Founded in 1991, ZIMMERMANN grew from humble beginnings into the fashion powerhouse that exists today. It all started with Nicky designing and selling clothing at the Paddington Markets. Soon after, she got a two-page feature in Vogue Australia magazine. Following the publication, there was a flurry of boutiques demanding her feminine attire, and it was not long after that her sister Simone joined. 

The momentum from the Vogue feature continued, soon Nicky and Simone opened a shop in Darlinghurst, and by 1996 ZIMMERMANN had made their debut at the Australian Fashion Week. Early on in their journey to becoming Australia’s preeminent luxury fashion house, they made a monumental decision to intertwine swimwear with clothing. It was a risk that took the industry a while to come around to the concept but undoubtedly, this idea launched ZIMMERMANN onto the international stage. 

International success as a ‘swimwear brand’ allowed ZIMMERMANN to expand internationally into ready to wear fashion. Being an Australian brand, they experienced a few challenges in expanding internationally. Most notably, in which hemisphere seasons to follow for the release of their collections. According to Nicky and Simone, the answer to this question has always been straightforward: they would follow the Northern hemisphere calendar. Following the Australian calendar would have caused too many issues with the northern hemisphere having collections distributed six months later. From a business perspective, it makes more sense to follow the Northern hemisphere seasons. Furthermore, their first agent was based in New York.

With their first being in New York, it makes sense that ZIMMERMANN has such strong ties with the American city. It has been over twenty years since they have been working in America and have been presenting at New York fashion week since 2013. 

The beautiful design and ZIMMERMANN’s feminine aesthetic has drawn the eye of many celebrities. With ZIMMERMANN’s designs being worn by Beyonce, Kate Middleton, Kendall Jenner, Margot Robbie and Bella Hadid. 

With the help of acclaimed fashion designer Dan McQualter, ZIMMERMANN operates over 30 stores worldwide, with flagship stores in New York on Mercer Street, Los Angeles on Melrose Place, Sydney and London. 

ZIMMERMANN has been awarded many prestigious awards, including the Australian Fashion laureate and Best Swim Designer – Prix de Marie Claire. Nicky has been a member of the Australian Fashion Week Advisory Board and Australian Fashion Chambers. Nicky and Simone have been fashion mentors for the Qantas Spirit of Australia Youth Awards. 

From the beginning, ZIMMERMANN has presented a luxury feminine aesthetic. Due to Nicky and Simone’s hard work and vision, ZIMMERMANN has grown into an internationally acclaimed fashion powerhouse.