Postcard linen-silk strapless maxidress in Ombre Dawn. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
As Aussie favorite Zimmermann toasts its 30th anniversary, co-founder and creative director Nicky Zimmermann discusses its resort 2022 collection and setting up shop at South Coast Plaza.
“FOR RESORT ’22, I WANTED TO CREATE A COLLECTION THAT HAD A REAL SENSE OF JOY AND WOULD CONJURE UP FEELINGS AND MEMORIES OF A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY.” –NICKY ZIMMERMANN
Designer Nicky Zimmermann PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
2021 marks the 30-year anniversary of Zimmermann. How do you feel the brand has evolved since its 1991 founding? The brand has evolved so much in that time; certainly creatively, but as a business, things have changed into something that I couldn’t imagine when I started out in Sydney. But despite that, I’d like to think that we’ve always been true to our aesthetic and the person we design for. We’ve always aspired to create collections that are fresh, feminine and optimistic. I’m proud that Simone and I started the business as young women and have been able to build it into what it is today with the help of an amazing team.
Postcard tie-neck blouse and wide-leg pant PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Tell us about your new resort collection. What inspired it and what are some of your favorite pieces? For resort ’22, I wanted to create a collection that had a real sense of joy and would conjure up feelings and memories of a wonderful holiday—the anticipation, excitement, fun and laughter. We were given the opportunity to work with some of the beautiful art of James Northfield, who created iconic Australian travel posters around the 1950s. I love our Postcard shirt mididress; it has a beautiful 1950s silhouette with a cinched waist and voluminous skirt. The linen gives it a lovely light and airy feeling, and I like how the coral reef print is a bit retro. The Postcard strapless gown is another personal favorite; the ombre hues remind me of a summer sunset, and you are just bound to have an amazing time wearing it.
Postcard ruffle top in Ombre Sunshine and Postcard wide-leg jean PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
What enticed you to open a Zimmermann boutique in Orange County? So many women from Orange County have shopped with us in our other stores and online, so when the opportunity to open at South Coast Plaza came along, the timing felt right. Orange County is really beautiful and the lifestyle is somewhat similar to living in Sydney. I think women there have a real sense of fun and enjoyment with dressing and a similar optimistic outlook to women here at home in Australia. There is a passion for color and print, which fits so nicely with our brand aesthetic.
Silk linen-blend shirtdress in Lorne Print. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
What’s next? As a designer, my focus is always to create something unique from season to season; it’s always been about how we can reinterpret our aesthetic and create something new that women will feel an emotional connection with. Right now, I’m working on our fall ’22 collection. I love the direction it’s heading and I’m excited to present it in February.
Photography by:
