Inspired by Albe Falzon’s 70s surf film Morning of the Earth, Zimmermann dived deep into the ocean for Spring Summer 2025, celebrating the intricate details of nature. We spoke to Nicky Zimmerman about creating the collection and how the Zimmermann woman is feeling this season:

We love the reference of the 70s Australia surf film Morning of the Earth. Do you remember when you first saw this film?

I saw the film recently, and was instantly transported back to my childhood in the suburbs of Sydney in the late 70s/early 80s where we’d go to the sweltering hot town halls to watch the latest surf movies on the weekend. I always loved those movie nights. The beauty of the Australian beaches and laid back, earthy lifestyle of the surf culture.

What specifically inspired you or conjured up that excitement when you watched this film? A feeling, a scene, a colour palette etc?

The film is  so visually stunning - the way it captures the golden morning light and the colour of nature is just so inspiring. We lent into the aesthetics of the film more than surf itself - the irresistible way the film captures dappled light, the flowing movement of the sea and that feeling of harmony between surfer and nature.

What else about Australia has been influential in this collection?

The light in Australia is different and we really wanted to capture the full spectrum of sunset and sunrise. So the progression of the show, it starts in this rich colour palette and then it moves into sandy, earthy hues and then finishes in beautiful tones of a sunset. We've printed on a beautiful lace, an ombre colour that’s literally from a photograph of a sunset.  Accessories also have a touch of home in them - the jewellery features found objects like shells and rocks that are turned into pieces that are really beautiful and sentimental. There is an imprint of a Kangaroo on a beautiful hard case sculptural evening clutch that is a really fun, and sophisticated object in its own right.

Is there a specific place in Australia that you find solace and peace in? Where is your happy place?

Anywhere by the water. As kids, Simone and I spent our whole childhood at the beach. I love the way of life in Australia, being able to live and work surrounded by the natural beauty of the coastline.

Where did you begin to design this collection?

Usually with  show or collection inspiration, I'll do quite a lot of my own research and then run it by my team. I showed “Morning of the Earth” to my team first - to make sure everyone was on board, because it's really important with a collection inspiration, for it to inspire everyone, that the team have an authentic connection to it. From there, I called the director Albie [Falzon] and had a really long chat one morning, he was in his favourite spot in his garden. There was an instant connection - we were both really inspired by light and movement, and how they interact with colour and fabrications. I didn’t want to do a “surf” show, but rather, a collection inspired by the playful nature and beauty of light and movement.

Tell us about the materials, cuts, silhouettes etc… what is the Zimmermann girl loving this season?

The collection captures a sense of light and movement; so the fabrics and silhouettes are in constant movement; like the flow of water. Textures are inspired by the surf lifestyle and connection to nature shells and wooden beads, organic cotton lace and soft sandy suede are balanced with fabrics that look like liquid water and hand engineered embroideries that are really technical and detailed. We wanted to find a point of harmony and balance between opposites - masculine drills and soft organic agate prints are offset by each other.        

The Zimmermann brand is always evolving, how do you think the brand has evolved or how have you innovated this time?

Showing in Paris over the last couple of years, making it a sort of home away from home has been integral for the business. Our European headquarters are situated in Paris, and we’ve now got our design studio well set up here which feels really grounding. It’s evolving and enhancing the way we work as a team globally, and also creatively.

Is there a look, piece or technique you are most proud of?

The accessories were a key focus this season, we really wanted them to blend seamlessly with the collection and theme. They’re more relaxed. We’ve got this incredible platform heel with a sculpted wooden heel and a natural thong toe. It’s got an earthy cool to it with a vintage edge which perfectly styles back with the entire collection, it goes with every look. We’ve also done this knotted raffia gladiator style shoe that has a very casual, laid back vibe.

Tell us about the music for the show this year?

We have been collaborating with music composer Mimi Xu since the New York shows. This season she created a score titled ‘Running Away’ inspired by the Australian film ‘Morning of the Earth’. The soundtrack draws inspiration from the free-spirited nature of surf culture and the profound bond between humans and the natural world. Finale track is an abstract and contemporary cover of ‘Morning of the Earth’ song.The result is a modern, feminine take on the cult film soundtrack, capturing the same euphoric and spiritual essence.

What’s next?

A short break then an exciting opening in Munich in November! Our first boutique in Germany.

zimmermann.com