The Australian designers Nicky and Simone Zimmermann hosted a particularly glamorous gathering in St Barths this week, in celebration of their brand’s new boutique opening on the island. One lucky guest included the model (and fellow Aussie) Bambi Northwood Blyth, who joined the likes of the actress Isla Fisher and Bridgerton star Hannah Dodd, at at two celebratory parties – one daytime, and another evening – to fete the boutique’s opening.
For the first event, an elegant ocean-side lunch at Le Toiny Beach, Northwood-Blyth chose a sweet matching Zimmermann set. “We all drove down to the secluded beach in Land Rovers,” she tells us. “We had a day by the sea with a long lunch, followed by dancing, swimming, catching up with old friends and making new friends, and stayed until the sun set behind the mountains. We had time to explore the island, and fall in love with it – it was a perfect day.”
Below, the model discusses her style evolution, curating an everyday wardrobe and when she feels most beautiful.
Please talk to us through your look – what drew you to this particular outfit?
“I always love wearing Zimmermann – it’s a brand that you put on and it honestly creates a whole mood. I was drawn to this matching set for the daytime event as it was a little more casual (as opposed to the evening), and I loved the pink tones. It was a day of surfing, swimming, lunch and dancing, so it was a great set to be able to put on and off –and stay protected from the sun!”
How do you decide which brands you want to work with?
“After working in the fashion industry for a while now, I have worked with so many brands and the people behind them who I am lucky enough to call friends. I have known Nicky and Simone since I started modelling in Australia more than 10 years ago, so it is so lovely to have had a relationship with them personally and be able to work with Zimmermann around the world. I think, like anything, you tend to be drawn to people and brands that you have a great, positive relationship with, so that plays a big part.
“Also, every time I go out in a Zimmermann look, I know I will be stopped! People are always drawn to the outfit, and I think a brightness really comes through.”
How involved do you tend to be with the styling process?
“Very involved. I really love to be part of the styling process, because it’s so important to me personally to feel confident in an outfit. I work with Britt Theodora, and when she starts to prepare a look for a certain event, we tend to think of a character to become, finding reference images and creating a mood board to go along with the outfit, accessories, hair and make-up. It makes it such a fun process.”
What kind of fashion makes you feel your most confident?
“For me, it is all about the fit. Nothing too loose or too tight, but sitting in the way that suits my body.”
How has your style evolved over the years?
“I think my style has grown up with me. I entered the industry as a teenager, so over the years I have found pieces like a classic black blazer, a trench coat, a little black dress – pieces that can work with many different looks and for many different occasions. I think of it like having a uniform to go to for day-to-day.”
What has been your most memorable fashion moment in recent years and why?
“With Wimbledon coming up, I Iove the Miu Miu look I wore to the spring/summer 2023 show; it’s still so relevant and I would want to wear it again and again.”
Whose style have you always admired and why?
“Jane Birkin. I love the way her style was characterised by simplicity and always being effortlessly classic. The white mini dress is forever on my mood board, as well as the flared jeans I regularly wear and the basket bag I have for summer.”
What is your ideal getting-ready set-up?
“Having time – but not too much of it – natural light, and being with someone else to get ready with is my ideal situation. I love being able to prep my skin properly; when I get my skincare right, I wear less make-up. I also love to try on different accessories and have fun with the getting-ready process, instead of rushing in and out.”
When do you feel most beautiful?
“Honestly, when I feel healthy and happy. Being connected with my friends and family, being close to nature and feeling like I’m making progress.”
