Once a fashion-forward Millburn High School student, Rachel Zoe has ascended to the pinnacle of the fashion industry as über-stylist, designer and media darling with A-list clients that include Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Eva Mendes and Anne Hathaway (also a Millburn High graduate). When she’s not shooting The Rachel Zoe Project, her Bravo reality series, Zoe, 41, is designing new looks for celebrities, rubbing elbows at elite events and hanging out with her husband and toddler son.
After receiving a psychology degree from George Washington University, she moved back to her home turf and began a career with a New York-based fashion magazine. Following a decade working in the industry, and with no formal fashion training, Zoe moved to Los Angeles in 2003 and immediately made a name for herself among high-profile personalities. Shortly after her 2007 book, Style A to Zoe, hit the New York Times best-seller list, the Rachel Zoe Project debuted on cable. Zoe’s fan base skyrocketed as viewers got hooked on her jet-set lifestyle, high-profile fashion shoots and celeb fittings. Always passionate about vintage glamour and classic Hollywood style, Zoe in 2011 launched what she calls a contemporary line inspired by the past, with well-cut blazers, trousers, tuxedos, peacoats and shift dresses. Today, her collection is complemented by footwear, handbags, jewelry and accessories. NJM caught up with Zoe at a fall preview at Neiman Marcus in Short Hills, where this global style queen shopped as a teen. “All my designs are meant to transition from season to season. They are always on trend, but not trendy,” she said while moderating the runway show for a private audience.
WARMING UP: AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 COLLECTION
Rachel Zoe has always drawn inspiration from the past, so it’s no surprise that her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection was inspired by the rock-and-roll glamour of London in the late 1960s. Through new silhouettes and fabrics, Zoe reinterprets classic cuts to launch a contemporary line of funky minidresses, faux-fur coats, and tailored, menswear-inspired suiting. Her newest collection is punctuated by rich jewel tones, velvet, sequins, leather, shaggy faux furs and classic tweeds.
ZOE’S HOTTEST FASHION TIPS:
• Cranberry is my answer to hot pink for fall. And I love rich teal.
• Go big or go home—opt for oversized handbags and jewelry.
• Layer your bracelets—more is better.
• Mid-calf skirts are a fun length, especially with flats and boots.
• Invest in a good pencil skirt.
• Short crop boots transition from day to evening.
• A skin-hugging leather vest is a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
• Splurge on chic leather gloves.
• Make a statement by wearing your coat draped over your shoulders.
• Dresses are sexy with long sleeves and shorter hems.
• Wear dark-rinse denim jeans with a tailored cardigan or blazer; add ballet flats or high heels.
• White jeans are on trend 365 days of the year.