Zimmermann’s Cruise Celebration Brought Sun-Drenched Glamour to the French Riviera

2 min read

For their cruise 2027 collection, Zimmermann designer Nicky Zimmermann looked to her native Australia and the country’s 1983 America’s Cup victory as inspiration. But it was the French Riviera that set the stage for the collection’s debut. Over the course of a week, the brand gave its latest cruise offering its deserved moment in the sun—backdropped by one of the Riviera’s crown jewels, no less.

At the picturesque and historic Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel, the Nicky and Simone Zimmermann welcomed friends of the brand to begin the Côte d’Azur escapade. After arriving on the French Riviera, guests shuttled via water taxi to the nearby Hôtel Belles Rives for a candlelit dinner along the Mediterranean. The likes of Jodie Turner-Smith, Leila George, and Abby Champion dressed to the nines in Zimmermann’s signature bohemian-luxe offerings: boldly printed scarf dresses, lingerie-style lace gowns, and free-flowing burgundy harem pants.

Pom Klementieff, Suki Waterhouse, Nicky Zimmermann, and Jodie Turner-Smith.

Elsewhere, ELLE editor-in-chief Nina Garcia caught up with actress Valeria Nicov and Emily in Paris star Camille Razat. The evening culminated with a surprise performance from Suki Waterhouse, but the festivities were just beginning.

Valeria Nicov, Camille Razat, and Nina Garcia.

A trip to Cap d’Antibes wouldn’t be complete without a leisurely afternoon at Villa Dorane, photographer and art collector Jean Pigozzi’s storied seaside retreat, a longtime gathering place for fashion tastemakers and international glitterati.

As such, the brand hosted a lunch—complete with linen-draped picnic tables and gorgeously arranged flowers—at the picturesque locale, with guests including Eiza González, Ego Nwodim, and Chloe Bennet in attendance.

A view from dinner at Hôtel Belle Rives.

The setting at Villa Dorane.

Capturing the easy elegance synonymous with the Zimmermann woman, the lunch spilled over into garden games, sunbathing, and a DJ set from Mimi Xu. That same attitude carried through the brand’s cruise 2027 offering.

Nina Garcia, Nicky Zimmermann, Anh Duong, and Simone Zimmermann.

Before guests arrived in Antibes, Zimmermann photographed the new collection at the Hôtel Belles Rives in all its sun-soaked Riviera glory. Centering on a nautical narrative, the line blended maritime influences—specifically, Nicky Zimmermann’s fascination with the Australia II team—with high polish. Sail-inspired prints, rope accents, and yacht-club references grounded the collection, while windswept silks, lace details, and dramatic evening pieces carried it from day to night.

“As I researched the event and its incredible imagery, it all felt so rich in color, texture, and expression, from the sailing itself to the pageantry around this iconic sporting event,” Nicky Zimmermann said in a statement.

Zimmermann cruise 2027.

But rather than leaning into overt nautical tropes, Zimmermann translated the fluidity of life on the water into floaty silks done in watercolor blue and eclectic burgundy and mustard yellow, sail-inspired prints, and movement-driven silhouettes designed to come alive with every step.

“The beauty of sailing—the sight of a yacht from above, its sails up—is so visually striking,” Nicky Zimmermann continued. “I love the sense of power and elegance. We wanted to capture this mix of movement, energy, and emotion in the clothing.”