ZIMMERMANN celebrates trailblazing women for AW26

Courtesy OF ZIMMERMANNMarch 11, 2026Fashion / What Went DownFashion / What Went DownZIMMERMANN celebrates trailblazing women for AW26

The brand’s latest collection features new accessories alongside looks that merge utility wear with softer, lingerie-inspired pieces

ShareLink copied ✔️ In Partnership with ZimmermannMarch 11, 2026March 11, 2026TextDazed DigitalZIMMERMANN AW26 ZIMMERMANN, Paris Fashion Week, AW26

Gallery / 52 images

ZIMMERMANN chose to celebrate International Women's Day not by sharing the usual quotes, tributes, and timelines, but by hosting a runway show the very next day, celebrating the women who inspire the brains behind the brand.

For AW26 in Paris, Nicky Zimmermann looked back to a group of Australian women who challenged the status quo: writers, athletes, explorers and everyday risk takers whose stories carried a mix of independence, humour and practicality. “Fall 2026 is inspired by Australian women during the 1920s, who rewrote the rules at a time of great social change,” explains Zimmermann.

Below, we break down the collection.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF MUSE Pin It

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The collection sprang from Nicky Zimmermann's own personal history, starting with her grandmother. “My grandmother was a lifesaver at Coogee Beach in her late teens, and her stories of that time always captivated me,” explains Zimmermann. “I looked to other incredible women from that era, from Miles Franklin, the legendary Australian author and a champion of emerging female writers, to the duo Kathleen Howell and Jean Robertson, who were some of the first women to drive across Australia.” Using an image of them together as the jumping board, the collection translated the women’s balance of fearlessness and softness through a blend of sharp and flowing silhouettes.

UTILITY MEETS LINGERIE Pin It

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The collection was presented as two segments that form a single story. “I thought of the collection as two parts that form the same whole,” explains Zimmermann. “The first is all about utility – jumpsuits, structured drill fabric, and nods to sports uniforms – an exchange of feminine and masculine codes. It then shifted into lingerie-inspired pieces and more fluid looks.” Opened with cream wool, cricket-inspired suiting, the collection then moved into more sculptural pieces. Silk scarves featuring sporting scenes were reimagined as fluid skirts and dresses, while a chartreuse drill set introduced a practical yet feminine element. The tone then shifted to softer, lingerie-inspired pieces, initially layered under tailoring, but becoming more exposed; bras were worn as outerwear, and corset shapes culminated in full dresses.

MOVEMENT AT THE CENTRE Pin It

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Movement has always been central to ZIMMERMANN, and this season elevated that idea through styling. The adaptability of the collection was emphasised by foundational pieces visible beneath denim jumpsuits and sculptural knitwear, alongside silk shirts with dramatic sleeves emerging from structured outerwear.

HINTS OF ART DECO Pin It

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Subtle references to the 1920s appeared through Art Deco-inspired prints and details. Hand-drawn motifs appeared across burnout silk pieces, while velvet gowns featured geometric cutouts and flowing georgette panels.

AND OF COURSE THE BRAND’S STANDOUT ACCESSORIES Pin It

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ZIMMERMANN has long been celebrated for its accessories, and this season was no different. Shopper shapes were crafted from patchwork python leather, and the Cloud 91 bag returned. Jewellery introduced exotic bird motifs through pavé earrings and bold cuffs, with charms attached to belts, bags and necklaces as subtle nods to the women who inspired collection.

Head to the gallery above to check out images from the collection

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