With Rosemount Australian Fashion Week now in full swing, Grazia's online producer, Amanda Spackman, caught up with some of this year's most coveted designers to get the low-down on what's hot for spring/summer 09-10.
Designer Nikki Zimmermann gives us the insiders scoop on what to expect on the Zimmermann runway at RAFW.
What's inspired your spring-summer 2009-10 collection?
Our starting point was to create a range of prints that reflected contrasting moods. As we worked on the collection, we came up with a name: "Bittersweet Nightshade". It's a plant that flowers at night. The plant is really beautiful but all parts of it are toxic.
What's the coolest item in the collection?
The rose-print lattice shoulder dress.
Which two pieces do you think will sell-out the quickest?
The rose-print lattice shoulder dress and acid floral dress.
Describe a day in your life in one sentence.
Non-stop and crazy at times but always fun.
What tracks will be played at your show?
'Sunrise' by Yeasayer and 'I Feel Cream' by Peaches.
What are you doing after it's all over? What are your post-Fashion Week plans?
Firstly a small celebration, followed by a trip to Queensland so we can pop into our new Gold Coast store, and finally a bit of relaxation. Then it's back to the design room to finish our high summer swim collection, which we'll take to the US in four weeks' time.
What's been your most recession-proof purchase; something that has stood the test of time?
My YSL tuxedo jacket. It's effortless and always looks elegant.
What's your best survival secret to getting through Fashion Week?
Being prepared, hard work and a glass of wine at night...
Complete this sentence. In five years Zimmermann will be ...
Working as hard as ever on what we love to do.
What is your earliest fashion memory?
Watching my mum going to parties in the '70s.
Which fashion websites do you visit most?
Net-a-Porter, the Sartorialist and Frockwriter.
Hate it or rate it?
Harem pants: Rate — just not to extreme.
Black lipstick: Hate — particularly on me.
Twitter: Rate — I'm slow on the uptake but I like the idea.
Big shoulders: Rate — liked them the first time around.
Jumpsuits: Rate — just not on me.
Distressed and acid-wash denim: Rate — for the moment.
Tartan: Hate — I prefer a check.
Spots: Hate — bit sweet right now.
Stripes: Rate — always like.
Leather: Rate — I like Rick Owens jackets.
The iPhone: Rate — but I'm still on BlackBerry.
Candy-coloured Ray-Bans: Hate — enough.
Stay tuned for more as we take you to the front row and behind-the-scenes at Rosemount Australia Fashion Week. Sign up to our daily newsletter and stay on our fashion tracks via our Twitter.
— Amanda Spackman
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