KINDRED SPIRIT
SPRING READY-TO-WEAR 26

Inspired by Lavender Bay’s iconic creative community in Sydney, Nicky Zimmermann revisits that era’s sense of connection, freedom, and joy and reimagines it through her uniquely Australian roots. The collection is vibrant, playful, and full of life. It celebrates individuality through flowing silhouettes, unexpected bursts of color, and prints that almost seem to move as the models walk. There’s a freedom in the clothes from billowing sleeves and cascading gowns to the painter’s overalls reimagined in tan leather that speaks to self-expression rather than perfection. Color took center stage this season. Think psychedelic florals, soft tie-dyes, and bold, joyful hues all colliding in a way that feels both nostalgic and completely new.

The collection carried all the signature Zimmermann details we love, airy fabrics, intricate textures, sculptural volume, but pushed them even further with fresh techniques like “super-fluff,” where layers of organza are ruched together to move like clouds. Each look felt like a work of art, but not in a precious way, more like something meant to be lived in, full of ease, confidence, and joy. And then there were the details: patchwork leather bags, oversized sunglasses, playful little koala-shaped jewels; all these touches that made it feel personal, like it was made with love. The show opened that sense of elegance the brand is known for. There’s a tactile richness in how Zimmermann layers organza, lace, and poplin, creating pieces that seem to breathe and move with the body.

“This season’s Spring collection, Kindred Spirit, is an ode to the collaborative artistic spirit of the 70’s 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

In the end, the whole show felt like a conversation between friends, with the creative team completely in sync. Every piece seemed to lift the other up, building a world that’s colorful, optimistic, and connected. Set to the words of Lana Del Rey reciting What Happened When I Left You from Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass, the show unfolded like a poetic daydream, romantic, nostalgic, and quietly empowering. Zimmermann’s Kindred Spirit is more than a collection; it’s a reminder of why fashion can still move us, when it’s made with heart, vision, and a sense of belonging. With Kindred Spirit, that instinct feels especially personal like a love letter to creative kinship itself. It’s a collection that plays with nostalgia without being trapped by it. Soft yet sharp, romantic but not overly precious. Zimmermann continues to stand in a category of its own, a brand that manages to evolve while staying true to what it does best: craftsmanship, imagination, and identity. Each season feels like a conversation between past and present, art and wearability. With Kindred Spirit, that balance feels sharp confident, expressive, and full of life. It’s a reminder that when a brand truly knows itself, every collection becomes more than just fashion, it becomes part of a larger story, one that keeps unfolding with purpose and heart.

Set Creative Direction Michelle Jank, Stylist Romy Frydman, Make Up Director Jodie Boland, Hair Director Damien Boissinot, Casting Michelle Lee, Art Direction Smile Agency - Emil Vrisakis, Music Director Mimi Xu, Production OBO, Runway Content Capture Titre Provisoire, Runway Stills Photographer Indigital, Backstage Stills Photographer Charles Dennington, Backstage Set Videographer Anthony Goujjane, Backstage Roaming Stills Virgile Guinard, Backstage Roaming Stills Angele Chatenet, Backstage Roaming Stills Sonny Vandevelde, Backstage Roaming Stills Diane Betties, Backstage Roaming Video Maison Mimesis, Backstage TikTok Scrol Agency. All images and videos courtesy of Zimmermann.

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