ZIMMERMAN'S FALL 2026 COLLECTION IS A LOVE LETTER TO AUSTRALIA'S TRAILBLAZING WOMEN
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Zimmermann's Fall 2026 collection, Trailblazer, wasn't inspired by a decade or a destination, but by a group of Australian women who quietly rewrote the rules long before anyone thought to call them trailblazers.
Nicky Zimmermann looked to author Miles Franklin, whose refusal to write the stories expected of her helped shape Australian literature, alongside Kathleen Howell and Jean Robertson, who drove across Australia in the 1920s at a time when the country barely had roads and women certainly weren't expected to be behind the wheel. They're not names fashion regularly reaches for, which is exactly what made the collection feel so refreshing.
That sense of practicality carried through the clothes. Belted jumpsuits cut from crisp cotton drill, relaxed denim and Zimmermann's take on cricket whites all nodded to uniforms of adventure rather than occasion dressing. They felt effortless without losing the polish the brand is known for, striking a balance between utility and femininity that Zimmermann has spent years refining.
As the collection moved into evening, the mood shifted without ever losing sight of the story. Velvet bodices embroidered with Art Deco inspired detailing, chevron stripes and delicate lace panels brought softness back into the collection, but nothing felt overly precious. Even the more romantic looks carried a quiet confidence, as though they belonged to women with somewhere to be rather than simply something to wear.
What I liked most was that the inspiration never overwhelmed the clothes. You didn't need to know who Miles Franklin was to appreciate the tailoring, and you didn't need to recognise the historical references to understand the collection's point of view. The story added another layer, but the clothes were strong enough to stand on their own.
Australian fashion has always had a habit of looking overseas for inspiration, whether that's to Europe, old Hollywood or another revival of the '90s. This season, Zimmermann looked closer to home. In doing so, the collection celebrated a part of Australian history that rarely finds its way onto a runway, reminding us that some of the most compelling stories don't need to be imported.
It's easy to make beautiful dresses. Zimmermann has proved that for years.
This season, it told a beautiful story too.
With love (and frankness),
Bea x
Comments