Behind the Lens
A Conversation with Camila Mello
There’s something uniquely wonderful about working with women who see the world with depth and emotion, and then reflect it back through their work. Camila Mello is one of those women. Camila is someone I’ve come to know not just as a collaborator, but as a friend. A Brazilian-born creative who has spent years living between Bali and Australia, with time also spent in Paris, her work carries a softness and honesty that feels instinctive. She has the ability to photograph women in a way that feels unforced and natural, just the way we like it at LILYA. She shot our recent Chalet L’Amour campaign, and it was one of those rare days where everything aligned. It flowed and felt easy, it was just a small group of women creating something beautiful together.
At LILYA, our focus has always been on designing clothing for women that feels comfortable, effortless, and confident. Working with photographers who understand that rhythm, that balance of ease and intention is everything. There was no over-styling, no hair and makeup artist, no performance, we wanted to create something natural, cosy, and real for this winter shoot. In this conversation, I sit down and chat with Camila about her journey from jewellery designer to photographer, the influence of living across cultures, what she looks for when capturing women, and why the Chalet L’Amour shoot became one of her favourites.
On living between cultures
L: You’ve lived in Brazil, Australia, Bali… and spend time in Paris. That’s a lot of different worlds. How has that shaped the way you see the world and photograph women?
C: Living in different countries, learning new languages, and immersing myself in different cultures has given me a unique perspective, and I think that’s exactly what I bring to my work. When you experience the world through so many different lenses, you start to develop a natural ability to find what makes each person truly unique. That’s what I look for every time I photograph a woman, a quality that belongs only to her..
From jewellery to photography
L: When we first met at the gym, all those years ago, you were a jeweller… how did you end up behind the camera?
C: I’ve always considered myself artistic and interested in visuals. My jewellery brand, Bahagia, is still going strong and a huge part of my life. When I first started, I made each piece by hand, which gave each piece a uniqueness and imperfection, and I really loved that. Now, I think I bring that same feeling to my photography being drawn to what’s raw and spontaneous.
I also spent some time working as a stylist and producer on shoots in Bali, so when I finally picked up a camera, it felt completely natural. I already understood the language of a set, and I’d been the client with my own brand, so I could see all the different sides and understood what brands wanted and needed. Those experiences meant I could build a portfolio quite quickly, through both connections I had made, and my business experience.
Capturing women naturally
L: There’s a softness in the way you photograph women, they seem so at ease. How do you create that feeling on set?
C: I think so much of it comes down to making someone feel truly seen and not just photographed. As women, I believe, there’s an unspoken understanding between us, a sort of trust that forms naturally. I’m not looking for a performance, I’m always waiting for the moment they forget the camera is there. That’s the image I’m after, the quiet, effortless version of themselves, their true essence.
Chalet L’Amour
L: Looking back at our shoot Chalet L’Amour is there a moment that stayed with you?
C: Honestly, it was one of my favourite shoots I’ve ever been part of. Everything just fell into place, the energy of the team, the location, the mood. Oh god remember, I had to wake up at 4am to get an early morning flight to Brazil the next day?
What made it special was shooting a winter collection in Bali without it feeling like Bali. The light, the atmosphere, it felt transportive in a way I’m really proud of. It didn’t really feel like work that much, we joked around, rolled with new ideas, it was effortless and joyful, and I feel that’s usually when the best images come about.
L: I felt that too. It wasn’t a hard day, it flowed. Between filming, laughing, trying new ideas it all came together beautifully, oh and Liana moved so easily, she made it easy too.
Favourite pieces
L: I have to ask… favourite pieces from the collection?
C: It’s hard to choose, but the pink satin top you gifted me was an obvious favourite, it’s so soft and shiny, and with its pussy bow and fun sleeves, I love wearing it. I also loved the denim, but I was obsessed with photographing the jackets, especially the Mongolian jacket in chocolate and the suede jacket, they added so much depth and character to the shots.
On collaboration
L: You gave so much to that shoot, so much energy and so many images. What does collaboration mean to you?
C: It’s everything, it’s the heartbeat of a great shoot. When there’s trust between a photographer and a brand, it becomes easy. You stop executing and start creating together and that shows in the images. When you’re working with pieces you love, things you want to touch, style, and wear, that energy is pretty hard to fake. But beyond that, it’s the people and the relationships. A team that’s aligned, supportive, and enjoying the process, elevates everything.
I felt so honoured by the trust you gave me on this shoot. That kind of creative freedom is a gift, and I never take it for granted.
I was actually a fan of LILYA long before we worked together, but seeing first hand the care, intention, and love you actually put into each piece and collection was really inspiring. You really were in there, all day with me, creating this beautiful shoot. You don’t always see the soul of a brand, but with LILYA, you can feel it and I think that’s why it resonates with women.
Paris and what’s next
L: You’re heading back to Paris after our next shoot for SS26, how do you see your work evolving?
C: Paris came into my life in such a beautiful way. My daughter moved there to study fashion, and what started as following her, has become one of the most creatively rich chapters of my life. There’s a chicness to Paris that you can’t manufacture, it’s in the streets, the light, the architecture, the way a woman moves. I feel constantly inspired there, I love shooting in apartments and on the streets, capturing something that feels effortless but layered with history. I think Paris is pushing my work into something more cinematic, and I’m excited to explore that further.
As a woman, a mother, a creative
L: What’s next for you Camila?
C: I’m not sure what’s next, but I know I always want to evolve. I never want to stop learning and staying open to new experiences. I want more growth, more exploration, more meaningful collaborations. As I get older, I’m slowly learning to let go of things that no longer serve me, say no more easily, and I try to move through life with a little more clarity. Having two daughters gives me such a strong sense of purpose. I want to lead by example and show them what it means to build something with passion, to keep evolving, be more present, and to find beauty in the unknown.
Thank you so much for your time, Camila. I honestly can’t wait to shoot SS26 A Moment in the Sun with you, it feels very special working together. I’ll miss you while you’re away, but I’m so excited to follow your travels and see everything you create in Paris.
Lisa.
