THE MAKING OF
FALL 2026 TRAILBLAZER RUNWAY COLLECTION
For Fall 2026, Trailblazer channels a spirit of confidence, joy and grit, inspired by trailblazing women who redefined what was possible for future generations.
Crafting Trailblazer
“Fall 2026 is inspired by Australian women during the 1920s, who rewrote the rules at a time of great social change. My grandmother was a lifesaver at Coogee Beach in her late teens — her stories of that time always captivated me. 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. There’s a photo of them sitting on the back of a car, lighting each other’s cigarettes. I love the mood of it all. I also found references to the first women’s cricket teams in Australia, and the team photos were just brilliant — cheeky, full of life, and joy. Across their diverse fields, these women refused to accept boundaries and formed part of a generational movement. I’ve embraced their spirit of risk-taking, attitude of unfussy practicality, and the cheeky humour that came through their stories and their images.” — Nicky Zimmermann, Creative Director.
Fall 2026 takes shape in the studio: A draped micro-dress is crafted from illustrated silk scarves – each celebrating trailblazing women who rewrote the rules in sport, motoring, and aviation.
Much of this season’s language is expressed through its layering – enhanced by the textures of its varied materials: shearling, velvet, and silk, styled to articulate the versatility of single pieces. Underpinnings and silk shirts with exaggerated sleeves layer beneath a tonal aviator-inspired jumpsuit, in a feminine expression of utility.
Sharply tailored tuxedo suiting is trimmed with lace and matched with intricate lingerie. In corset-like pieces, bras are styled as an outer layer, eventually evolving into full dress form and redefining feminine dress codes.