A Billion-Dollar Vision in Orlando’s Sunshine City
By Josie Nejame
This summer’s anthem of Beyonce’s pure honey had us singing, “It should cost a billion to look this good, but she make it look easy ’cause she got it.” It’s spot on what sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann have perfected as we watch their technique in ladies ready to wear. In August, Zimmermann became Australia’s first billion-dollar fashion label after a majority acquisition by private equity firm Advent International. Nicky and Simone founded their namesake label in 1991 and the sisters continue to run Zimmermann while they maintain a minority shareholder position. Their loyal following of their feminine dresses, swimwear and accessories can be seen in specialty stores, online luxury retailers and in one of their 58 standalone stores worldwide. Zimmermann chose Orlando’s Mall at Millenia as their newest location for their boutique.
Orlando encompasses the Zimmermann lifestyle living in year-round sunny weather. Their newest boutique is as flowy as their beloved dresses and skirts. Keeping with that warm Central Florida feel they’ve added terrazzo floor tiles, modern furnishings, and vintage lighting. Staying true to their Aussie heritage they have added pieces by Australian artist Emily Freddie, Steven Bird Tom Polo, and Nori Lindsay inside their boutique. “We’re excited to open our first store in Orlando. We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from new and existing clients; it’s always special to have the opportunity to provide them with a beautiful and in-person brand experience. We focused on creating an immersive environment within the space that clients could really dive into and enjoy. The boutique reflects our unique identity, while seamlessly blending the more modern elements of the building, considering the overall flow and layout to enhance the client experience.” — Nicky Zimmermann, Creative Director
This month you can find in the Orlando boutique Zimmermann’s Fall’23 collection honoring the brand’s heritage influenced by Austrian painter Rupert Bunny. Bunny’s artwork is printed on flowy skirts and draped dresses. The collection is romantic, contemporary, and edgy. You will also see Resort ’24 and Resort Swim ‘24 collection in store. Think 1950’s local dance halls inspired by Parisians dancing in the street. Perhaps Zimmermann’s move to show its collections in Paris added new energy to it. Who knows maybe Orlando’s Style of sunny weather wears and local charm may give some playfulness to a brand that brings out beauty and lightness in all.
Fashion luminary Chrissy Godwin, renowned for her expertise in the fashion realm and a stylist with The Mall at Millenia, is joining forces with the Zimmermann boutique to champion a cause close to our hearts. Together, they are raising awareness and support for Runway to Hope, a local pediatric cancer charity dedicated to developing programs and conducting research in all three of our community’s children’s hospitals oncology departments. Additionally, Runway to Hope operates a family assistance program, providing immediate support to those affected by the financial challenges associated with this devastating disease.
Runway to Hope firmly believes that no family should battle pediatric cancer alone. Join us in supporting this noble cause and make a difference in the lives of those impacted. Please email Laura Lockner, Executive Director for Runway to Hope, at
Laura@runwaytohope.org for more information on how to support this incredible collaboration.
As you embark on your holiday season shopping, be sure to explore Orlando’s newest fashion gem, Zimmermann, and contribute to the initiative to create a positive impact in our community.
