The Collection which made me fall Head over Heels for Fashion Shows (Zimmermann’s FW21)
Zimmermann’s consistency in their identity has got me *shooketh*
Known for her swimwear and comforting resort collections, Nicky Zimmermann has been successful in breaking into the industry and being a name synonymous to sophisticated femininity. With her sister Simone on the side, Nicky has been able to market Zimmermann worldwide since 1991.
With a recent release of a Resort Ready-To-Wear line, it’s impressive to ponder and look back at the previous collection of the designers, as they manage to bring a soul of each celebrated ensemble into their next creation.
Watching the Fall-Winter ’21 Collection of 38 looks one fateful day made me deep-dive into the world of Z’mann. My admiration has not faltered to this day. ‘It’s just two different collections and one of them is old now.’ some might tell me. So what exactly do I wish to prove with all this information which seemingly does not seem to connect?
For the most part, I realized that nostalgia and the essence of art can be a great tool for capturing the flattery of a nobody.
The Fall-Winter 2021 Collection was created taking 60s and 70s styles into consideration, with Zimmermann mentioning references from Countdown, an Australian music program which aired at the time. Z’mann is known for her prints, floral accents and confetti-resembling danglers.
Naming each piece within categories of Concert, Tempo and Rhythm as per its dominant colors is a real trivia for avid onlookers of the brand.
Looks 1 and 2 foretell the complete collection in a quintessential manner with puff-sleeved dress, a pant-suit duo and a floor-gracing one piece accompanied by vehement walks. The trio encompasses elements of the upcoming numbers quite literally, great for us with miniscule attention spans.
Elegantly shown by Charlee Fraser, Look 1: The Concert Spliced Trim Dress was worthy of making a pleasant first impression. Bishop sleeves fitted towards the shoulders puts the mandarin collar and the torso embroidery in the limelight. Lined with the golden borders, the symmetric print dyed of pink and maroon hues gives a fresh take to a rather classic flare dress.
Look 2 has to be one of Generation Z’s favorites. Two-toned denim with the contemporary flare, cut at the shins is accessorized by a narrow waist belt and a gold-hooked chain. A wine-colored satin fabric shirt mimicking a blouson’s silhouette coupled with socks of a much lighter tint, it is a master-play at bringing childlike wonder and vodka delight together. The teenage face of Lily Nova perfectly sums up the glance.
Agi Akur gracefully leads the runway with Look 3:The Concert Scalloped Shirt and a ruffled Maxi Skirt. The embellishment near the seam of the pockets (yes, pockets!) match perfectly with her necklace and earrings , along with the circular ones on the belt. The transition of the hues of pink seem symmetrically pleasing, yet not quite literally. The cuts in the skirt allow the darker fabric to stand out from beneath the layers.
Although the collection in conjunction may be a result of the inspiration Zimmermann gathered from Countdown the show, it definitely did not shy away from hitting me home. The intricate embroidery and borders with the pseudo tie-dye first-glance look gave a few pieces the traditional Iranian print which is sometimes indistinguishable to my own heritage (Indian). To put it in the best way, it was a modern twist on the prints we have seen in our childhood.
Why did this collection feel near to home? Simply put, I can picture most of the outfits being worn by my mother.
The showstopper dresses, although cohesive with the rest of the collection’s aura and aesthetic, did not match with the fit of the prior ensembles. Can it be a deliberate strategy from Zimmermann’s end to make a distinguishing cessation mark? Maybe, as it sure leaves room for open discussions.
In a gist, it was a refreshing ensemble over the bleak background made sanguine with the subtle romantic glitter rain at the end reflecting a mirror to the optimistic view one had to cultivate throughout the pandemic.
Creating an identity to be known for in the industry can be extremely tough, there is no doubt in that. I admire how Zimmermann manages to maintain an aesthetic throughout their individual pieces.
With subliminal-resembling voices in the background and the occasional cacophony of the seagulls and breaking waves at the shore, Zimmermann gift-wraps for us the subtle euphoria we need in this dire pseudo apocalypse with her beachy line.
Released in February, Fall-Winter 21 is a part of the family of Zimmermann’s cohesive collections through the course of her rise to fame for three decades. With the recent Resort 22 titled ‘The Postcard’, we all sure need a ticket to relive our vacay moods.
A perfect balance of skin show and modesty, we get to see the action of graphics, florals, stripes and lace all at once. Enthralling to the viewers, all the pieces together project a heavy visual appeal towards the relaxing beaches of Lorne, a surf-town which was a major source of ideation for the collection. Accompanying the ways of art direction of Australian graphic artist James Northfield, the collection gets its own edge of classic vintage vacation signboards.
Although it is all fun and games with resort collections, Zimmermann does not shy away from pairing formal cuts and pieces with graphic tote bags and straw hats. With a business vacation attire, Zimmermann embodies the multi-functional aspect of clothing. After all, we all have a means to wash and re-wear our beloved knits and prints.
Last yet not the least, let us not ignore the backdrop with vibrant ever-changing sunset hues and dawn pinks. The immersive experience of it all just makes me want to put a plumeria behind my ear and sit at the seashore with my lover.
All that being said, I’ve been watching fashion shows since I was a pre-teen, yet I failed to understand the appeal behind it until recently. I will continue to watch out for Zimmermann, and explore many other designers who make us feel extraordinary with the mundane instances of life.
Definitely have a look at the video presentation of Zimmermann FW21 and Zimmermann Resort 22 RTW.
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