Ah Spring is in the air!
Flowers are blooming in a kaleidoscope of colour and wonderful textures and shapes.
This Spring-Summer sees a romantic revival of the most heavenly kind.
Designers seem to embracing a Victorian feel, but with fabulous modern twists.
As we have just wrapped up New York Fashion Week for 2015, I noticed a return to a very feminine silhouette, a certain softness we haven’t experienced in a while.
A few weeks ago I was waxing lyrical about gravitating towards the lighter side of sartorial style, and it seems that I’m not the only one feeling this way.
Take for instance one of Australia’s most loved label Zimmerman.
Everything they are doing for this Spring/Summer 2016 season feels “oh so right”.
It’s like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner star in the 1975 classic “Picnic at Hanging Rock” and smash it up with “Splendour in the Grass” (not the 1961 film with Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood, but the Oz alternative music festival).
Brilliant!
I love the very “proper” high necklines and soft “leg ‘o’ mutton” sleeves pared with alluring hemlines.
That fabulous juxtaposition of covered and uncovered makes for a very sexy combination.
The lace up detailing is also a stroke of genius.
Mirroring the look of eighteenth century corsetry, Nicky Zimmerman shows us a very modern take on a Victorian staple.
Worn down the back in some pieces, and across the shoulders in others, it’s a gorgeous way to steal a glimpse of flesh.
I think singer Florence Welch would look amazing in every piece, and is a perfect muse for the Victorian hippie luxe vibe.
And the styling was on point.
Soft, fly away buns give the illusion of a slightly undone glamour and the mid-rise stiletto-boot hybrid add a historical rock chick vibe.
Leather laser cut collars cap off 1870 meets 1970’s collision.
And what a sublime meld of centuries.
I’d like to think that the colour palette is a one of “faded glory”.
The muted tone of the laces give a beautiful vintage feel to the pieces.
I also love the button fastening details, and the ruffles are exquisitely done.
Layering of the skirts is nearly too much, but Zimmerman knows when to show restraint and it works in her favour.
Some of the pieces have a slight military feel featuring buckles and brass buttons.
This gives a more masculine edge to what could be a little to sugar and spice.
I’m truly loving the fabrics used.
The laces are just fabulous with the right amount of structure.
The chiffons, perfectly floaty and the floral prints, divine.
Zimmerman has always produced stunning designs, and this collection follows through with every piece a winner.
So why not embrace your romantic self this summer and see a softer side to fashion.
Jo Bayley, Fashion Elixir, The Culture Concept Circle, 2015
