Designer DETAIL - Zimmermann
If you're an Australian girl between the ages of three and thirty and you don't own a Zimmermann bikini, I'll eat my hat. The label, which was started over 16 years ago by Sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann has become almost as iconic as the Hills Hoist washing line - well, in fashion circles anyway.
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The dynamic Australian label has grown from strength to strength over the years by staying true to its original vision: sophisticated femininity, strong silhouettes, clever colour combinations, delicate original prints with an eye for quality fabrics and unique cutting. Swimwear is clearly a focus of the collections, but the fashion line has also become an equally coveted element of the label, from flowing printed kaftans to chic cocktail frocks Zimmermann always provide something vibrant and original to covet in every collection.
Australian fashion has earned a reputation over the past few years for unique, fresh design. It's common knowledge throughout the industry that Australian designers 'do' summer better - and this makes sense. Internationally, Australian swimwear is a hot commodity. Brands which have been a part of our summer lifestyle for years such as Seafolly and Speedo, now grace the shelves of international heavyweights such as Selfridges and Barney's worldwide and Zimmermann without a doubt paved the way for this confidence in Australian swimwear design, fashionability and function as it stands today.
Internationally, Zimmermann has focused on swimwear, which found its footing with the fashion elite. Zimmermann swimwear's bold original prints, beautifully made malliots and sculptural bikinis create a new point of reference in flattering, sexy and stylish swimwear.
Nationally and abroad, the label receives extensive and enthusiastic editorial coverage and has graced the pages of magazines including Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, W, Glamour, Nylon and Marie Claire. It's also been a regular feature in international swimwear bible, Sports Illustrated.
Currently in store is the Cruise '08 collection (pictured). Folk influences from various locales such as Mexico City, St Petersburg, San Paulo and Vientiane provide the beautiful prints, vibrant colours and unique, bohemian style of this collection.
Mexican print dresses, Russian folk embroidery, easy peasant blouses and drawstring dresses are perfect beach cover ups and are equally glam worn to long Sunday lunch at your favorite waterside restaurant.
The swimwear component of the collection features folk tablecloth prints of cobalt, green and red, in rouched halter one pieces and sexy triangle bikinis. The Bo Feather print takes the plumage of rare birds and prints them onto molded bandeaux and sultry frilled one pieces. Simple cotton voile smocks, pleated straps, chambray denim bikinis and tie side shorts, blouson tops, printed playsuits, applique lace, retro spots and lush white complete the extensive collection.
Stocked in stores internationally including the Barney's, Saks and in-the-know fashion chains such as Intermix and Hilary Rush in the US and Harrods and Fenwick's in the UK, Zimmermann is also feature on the worlds premier online stores such as Net-A-Porter and ShopBop.
In Australia, Zimmermann maintains 10 stand-alone stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Surfer's Paradise. David Jones and other high-end retailers stock the ready-to-wear and swimwear lines.
What's next for Zimmermann? With murmurs of in-house international collaborations currently in the pipeline with fashion giants Marks & Spencer in the UK and Be Be in the US it seems certain the Zimmermann sisters are by no means resting on the laurels of their success. Watch this space!
Visit www.zimmermannwear.com
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