Under the frescoed ceilings of Paris’ Petit Palais, Nicky Zimmermann’s Fall/Winter 2025 show transformed the venue into a sun-drenched ode to Australia’s haunting beauty. Titled “Hypnotic,” the collection was inspired by Peter Weir’s 1975 film “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” fusing Victorian romance with the raw allure of the outback – a fitting tribute as the cult classic celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Front row guests Rose Byrne and Katie Holmes reflected the ethereal palette of the lineup, their outfits echoing the delicate lace and earthy tones that dominated the runway. Zimmermann‘s designs balanced fragility and strength: handkerchief hem dresses fluttered with hand-painted maps of Mount Macedon, while structured denim pieces featured daring cutouts and cascading ruffles. Snake-print chiffon and moss lace nods to the Australian wilderness contrasted with prim schoolgirl pinafores reimagined as lace-trimmed tops.
The brand’s signature femininity shone through intricate detailing – Valentine’s Day motifs taken from movie love letters, tiny embroidered hearts bordering cream chiffon layers, and a bronze leather riding skirt paired with shearling jackets. Denim, one of Zimmermann’s fastest-growing categories, took center stage in high-necked dresses with hip necklines, demonstrating the label’s ability to reinvent everyday materials.
Zimmermann’s roots in swimwear subtly surfaced, particularly in sheer dresses designed to be layered over lace bodysuits – a Victorian twist on modern shapewear. The show’s soundtrack, a loop of girlish laughter, underscored the tension between innocence and mystery that defines both the film and the collection.
With stores on six continents and a recent billion-dollar valuation following its acquisition by Advent International, Zimmermann has solidified its place as a global powerhouse. Yet the Fall/Winter 2025 line feels deeply personal, a love letter to Australian landscapes and storytelling. As the brand evolves, its commitment to unapologetically feminine designs remains unwavering, appealing to loyal customers who gravitate to its hand-drawn prints and sculpted silhouettes.
©Photo: Zimmermann