CELESTIAL CHIC

Nicky Zimmermann’s fall 2022 Stargazer collection channels the zodiac.

BY TERRI PROVENCAL

Clockwise from left: Nicky Zimmermann in her studio; Crescent stretch boot short; Cosmic Zodiac body shirt and trouser. All courtesy of Zimmermann. Z odiac-inspired bell-sleeve gowns, dresses with cascading stars, matching shirt and pant sets, minidresses underpinned with catsuits, adorned headbands, velvet platform shoes, and stretch satin boots—Nicky Zimmermann looked to the heavens for her fall inspiration. Working with fable-based artist Anita Inverarity, Zimmermann channeled the energy of the 12 houses to bring their celestial rulers to life with mythical motifs for the Australian line she cofounded with her sister Simone. The designer talks of star signs, the new prints, and her two Texas stores:

PATRON (P): Women here were thrilled when you selected Dallas as Zimmermann’s first Texas storefront in NorthPark Center, home to not only coveted fashion brands, but also a world-class art collection. What drew you to NorthPark? Nicky Zimmermann (NZ): Dallas is such a fun and vibrant city. I think the women there really like to have fun dressing and have an eye for the unexpected—something which is very much at the heart of our brand. Many women from Dallas had shopped with us in other stores around the world, so when the opportunity to open at NorthPark came along, the timing felt right. P: NorthPark’s Zimmermann boutique vibes with that art-centric ethos. Can you tell us about the art installed in-store?

NZ: We always like to bring touches from our home in Australia to our stores and often do that through our art selection. For Dallas, we’ve included works from Australian artists including Sally Ross, Peter Cooley, and Tom Polo. I love the Tom Polo works; there’s a sense of fun to his artworks, and his use of color really appeals to my sensibilities. P: You’ve opened three new storefronts in Florida and are set to open your first Houston location in June. Tell us about your Houston store. NZ: The store is bright and welcoming—it’s a place you want to spend time in and find something you love. We’ve used a green-textured render on the storefront, something which I really love, and there is an eclectic mix of vintage artworks and furniture, including paintings by Australian artist Bridie Gillman, and a ’90s Noguchi floor lamp, which is great. P: We love the zodiac-influenced Stargazer fall collection inspired by Scottish artist Anita Inverarity. Here, each avatar and animal interprets the traits of their star sign. How did you collaborate with the artist? NZ: Print is often a starting point for us when creating a collection, and we’ll often choose to collaborate with an artist whose aesthetic can help evoke the mood of the season and express what we are trying to achieve with the collection. I knew early on I wanted to do something around astrology. The idea that our personalities are influenced by our birth signs has always been fun and intriguing to me.

I was exploring this theme for the fall ’22 collection, and I came across these beautiful zodiac-inspired illustrations by Anita Inverarity that I was instantly drawn to—they were mystical, and I loved the colors she used. We were fortunate to work with her to create twelve whimsical prints that represent each sign of the zodiac. We’ve incorporated the symbols and icons of the zodiac in our detailing and finishes, and there’s a conscious clash of fabrics and prints in each look—it’s very textural and eclectic, with a kaleidoscope of colors. P: You are a Virgo, which ends at the fall equinox. What does every Virgo need when she dresses? NZ: Well, if they are anything like me–a plan! I’m very organized when it comes to dressing and putting together looks. If I’m heading on vacation, I’ll spend weeks laying out outfits to wear. I think that’s definitely the Virgo in me! P: And what does an Aries gal do when she is drawn to the colors and patterns of Aquarians? NZ: I’d say don’t take it too seriously! The sense of fun and enjoyment the clothes give is what was important to us when designing this collection, so definitely wear the style you fall in love with. P: Catsuits reign in this collection as layering pieces, and you’ve brought back patterned tights, both used as wardrobe staples this fall. What must every fall closet have? NZ: I think elevated outerwear can really transform your wardrobe. For fall ’22 we created a beautiful shearling coat, patchworked together with hand-crocheted braiding, and created high-gloss down bombers—I will definitely be wearing these. P: The high-neck mini with cascading stars personifies the star child. But we also love the Kaleidoscope contemporary suiting paired with a patterned blouse. What do you hope this collection brings the wearer? NZ: This collection has a real sense of fun, so we hope they have a really great time wearing it. P: What can’t you live without in your studio? NZ: Plenty of light! It’s also important to me that the studio is a space to collaborate in a very hands-on way, where we can play with fabrics and talk about what we want out of each look. It must be very visual too. We have boards up on all the walls where inspiration images and sketches are pinned, and collections take shape. P

Clockwise from left: Celestial Zodiac Mini Dress; Cosmic Handkerchief Midi Dress; Kaleidoscope down jacket and Cosmic Swirl Floral midi skirt; Celestial Virgo swing dress and flare pant; Kaleidoscope shearling coat. All courtesy of Zimmermann.