For Australians who had not managed to escape the winter chill for European shores this week, we were instead treated to a breath of warm sea air this morning with the digital unveiling of Zimmermann Resort 2023. Unwavering in ways to deliver new and exciting silhouettes, sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann once again delivered a whimsical collection on the small screen, this time aptly titled “High Tide”.
In a slight departure from the ethereal day dresses and glamorous resort wear the Australian-born label has become known for, Zimmermann offered a slightly more sporty take for the forthcoming season. In a nod to maritime influences – from a beloved past time of sailing – opening the runway was silk twill anoraks emblazoned with sailing-inspired prints, swimwear aplenty and relaxed tailoring with a nod to low-slung cuts. Smaller nautical-esque details included bold sailor stripes; rope belts, and the anchor motif peppered throughout. Less obvious in reference was a number of ensembles like the navy trimmed light-weight wrap knits; wide-leg sailor pants and straw hats – perfect for a day of yachting.
As a day on the water turns into nighttime soirées back on shore, Zimmermann looked to ’50s period silhouettes to inform evening wear. The cocktail offering featured belted lace pearl-edged halter dresses; strapless cat’s-eye bustiers and moulded skirts with peek-a-boo petticoat. Despite a classic approach to dressing, not even the cult label could escape the sartorial grasp of the Y2K movement. Tiny crops and uber short mini skirts made an appearance throughout but was balanced with sorbet sheath dresses, tube and full circle skirts and pretty puffed sleeves. Staying true to the design ethos, intricate embellishments hung from the hems of sleeves and skirts and wrapped around the waistline of whimsy styles.
“For this Resort season we’ve dived into all things nautical and embraced the romance of sailing,” Nicky echoes. “I loved looking at all these gorgeous images from the 50’s and 60’s of women on idyllic sailing holidays and tried to capture a sense of the simple elegance and holiday glow that came from our references – there’s hints of nostalgia through the collection but with a fresh and fun take. We worked with our artists to create jaunty sailboat prints, placement world maps and classic 50’s ikat florals. The mix of both liquid and sharp papery fabrics creates movement in our silhouettes, with some of the key looks opening up, almost like you’re walking through a breeze. Funnily enough I grew up sailing on a small boat with my Dad on weekends and holidays in Botany Bay in Sydney, which wasn’t particularly glamorous, and certainly not that relaxing! I think I prefer our take on a sunny holiday on the sea!”
The idyllic holiday wardrobe is finished with colour-blocked enamel accessories and woven basket bags worn around the waist. Tote bags and leather belts form staple pieces to be worn year-round and footwear arrives in the form of Zimmermann’s take on the boat shoe.
All aboard!
