PFW SS25: ZIMO

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

ZIMO presented its SS25’ collection in a reconfigured parking deck in Paris, just a short walking distance from the Arc De Triomphe. Attendees lined up outside the unassuming venue at 43 Rue des Acacias. A minimalist and deftly curated space awaited attendees as we traipsed up the walkway, normally reserved for vehicle passage. Seating was lined in rows facing away from each other. Models would soon be zigzagging through, just before being snapped by the press pit positioned at the end of the runway.

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

The collection entitled, Recycled Resilience proved to be an interesting watch. The series was composed of works which replicate its focus on Asian heritage and historical references. These works in particular were inspired by the Asian financial crisis, occurring in the late 1990s to early 2000s. The brand aimed to pay homage to the resilience and courage embodied by citizens struggling through this time. 

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

Aligning with the light at the end of the tunnel that began to surface toward the final years of the 2000s, ZIMO showcases its first collection after a large-scale rebranding. New logo and streamlined silhouettes in tow. Reimagined product structures showcase the brand’s journey through periods of struggle and pain, in turn arriving at a new beginning. Thus paralleling this sentiment throughout the course of the show. 

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

In recent years, the conversation about fast fashion and a mass separation away from it has begun solidifying. Encouraging consumers to spend more money on nicer, longer-lasting slow fashion items. Not only this, but a more consistent notion of recycling has become a social media forefronted concern. This appears in the way of reusing clothing for different purposes, ie. skirts as shirts and otherwise. 

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

ZIMO plays directly into this conversation with a focus on recycled items within their newest project. Commonalities like keys, coins, and various deadstock artefacts are chosen to represent the economic hardships of Asia during this time. The palette was era-specific grunge inspired. Focusing on browns, blacks, cream to white combination pieces and thick knit crochet garments. It was not all neutrals at play though, oranges, greens, and reds also weaved their way onto the catwalk.

Hair was styled to emulate the classic wet look which has become notably repopularized in 2024. Makeup was neutral yet uplifting, and airbrushed. Red and brown lips accompanied velvety mauve cheeks, this styling allowed the models’ natural features to shine.

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

Garments were individual and entered the venue in a rushed directness. Models stomped past guests with a glazed-over candour. Eyes transfixed in one direction. Eerie chain and key clinking sounds consumed the venue as both were integrated into heavily atmospheric electronic tracks. 

Clean fitted forms allowed fine-tuned details to come to light, featuring pin tucks and shirring of various fabrics. Signature elements of the brand included blending of crochet and upcycled leather yarn which added unique features to the collection’s overall aesthetic. Entirely monochrome looks were kept interesting with varying layers and nuanced textures. Glossy tops and jackets sat atop matte brown tights and paired with key accented pointed toes on kitten heels. 

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

Heavier leather materials were layered with chrome silver underlayers. Ties cinching down tank tops were left slightly undone to express a certain hastiness. Structured alien-like shapes presented via midi-length skirts. Holding somewhat of a futuristic feel to them, circular shapes ebbed and flowed with each stride. Stiff in form, yet unconfined. 

Accessories featured keys transformed into earrings, belly chains, and leather bracelets reimagined from belts. Models wore metal framed glasses in copper, gunmetal and silver. Chain handle shoulder bags featured jingling key accessories, creating further movement. A stand out piece was a fully crocheted head to toe, hooded dress. Elongated sleeves complemented metallic disks which sat centrally within multicoloured flower petals. This piece brought the collection home as the closing garment of the catwalk. 

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)

Founded in 2021 in New York, ZIMO is the embodiment of its brand philosophy, that being “fashion documentary” works. Their aim is to give a voice to the “vanishing Asian heritage” via interdisciplinary perspectives. Exploring distinct elements existing in juxtaposition to Asian youth experiences, the brand aims to artfully reinvent them on the runway. 

ZIMO uses a diverse language in which it precisely reinterprets and elevates these lived stories and subsequent lessons into documentary-style garments. Turning their works into walking odes to memories. Experiences are entwined into each stitch, and secrets could be heard between ringing accessories as they click together with each wearer’s next step.

Image: Hannah Guyer (@hannahguyer_)