The opening of a Zimmermann (zimmermann.com) boutique and other tony brands at The Domain mark the dawn of Austin’s fashion evolution.

Giant windows offer a peek inside the new Zimmermann store at The Domain. PHOTO COURTESY OF ZIMMERMANN

As the iconic Australian label Zimmermann unveiled its first Austin boutique within The Domain’s new luxury shopping corridor, our Capitol City became even more chic. Nowhere else in Texas, aside from Dallas, could shoppers find this array of ultra-feminine ready-to-wear pieces, swim and resort gear, accessories and shoes.

Model Abeny Nhial wears the brand’s Balance braided gown, Mellow stone necklace and Goldie gladiator sandals. FASHION PHOTO BY BENNY HORNE

Nicky and Simone Zimmermann founded the brand in 1991, and today the sisters run more than 30 stand-alone stores worldwide. “We’re excited to bring our vision to life in such a vibrant and dynamic city,” explains Nicky Zimmermann, the brand’s co-founder and creative director.

The lounge at Zimmermann’s Austin boutique has a curated display of jewelry, shoes and other accessories. PHOTO COURTESY OF ZIMMERMANN

Their Austin boutique is both verdant and modern. Behind its giant feature window framed in green metal lies an elongated boutique with racks of silken and flowy, sometimes floral, dresses. The space also has a lounge adorned with accessories, including shoes, hats, bags, sunglasses and fine jewelry. Children’s wear can be found near the back, along with ladies’ bathing suits that integrate with many of the brand’s other separates, allowing for seamless transitions from pool to party.

Many of Zimmermann’s displays were recently updated to highlight the brand’s spring 2025 ready-to-wear collection, Illumination, inspired by the ‘70s surf film Morning of the Earth. As Nicky explains, “We leaned into the aesthetics of the film more than surf itself—the irresistible way the film captures dappled light, the flowing movement of the sea and that feeling of harmony between surfer and nature.” The new line includes dresses, lightweight coats, separates and accessories in sunset hues, often adorned with embellishments like hand-braided inserts, wooden beads on leather bindings, and untreated cotton lace. In other words, the entire boutique is a study in craftsmanship and a true sartorial dream come true.

Dior’s new Austin space is wrapped in white and gold with Versailles parquet wood floors. INTERIOR PHOTO BY ANDREA BRIZZI

Zimmermann’s new neighbors at The Domain are also offering next-level luxury. While legendary fashion brands, including Saint Laurent and Gucci, have been in place since 2022, just last year, Burberry, Veronica Beard and Versace moved in, along with Balenciaga and Christian Dior.

Dior’s (dior.com) first boutique in Austin was inspired by the architectural concept behind its 30 Montaigne flagship in Paris. Here, discerning men and women can try creations from the legendary fashion house’s ready-to-wear and exclusive collections while accessorizing with bags, small leather goods, shoes, accessories and sunglasses.

The Rose des Vents necklace is from Dior Fine Jewelry. PRODUCT PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND

Dior’s uniquely supple Soft Saddle is a reinterpretation of its iconic Saddle bag. PRODUCT PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND

The most dedicated clients who can not get enough of the brand’s French flair will likely also visit the new, two-story Dior Dallas Boutique recently unveiled in Highland Park Village. While it shares a palette similar to the Austin location, the Dallas boutique encompasses all Dior universes, plus a fine jewelry and timepieces salon. It also boasts a new Café Dior by Dominique Crenn, offering starters, main courses and desserts inspired by the brand’s iconic designs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND

Though only footsteps away from Dior at The Domain, Balenciaga (balenciaga.com) landed on the opposite end of the interior design spectrum. Its more than 6,000-square-foot showroom is outfitted with concrete and smoked glass finishes, contrasting with an open ceiling meant to evoke an industrial space.

For spring, Balenciaga has introduced soon-to-be-iconic products, including its Monday shoe, available in both worn-out and pristine versions. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND

The boutique showcases the latest men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, accessories, eyewear and jewelry collections. Thanks to an online pre-launch, clients are already clamoring for some of Balenciaga’s spring introductions, which include a new running shoe and variations of its recently introduced Rodeo bag.

Fresh takes on its Rodeo handbag. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND

The Domain’s marketing and business development director, Monica Esparza, says there is more glamour to come: Not only will The Webster debut with its curated mix of global labels, but Louis Vuitton also has plans for expansion. And as for the scant vacant spaces along this swanky street, Esparza says, “We look forward to announcing more exciting brands soon.” Thankfully we still have time to boost those credit limits.