Nicky Zimmermann in her Sydney design studio.
Tama rib collar crop and Tama mini skirt.
Now that spring has officially begun, we’re checking in with a few of our fashion friends to get a closer look at their collections. First on our list is Nicky Zimmermann, whose namesake label is the ne plus ultra when it comes to feminine fashion. Here, we discuss a few of her favorite pieces from the Spring 23 collection.
There’s a nod to utilitarian—a big trend this season. How do you bring together seemingly disparate elements—mini skirt, elastic, frills, volume—and make it seem so natural?
I like doing something different, something fun, something unexpected. Dresses and skirts always give us the perfect base by way of room to play, explore, create. We always strive to create pieces that will resonate with women, that are evocative, and that they feel a connection to.
Wonderland frill mini dress.
You’re a master of sexy demure. Where do you envision this little frock living its best life?
Thank you! Well let’s just say that this dress isn’t going to the office! But I think it’s perfect for a special party or event in Miami—day or night.
Tama bias slip dress.
Talk to us about the sky depicted on this dress. Is it a dreamscape or something captured from a place closer to home?
This dress was inspired by a photo captured at Tamarama beach in Sydney. Tamarama has always been particularly special to me—I lived there for many years—and I was fascinated to learn about an amusement park that used to exist there in the early 1900s called Wonderland City, which we used as inspiration for the season. I thought a lot about the evolution of the beachside landscape and lifestyle over all these years. The photograph captured the entire horizon from the beach, and it felt so serene, peaceful, and beautiful. I knew we had to incorporate it within the collection somehow and we played with the image, print and design to give the impression of an endless sky.
Coaster structured mini dress.
The shell embellished trim… these are the kind of details we’ve come to look forward to from Zimmermann. How does this look position in the collection?
The detailing captures seaside elements like shells and seaweed; we wanted to evoke that glorious feeling when you’ve just come home from the beach and had the best day ever. There’s often a lot of detail in our pieces and I love that it adds a little something special to the piece just for the wearer. It’s those little touches that allow us to further evoke the story and overall mood of the wider collection.
Tama filigree gown.
This dress has the perfect tension between romance and something akin to armor. The shoulders, the breastplate… and the ear cuff! Tell us a little something about this gorgeous look.
I envisage this piece as a perfect party dress for the summer months, it’s made from a very fine organza fabric which is ultra-light and easy to wear and gives it more of a relaxed vibe. There is some gorgeous and very elaborate detailing like the pearl trim, the scalloping and extended shoulders. We love to find new details and silhouettes that are special and unique.
This divine ear cuff is a super special statement piece and was inspired by valuables retrieved from the lost and found office at Wonderland.
Coaster metallic slouch jacket and Coaster metallic split pant.
There are so many fabulous new iterations on classic pantsuits across the collections this season. Where did you take your inspo for this look?
Suiting has become a key category for us and is something we’re becoming a little more known for. This material was a great way to create a new take on a fun party suit. We’re always looking to evolve our collections from season to season and offer something fun and new to bring pieces to life in an unexpected way.
