By Phebe Wahl By Phebe Wahl | August 16, 2023 | Style & Beauty, Style & Beauty Feature, Style & Beauty,
Nicky Zimmermann.
Inspired by the sepia-toned artwork of Rupert Bunny, Zimmermann's fall collection is the ultimate romantic reverie. We checked in with creative director Nicky Zimmermann for her fall musts.
WHAT INSPIRED THIS CURRENT FALL COLLECTION?
I was inspired by the artwork of Rupert Bunny, an Australian artist from the turn of the last century. I was drawn to his use of color and the romanticism of his work—the gentle and dreamy lifestyle scenes. There is a glow, warmth and optimism to his work that is really appealing to me. Bunny’s works have also influenced the mood of the collection more generally.
Zimmermann Lyrical frill neck gown.
WHAT IS THE SECRET TO TRANSITIONING YOUR WARDROBE TO FALL?
I rotate my wardrobe according to the season. I bring everything I want to wear into the wardrobe in my bedroom and categorize everything from there— casual, weekend and workwear. Then I categorize specific items together. My black blazers live together, my cream blazers live together, and so on. It’s a very harmonious situation. I like to be organized and have a plan!
Zimmermann crystal swirl ring.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FALL ESSENTIALS IN TERMS OF DRESSES?
I’m a big dress wearer. I love to wear dresses all year long. I usually opt for a full-length dress during the day, and I am spoiled in that I have the luxury of not having to plan too much if I choose to head out in the evening after work! If heading out in the evening, I’ll opt for a beautiful print dress with long sleeves. We explored a few new silhouettes this season, namely draped dresses and floating skirts, which I’ve been incorporating into my wardrobe.
IS THERE A FALL BOOT AND BAG YOU LOVE THIS SEASON?
One of my favorites is our Duncan low boot. We incorporated engraved vintage gold stirrup hardware, which brought something unique to the cut. Being winter in Sydney, I’ve already got quite a bit of wear out of them, and I’ll be packing them for our upcoming travels in the Northern Hemisphere winter. When I’m running around during the day or in the design studio, I like slouchy totes—Chanel and The Row do the best ones, and I like to treat myself here and there as they are super durable, and I know I will use them for years and years to come. I’ve been using our black shearling crossbody bag a lot lately when I’m out in the evenings. The texture is fun and seasonally appropriate—plus, it fits everything I need.
WHAT JEWELRY WILL YOU BE WEARING THIS FALL WITH THE COLLECTION?
The Paint Stroke locket necklace, the Austral draped huggie and the crystal swirl ring are a [few] of my favorites from this collection. I never really feel complete without a few pieces of jewelry.
ANY BEAUTY OR SKINCARE ESSENTIALS YOU LIKE AS THE SEASONS CHANGE?
I love Dr. Barbara Sturm’s hydrating products—particularly the hydrating mist, along with her Sun Drops. I’m also a big fan of The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader, and I’m never without my tube of Lanolips, which I’m constantly applying in the cooler months. For makeup, I like the Kosas lip oil in Unbuttoned and the Chanel eyeliner in Brun Agape—it works well with my eye color!
ANY FAVORITE FALL FRAGRANCES TO WEAR?
Carnal Flower by Frédéric Malle
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER ESSENTIAL PIECES EVERY WOMAN NEEDS IN HER FALL WARDROBE?
I tend to lean on oversize shirts, a great pair of pants, blazers, denim and sneakers throughout the cooler months—and dresses are a staple in my wardrobe all year round. Luckily in Sydney, our winters are not too harsh, though I need to amp up the layering when I travel to the Northern Hemisphere during the colder seasons.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND