For Spring RTW 26 Zimmermann found a kindred connection with artists of the past; inspiring a modern expression of freedom and joy:
“This season’s Spring collection, Kindred Spirit, is an ode to the collaborative artistic spirit of the 70s and chosen creative families the world over. I was inspired by a collective of iconic artists that made their mark in the 70’s in Lavender Bay, a suburb on Sydney Harbour. I liked that they pushed against the status quo — it was probably like similar creative movements in London or New York during the same era, but with a uniquely Australian take. They inspired each other to boldly express themselves… and had a lot of fun along the way! I always design with a multitude of women in mind, a diverse group who bring their distinct personalities to the garment. The collection offers freedom and joy in exuberant silhouettes, a bold interplay of colours, and psychedelic floral and soft tie-dye prints.” — Nicky Zimmermann, Creative Director.
The Spring 26 collection captures the spirit of liberation, drawing on 70s artists who stepped outside the restrictive conservatism of the age in the pursuit of creativity and self- made community. The collection celebrates the coming together of chosen creative families who nourish each other through deep supportive and loving kinship bonds. A platform for free expression of many voices, each look heroes individualism and personal style, experimenting with texture, print and colourful details, worn with conviction and carefree fun.
Colour is a major theme, vibrant in offbeat shades and the season’s statement psychedelic prints. Signature floral is warped and playfully scaled into trance-inducing graphics, achieving mind-blowing detail and illusion of movement. Block-colour cotton drill silhouettes stand out, transcending utility in jackets that flare from the waist and in super- flared pants.
Zimmermann continues to evolve its house codes between its international design studios — combining its Sydney atelier’s aptitude for flowing gowns and exquisite original artwork, with Paris’s unerring eye for suiting and denim. The brand’s signature billowing sleeve takes shape in undulating floral organza, and in crisp ivory poplin that blooms at the shoulder and flares from the elbow. High craft continues through the development of a texture Zimmermann dubs ‘super-fluff’ — countless layers of organza cut on the bias and ruched together. Backed with crinoline, the detail erupts as uber-fluffy tiers on bouncing gowns.
The show’s opening look captivates with its cascading silhouette, true to Zimmermann’s codes of considered volume and dramatic movement. Skirts shoot out from the waist, commanding space; sleeves billow into capes, strapless peplum tops float, and cylindrical flares bounce in step.
Iterations of painter’s overalls appear in cotton twill and tan leather, revealing a plunging bodysuit, a familiar Zimmermann layering piece. Wool suiting in head-to-toe 70s inspired colours comes in a shrunken vest worn with micro-shorts, their hemline playfully matched by a sharp blazer.
New themes are braided decolletages and buoyant harem pants. Strapless acid tie-dye dresses and jumpsuits are complex in construction but wear with ease in a slouched drop- hip silhouette. Lace is striking in colour, a fun departure from its traditional purity.
Zimmermann continues to innovate in denim, translating Ready-to-Wear codes into styles that are equal parts directional and contemporary — traversing between the everyday and occasion wear. Bird motifs recurring in the show have been embroidered, hand-stitched and cut away in an asymmetric denim midi dress and a pair of panelled jeans.
Accessories channel 70s nostalgia with a modern “more-is-more” elegance. Footwear features wooden platforms and leather sandals in diverse shades of tan, lilac, peach and mustard. Knotted floral fabric on raffia slides match impactful head-to-toe print looks. Drawstring leather bags are sewn together with colourful patchwork motifs. Eccentrically tiered bags are tied together in exaggerated knots. Fierce shield sunglasses dramatically juxtapose the soft 70s inspiration. Jewellery articulates Spring 26 Australian reference with koala figurines, on earrings and pendants, and golden statement pieces in the shape of native flora.
Zimmermann’s Spring 26 show at Le Carreau du Temple is set to friend of the house and VIP show guest Lana Del Rey reciting her 2023 poem What Happened When I Left You. The poem is woven into the show’s original soundtrack composed by Mimi Xu.
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