Long an incubator for talent in the Australian fashion industry, The QVB is home to many powerhouse women. From Helen Kaminski – whose unwavering quality, craftpersonship and sustainable practices have garnered the garnered a loyal following since she established her business in 1983 – to the queen of Kaftans, Camila Franks and the game-changer that is Courtney Price of Elka Collective, the women who call the QVB home are a creative force to be reckoned with.  

In honour of International Women’s Day, we look at the impressive careers of each designer and investigate how they continue to craft clothing and accessories that speak to women of every generation.   

Helen Kaminski

Helen Kaminski, located on Level 1  

From the beginning, Helen Kaminski has been synonymous with style, integrity, and authenticity. Founded in 1983 under the Australian sun, the brand has since grown into a global 40-year success story whose unwavering quality, craftspersonship and sustainable practices have garnered a loyal following, and continues to attract those with an eye for enduring style. “Female led design and creativity are at the forefront of the brand.  This carry’s through to our 8,000 directly employed female artisans in Sri Lanka and Madagascar who hand craft our raffia product.  It is this direct connection to women and community that remains the cornerstone of the brand” says EVP of Global Sales & Marketing, Mary Barclay. “Today, we continue to honour our brand heritage whilst we look to the future, we are more committed than ever to creating ethical, everyday luxury.” In September 2023 the brand was awarded with Positive Luxury's Butterfly Mark certification. The Butterfly Mark is the global luxury industry's leading sustainability certification awarded to brands going beyond ‘normal’ industry standards - a symbol of the real changemakers in luxury.

Camilla Franks

Camilla, located on Level 1 

Since launching her brand CAMILLA with a self-choreographed fashion opera at Australian Fashion Week in 2004, Camilla Franks has become one of Australia’s leading fashion designers. Celebrated globally for her intricate, artistic prints, signature globe-trotting aesthetic and innovative designs, the designer has led her brand with great tenacity and spirit. Beyond her fashion prowess, Franks faced a public battle with breast cancer in 2018 and became an advocate for women facing the disease. Since becoming a mother, Camilla has only strengthened her resolve to showcase what women can do and has gotten involved in supporting charities like The Hunger Project, which works on empowering underprivileged women. “CAMILLA is much more than a luxury fashion brand. It is a platform that speaks from the heart to empower, break down barriers and bring about change. We rise by lifting others and we remain committed to helping as many beautiful souls as we can. With each new place we visit, each face we see, and each voice that passes along knowledge to us, our eyes and our hearts open wider. We are always learning, always searching, always seeking out the ways we can do more,” says the founder of her ethos behind the business. 

Courtney Price

Elka Collective, located on Level 1 

With a keen eye for timeless elegance and modern aesthetics, Courtney Price has played a pivotal role in establishing Elka Collective as a prominent player in the Australian fashion landscape. Her designs seamlessly blend sophistication and casual comfort, reflecting a dedication to creating versatile, high-quality pieces. “We take pride in creating cherished favourites that you'll reach for time and time again, as our garments seamlessly bridge the gap between enduring style and contemporary sophistication,” says the designer. Under her leadership, Elka Collective has gained acclaim for its unique style and commitment to sustainable practices. Courtney Price's vision and innovation continue to shape the brand, making her one-to watch in the Australian fashion industry.