Hollywood

This viscose top gets our vote for Italian men's print of the year (and we'd seriously borrow this from our guy when he's not wearing it).


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dana dickey

Senior Editor

Dana Dickey is a PureWow Senior Editor, and during more than a decade in digital media, she has scoped out and tested top products and services across the lifestyle space...