Don’t Cut the Poppies!

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I was speaking to a journalist who writes for a paper in Australia and she asked me how I felt about "Tall Poppy Syndrome" that sometimes pervades the home grown designers that get big in Australia.  In that, there's a tendency for "biggies" to be criticised so that their 'poppy head' is cut down somewhat.  It's probable that Zimmermann is one of these "biggies".  I'm personally not sure what criticism can be thrown their way, not knowing what this Poppy Head Syndrome in Australian Fashion is all about or why it's even necessary, but after peeping at their latest collection, all I can say is "Don't cut them down, maaaaaan!" 

Despite their number of stockists, I've only really come across their swimwear and haven't really ever paid much attention to their ready to wear… so I was therefore pleasantly surprised when what trooped out was this relaxed melange of smoky florals and cut-outs that whilst ticking the wearability box was surprisingly directional.  Yes,the Prada S/S 10, Hermione de Paula's smoke prints and actually elements of Diana Orving's A/W 10-11 collection did come to mind.  But again, even when totting up those components in the collection, what triumphed was Zimmermann's injection of sense of fun.  Perhaps my vision of beach babe swimsuits was so far exceeded that they fooled me into getting elated.  Or perhaps they just managed to tick all those things I happen to love… pastels, mixed prints, non-traditional florals, cut-outs, differing levels of opacity, texture play, cage-like formations, long lengths and plenty of layering opps…

It just boils down to that I guess… appealing to my own selfish needs… I therefore decry such Poppy Head cutting on this occasion.  In fact, here's hoping they get even "taller" so that some of this stuff might reach the Northern Hemisphere in good quantities…

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19 comments

  3. I could def see you rocking some Zimmerman. The whole Tall Poppy thing must be a Southern Hemisphere buzz. It’s the same in New Zealand. Frustrating. No-one ever wants to give anyone decent props or gush in admiration. Always criticize/highlight flaws/make apologies for weaknesses first. I guess us Kiwis and Aussies think people have to “pay their dues” first before we’ll consider them worthy of adoration or acclaim. Shame really.
    PS GO ZIMMERMAN!!!

  10. There is no way in hell that someone can say that those shoes are comfortable – But fashionable and stylish is another story – WOW!

  12. I can also see some Hermione de Paula similarities (who I adore!) so this really appeals to me. It’s the way they’ve used the beautiful, delicate prints and chopped them up next to sheer panels and contrasting prints.
    I would love a summer dress like this…
    Clare x

  13. I really love this collection. More the florals in black and white. I must have the last dress.

  18. Haha I’m afraid I was more interested in the silver fox sitting two down from Tim Blanks than looking at the clothes on the runway… #Fashionfail 🙁
    xx
    Duck

  19. Youre the only blogger I follow that gives such an insight into fashion, you always write about the sort of things that I would never find.
    I’d love to find more blogs like this! If anyone can think of anything do suggest it to me…
    http://fashionsmut.blogspot.com/

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