As they spread their wings across the globe, including their latest stop in Dubai at the Mall of Emirates, Nicky and Simone Zimmermann are doubling down on what makes their brand special: that personal flair, Aussie authenticity, and good ol’ fashioned approachability. They’re sticking to their roots, ensuring that no matter where you are, you’ll always feel that Zimmermann magic.
Just like their jet-setting clientele, Zimmermann speaks a universal language of style and sophistication. Their aesthetic speaks volumes to the spirited, young-at-heart women who exude confidence wherever they go. So wherever the journey takes them, Zimmermann will be there, ensuring that style knows no bounds!
Fashion often reflects cultural and societal shifts. How does Zimmermann stay attuned to these changes, and how do you incorporate them into your designs?
NZ: Most often I’m finding inspiration for a collection in art, film, music, literature or my personal memories – all of which reflect the culture and society of their time. In that way, we are often exploring different cultural ideas simultaneously. Obviously, there’s then the environment from which we create from in the present, where we’re tuned into our client to deliver something new and fresh and modern. It’s about representing the ideas in a way that feels relevant to now; it has to be something our client wants to wear.
Collaboration is key in the fashion industry. Can you share any memorable partnerships or collaborations that have helped shape Zimmermann’s journey?
SZ: We just opened our summer pop-up at Le Bon Marché in Paris, which is a project that has been really exciting to collaborate on. It’s a store-meets installation space, with an exclusive capsule collection designed by our team, that’s housed amongst interactive elements and experiences. To be given the residency during the Paris Olympics at one of the most iconic department stores in the world is such a unique opportunity; it’s an amazing platform for the brand. We’re in an incredible position within these new markets where we can align with other brands that we’ve always admired, which makes it a really exciting time for us.
Fashion is as much about storytelling as it is about style. What stories or inspirations have influenced your collections?
NZ: For me, there’s no limit to where the idea for a collection can start from. There are so many ways that we weave inspiration throughout a collection that it becomes a form of storytelling in itself: our latest Fall collection shown in Paris in March pulled inspiration from the Bloomsbury group – artists and writers of the 20th Century who informed the mood and colour palette, and fashion illustration of the 60s and 70s gave us direction with the texture and movement of the garments. It’s a great source of fun for me to be able to meld ideas together with my team, to bring our overall vision to life.
Designers often draw inspiration from unexpected sources. What’s the most unconventional source of inspiration for a Zimmermann collection that you can share with us?
NZ: Honestly there are so many niche sources I’ve worked from it’s kind of hilarious –an Australian music television show that I watched in the 70s and 80s, a surf film I watched when I was in primary school, dinner parties my parents hosted when I was growing up… the list goes on!
The fashion industry can be fast-paced and demanding. How do you balance creativity with the practicalities of running a successful business?
SZ: It’s definitely fast-paced regardless but we make it work together – our roles within the business are very separate, Nicky is the creative while I’m responsible for the operational side. We’ve always had trust in what one another is doing and know that we’re working towards the same vision and objective for our business, and ultimately our clients.
If you could describe Zimmermann’s journey so far in just three words, what would they be, and why?
NZ: Possibilities, hard-work and fun. When we started out over 30 years ago, we really had no idea what we were doing to be honest, but we knew where we wanted to go. We just had a drive to put our heads down, work super hard and learn along the way. Of course, by nature of running a business it will always present challenges, but if this wasn’t the case I’d be worried – we’d be bored. It also helps that as people and as a brand we are optimistic – and we always have a great time as we go.
ALSO READ: #BUROHIGHLIGHTS: HOW RED SEA FASHION WEEK MADE WAVES AND BROKE THE MOLD IN SAUDI ARABIA.
