Fashion designer Camilla Franks: Five places that made me

FRASER ISLAND

When I was young, my family would spend our summer holidays on Fraser Island. Things were so simple then. My brother Ben and I would spend days running through the bush, catching lizards and swimming for hours on end. Ben sadly passed away a few years later, so I cherish this part of the world and the memories it brings. A photo of the two of us at Fraser Island sits on my beside table and serves as a reminder of how simple life can be.

INDIA

When I started out designing, I took a leap of faith and headed over to India for inspiration. At a convention, I met two souls who would go on to be a huge part of my story and business. Ten years on, they are still by my side. There is a Villa Camilla based just outside of Delhi city, where our staff stay. Even though I travel to India for work, it really feels like my second home and those people are part of my family forever.

KENYA

Last year I travelled to some of the most remote tribes in Africa. Maasai, Pokot, Turkana and Samburu are all tribes I had the honour of spending time with. It was an experience that both changed and awakened me. But, above all, it truly solidified the meaning of "tribe" for me: that we're all connected, we're all one. I've referred to my team as my "tribe" since the very beginning of Camilla, but visiting Kenya gave this word, and its power, a whole new meaning.

BRITAIN

I moved to London as a teenager. I met my now fiance there. We were just two kids living in London and hopelessly in love with one another. We would spend our weekends inline skating between pubs. When my visa ran out, I returned to Sydney and he stayed home in Britain. We tried long-distance, but at a time when mobile phones or social media weren't around to help, it got tough and we decided to part ways. Nineteen years later, we reconnected and now we're engaged.

DUBAI

Dubai has a special place in my heart. When I was just starting out, I was invited to showcase my designs in the Middle East. This was a huge moment for the brand, as I looked abroad for inspiration. Recently, my travels brought me back to Dubai for my new collection, inspired by the city's melting pot of cultures. From the wonderful Madinat Jumeirah, the Arabian Resort, to a local, ornate tile-clad restaurant. I've come full circle as I realise that, without Dubai's belief in my vision all those years ago, I may not be where I am today.

Camilla's latest collection, My Dubai Dream is a collaboration with Dubai Tourism. See camilla.com; visitdubai.com