Zimmermann
This iconic Australian brand has stayed true to its original vision: sophisticated femininity, a passion for detail and a love of colour and print. Sisters Nicky and Simone ZIMMERMANN founded their namesake brand in Sydney in 1991.
ZIMMERMANN began with Nicky designing dresses and selling them at Paddington markets. The markets were an opportunity for Nicky to refine her aesthetic and to see first-hand how women responded to fashion. “While working the markets, I had two pages of editorial in Australian Vogue. That was a significant moment because I suddenly started to receive orders from boutiques around Australia and I could feel some real momentum. Soon after I opened a small store in Darlinghurst.”
Nicky’s relationship with Simone has been the cornerstone to ZIMMERMANN’s longevity and success. “I could never have achieved what we have without Simone. While the business has evolved and fashion has changed, Simone has been a voice of reason and a constant.”
Early in its evolution, ZIMMERMANN took the bold step of fusing fashion with swimwear and presented it to the world. It immediately found its following with the fashion elite, creating a new point of reference in flattering, feminine and stylish swimwear. While the swimsuit thrust ZIMMERMANN on to the international stage, it has been its optimistic, feminine and consistently desirable collections across its ready-to-wear and resort that have propelled it to greater global appeal.
While based at home in Sydney, ZIMMERMANN present their ready-to-wear collections each season at New York Fashion Week. They maintain showrooms in Sydney, London, New York and Los Angeles.
In Australia and abroad, the label receives extensive editorial coverage and has graced the pages of magazines including: Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, W, Glamour, Nylon and Marie Claire. Working with the highly acclaimed designer and long-time collaborator, Don McQualter, ZIMMERMANN maintains a number of stand-alone stores across Australia and the USA including flagship stores on Mercer St in New York and Melrose Place in Los Angeles.
ZIMMERMANN have been the recipient of multiple fashion awards including the Australian Fashion Laureate and Best Swim Designer - Prix de Marie Claire, to name a few. Nicky has been a member of the Australian Fashion Week Advisory Board and the Australian Fashion Chamber. Nicky and Simone have also been the fashion mentor for the Qantas Spirit of Australia Youth Awards.
