10 things fashion designer Nicky Zimmermann never travels without

What the designer and co-founder of eponymous Australian fashion brand Zimmermann always takes with her on holiday

20 May 2020

10 things Nicky Zimmermann never travels without

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Want to know what Nicky Zimmermann packs when travelling and the versatile essentials she brings to dress her summer trips? We asked the designer and co-founder of eponymous Australian fashion brand Zimmermann (known for its feminine sensibility and generous use of colour and print) for her ultimate must-haves. From in-the-know papaw ointment to elegant woven voile scarves for staving off the night chill, these are the things you should never travel without, according to Nicky Zimmermann.

A print dress
Zimmerman brightside A-line midi dress, £795
‘It just depends on where I am, but I love to have fun with dressing when I’m on holidays – it’s what I love about it most – so clothes and jewellery usually take up every inch of space in my suitcase. Getting into my beautiful print dress after a day at the beach, with lots of fun local jewellery, then off to dinner – that’s my idea of bliss!’
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Lip ointment
Lucas papaw lip ointment, £9.75
‘I love Lucas’ Papaw lip ointment and have been using it for years. It’s a cheap-and-cheerful pharmacy purchase which I never travel without, and I’ll spread several tubes across different bags… It’s a must!’
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White voile dresses, skirts and blouses
Zimmermann pleated long sleeve blouse, £350
‘Also a must for me on summer holidays are vintage-inspired white voile dresses, skirts and blouses… I mix them with print pieces or wear them with denim.’
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Tan leather sandals
Ancient Greek satira sandals, £160
‘Likewise tan flat sandals. I’m always on the lookout for a pair, whether perusing the local markets in Greece or scrolling through Ancient Greek Sandals’ site – a beautiful brand whose emphasis on local skills and traditional techniques is admirable.’
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Voile scarves
On the Island by Marios Schwab cotton-voile sarong, £170
‘Voile woven stripe scarves seem to be something I always add to my collection – the softer, the better. They actually get softer the more you wear them and are dreamy to wrap around your shoulders on chilly evenings or around your swimsuit after a dip in the sea.’
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A well-cut swimsuit
Heidi Klein Carlisle Bay Rope Back One Piece, £220
‘Something I’ve found really easy to wear the last couple of summers is a beautifully cut one-piece swimsuit with a full-length skirt. You can go for a swim after lunch, then pop the skirt back on for dessert and look put together and carefree at once.’
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A maxi-skirt
Max Mara navata polka dot silk maxi skirt, £845
‘About that skirt. This is the floaty, flattering, summery type I’m talking about – and they take up barely any room in your case.’
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Fun necklaces
Anni Lu 18K gold-plated black rock sea pearl choker, £210
‘I tend to buy jewellery locally when I’m abroad and love dressing up an otherwise dressed-down look with lots of necklaces. I’ll always pack a few in case my hunting doesn’t work out.’
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A big sunhat
Eliurpi neutral Le Grand straw hat, £555
‘If you can’t pack it, grit your teeth and wear it through the airport – it’s a must for sunny escapes and looks effortlessly chic while protecting skin from those nasty UV rays.’
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Humour
‘Sounds strange but I travel a lot for work and always mentally pack a few laughs – the flight is bound to be delayed, the transfer late… Travelling is never smooth and a bit of good humour and perspective (and a gin and tonic at the airport) always helps.’
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