Zimmermann Hosts Dinner for Cruise 2027 Collection in New York

Zimmermann marked the arrival of its cruise 2027 collection, The Clash, with a dinner at Indochine in downtown New York City. The event gathered celebrities and industry figures to celebrate the label’s latest ready-to-wear pieces, which are now available in stores. Guests including Uma Thurman, Eve Hewson, Katie Holmes, and Naomi Watts wore ruffled gowns, sailor stripes, chunky shearling, and lace from the new collection as they mingled in the restaurant’s retro-inspired dining room.

Creative director Nicky Zimmermann and her sister Simone hosted the evening, reconnecting with friends and guests over champagne and family-style dining. Nicky Zimmermann spoke about the brand’s enduring connection to New York: “It was pretty much when I started the business, one of the first places internationally that I went to in the ’90s, and it blew my mind. It’s been inspirational to us 100 percent.” She also addressed the collection’s inspiration, recalling Australia’s 1983 America’s Cup victory and describing how the Australian team, as outsiders, challenged the established New York Yacht Club and won in a legendary upset.

The cruise 2027 collection draws directly from the drama of that race, with contrasts between outsiders and establishment, utility and opulence, grit and glamour. Nicky Zimmermann described her childhood memory of watching Australia II win: “One of my most vivid memories as a kid was watching Australia II win the 1983 America’s Cup. It was one of those rare moments that swept the whole country up in a brilliant wave of joy and pride.” She explained that researching the event revealed inspiration in “colour, texture and expression, from the sailing itself to the pageantry around this iconic sporting event.”

Image: Zimmermann

The collection’s opening looks interpret sailing themes both literally and in abstract forms. Photorealistic sail prints appear on silk chiffon, while cotton drill rompers, rope pulls, and flag-inspired fabrics reference yacht racing. Billowing silk and lace panels evoke the movement of spinnaker sails, and denim is sculpted into corset bodices and asymmetric skirts. Eveningwear includes a strapless lavender jumpsuit, an apricot shorts suit with lace, and striped panel lace dresses. The color palette ranges from nautical blue, cream, and red to pastels, earthy tones, and crimson accents.

Accessories continue the maritime thread, with boat-style mules, striped barrel bags in canvas and leather, scarf-wrapped necklaces, and medallion brooches. Basketweave leather slip-on loafers and the Cloud 91 bag silhouette appear alongside satin mules with nautical hardware. The magazine has also looked at Louis Vuitton to reveal cruise collection in Barcelona and Gucci’s mesmerizing cruise collection in South Korea.

The dinner at Indochine brought together a mix of actors, models, and creatives, with the atmosphere set by DJ Amrit Tietz, who played tracks by Kylie Minogue. Eve Hewson, who attended the Paris show for the collection, joked about the lively mix of Irish and Australian guests. Around the restaurant, guests formed small groups, with Naomi Watts and Tommy Dorfman in conversation, and Vivienne Rohner and Henry Rank sharing a quiet moment. Siblings Jemima and Quentin Jones arrived in matching black dresses, while Ben Watts caught up with fellow Australians. Uma Thurman, dressed in all black from the collection, removed her heels during the evening, drawing laughter from Nicky Zimmermann. Charlotte Lawrence, wearing lace, performed new music and led a sing-along to “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. That added to the relaxed mood.

The dinner menu included kale salad, spicy shrimp, grilled salmon, barbecued chicken, and steak, served family-style as guests sat at tables decorated with burgundy anthuriums and magenta dahlias. Nicky Zimmermann opened the meal with a speech recalling her early days in New York and the collection’s theme of teamwork and overcoming the odds. As the night continued, chocolate truffles and fruit tartlets were served, and the dance floor filled as DJ Tietz returned to the booth. The evening ended with lemon tarts and a mix of yacht-club polish and Australian irreverence. The Clash is now available in Zimmermann boutiques and select retailers.