NYFW SS25: Caroline Zimbalist

Image: Kiera Simpson

Designer and artist, Caroline Zimbalist creates unique one-off pieces which she brings to life via non-traditional processes and nuanced techniques. Previous experience with painting, illustrating, and sculpting combined with her affinity for a healthier earth equip her with the relevant skillset to create eye-catching works. Unique materials and innovation via unexpected colour palettes give her collections a star quality that is difficult to overlook. 

While attaining her BFA at Parsons where she studied fashion, Caroline exhibited a particular passion for the avant-garde. Her innovative skill became cemented during her second round of studies at Central Saint Martins in London. 

Image: Kiera Simpson

Caroline’s collections fixate around her unique material recipe of biodegradable, natural materials. Those of which she turns into three-dimensional elements incorporated into her clothing, jewellery, and sculptural pieces. These forms not only solidify their significant ecological value toward a slower-paced, sustainable world, but also a versatile and innovative creative spirit. 

The works created via this medium exude durability whilst maintaining a unique translucent weightlessness. Carefully crafted, these pieces are then enveloped in a bio-epoxy resin which seals in their shape via weather-proofing. Not only this but they also feature many textured and colourful characteristics. Hand painted fabrics complement the resin coated pieces which appeared on models in the form of bodices, tops, and tie-back tops which were placed over top of sheer tulle skirts, unconfined asymmetric sleeves, all whilst styled with the very nostalgic jelly sandals that models strutted around the venue in.

Image: Kiera Simpson

This presentation was singularly interesting as it operated like an exhibition and catwalk combined into one. Models stood on their marks - statuesque in the garments, as they awaited the next to appear and take their place. This allowed the works to parade around the venue and not one attendee had a bad view.

Unafraid of colour and organic shape, Caroline’s works have an airy playfulness to them. Reminiscent of a lightly sunshine-melted tray of sweets, her works present featherlightness, doused in whimsy. Paired with mesh, crepe, and other fabrics, her bio-material works stand out even amongst the brightest patterns. It is unmistakable that these pieces work within the wider stretches of individual style and affinity for colour as opposed to operating in contradiction with it. 

Image: Kiera Simpson

It’s worth highlighting that her works have been featured on some of pop culture’s favourite icons such as Laverne Cox, Renee Rap, Chappell Roan, not to mention Julia Fox. As a designer who has been featured in some of the world’s most poignant publications such as Vogue (Portugal), Elle (USA), Harper's Bazaar, and otherwise, Caroline Zimbalist is not one to miss.

These pieces are daring as they are coy, namely in the way the materials almost tease the eye. Bold shapes and large makes engage the viewer in a way that assumes a heaviness, but the lightweight material and transparent nature of each work snaps back in the other direction. Impossible to land on one viewpoint, the works encourage their wearer to re-introduce them into their wardrobe in consistently shifting capacities.