Freedom in Full Bloom
Review of Zimmermann Spring 2026 Fashion Show
By Angela Baidoo
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
Bold Expressions, Psychedelic Florals, Bouyant Silhouettes
In the Sydney harbour suburb of Lavender Bay, a vibrant community of artists affectionately known as the Bayside Bohemians created a collaborative hub in the 1970s, and with Boho Chic on the rise Nicky Zimmermann once again unearths a lesser-known regional influence that is ever faithful to her Australian roots.
And it is those very roots which give her brand such an ingrained essence of the ethereal each season. Channelling the spirit of the 70s, from the perspective of her homeland, the designer puts a new spin on a counter-cultural movement rarely seen outside of the punk or hippie scenes of London or California. The enclave of Lavender Bay was a refuge where resident artists, such as Brett Whiteley and Peter Kingston, were able to produce some of their most well-known work. Finding inspiration in freedom, this generation of creatives openly expressed themselves through their art, and these kindred spirits (which just so happens to be todays show title) inspired Zimmermann’s spring 2026 collection, which reflects the artistic energy of the time.
Freedom has been on the minds of many designers over the last four weeks, and for Zimmermann she wanted to ‘capture the spirit of liberation’. In each look she spoke to the dual heroes of ‘individualism and personal style’, mixing textures, techniques, and mediums to drive home the fact that she often designers with ‘a multitude of women in mind’. The most liberated will be drawn to her psychedelic prints updating the brands signature florals with a trippy twist using tie-dye and ‘trance-inducing graphics’ according to todays notes. Those who like to amplify their femininity can opt for the asymmetric draped jersey dresses and skirt sets which were scaled-up to billowing proportions. While the denim co-ords revives the bell-bottoms jeans and a summer dress with embroidered cut-out dove motifs gave todays theme a literal translation.
Speaking to Zimmermann backstage she summarised the collection and its inspiration as “Essentially [it was] a beautiful creative moment in time and that really appealed to me, it’s a lovely way of drawing in joy and colour that wasn’t about a particular artist it was about a mood, that could be anywhere in the world”, with her silhouettes even more flowing and buoyant than in seasons past – due to new techniques which are ‘complex in construction but wear with ease. Finding her own way to express freedom and joy through her distinctive house codes which bring together the unique voices of both the Sydney and Paris ateliers, the creative director embraced the spirit of self-expression as a tool for building ‘supportive kinship bonds’.
THE DIRECTION
THE QUOTE
This season’s Spring collection, Kindred Spirit, is an ode to the collaborative artistic spirit of the 70s 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.
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, Zimmermann
THE WRAP UP
As a love letter to freedom of expression, artistry and spirit was filtered through the lens of 1970s Lavender Bay. Nicky Zimmermann evoked the Bayside Bohemians and tapped into a creative moment where community and individuality coexisted, translating that collaborative ‘Kindred Spirit’ into flowing silhouettes, trippy prints, and intricate craftsmanship. It was Zimmermann at her most confident — still romantic, still fiercely Australian — with a collection that celebrated creativity as kinship.
