Nicky Zimmermann titled her new collection “Wild Botanica” after the native flora and fauna of her home country, Australia. The designer riffs on Down Under references, but the pandemic has given her a new appreciation for the place. Typically, Zimmermann is on a flight every other week, traveling for events, runway shows, design meetings, and all of the other things that it takes to run a huge global brand. Staying close to home forced her to pause and look inward. Zimmermann created a short film through which to showcase her spring collection, and in the opening scene, she’s heard explaining that if she weren’t a designer, she’d be a florist. Lockdown reminded her of Sydney’s beauty, as well as the beauty found in the turn-of-the-century artwork of painter and explorer Ellis Rowan.

Zimmermann translated these references into bold floral and bird prints on ruffled tops and maxidresses, and playful 3D flower appliqués on other blouses and billowy frocks. A long crochet pencil skirt and laser-cut lace crop top with butterfly embroidery stood out for their interesting textures. Bermuda shorts, loosely cut linen trousers, and cotton button-downs added an air of minimalism to the otherwise vibrant lineup. This was one of Zimmermann’s most personal and thoughtful collections to date. On top of home being where the flora and fauna are, the designer showed it’s where her heart is too.