The New American Alphabet
style a to zoe aspires to fashion-bible status
What is an appropriate dog-walking outfit? Stylist Rachel Zoe prescribes Kara Walker sunglasses, layered tank tops, black patent-leather leggings, a “vintage style” Chanel handbag, the latest animal print Louboutin peep-toe pumps, and a hat.
To many fashionistas, Zoe’s style is cluttered, cliché, and a bit too Hollywood—and you would expect Zoe’s style guide to be much the same. But as you open the golden pages of Style A to Zoe, the first photo is that of handsome American designer Roy Halston Frowick. Famously minimalist, Halston was a fashion icon of the ’70s, and apparently Zoe’s official source of inspiration. Ironic, considering Zoe’s own pretentious and remarkably not-easygoing style.
This is not the last of her contradictions—later on in the guide, Zoe boldly proclaims, “You are better off with a quality classic than a logo-splattered imitation.” Perhaps she should start following her own advice?
Enough cattiness. Much of Zoe’s book draws upon the magnetism of the childhood fantasy and the dream of living the jet-set life of celebrities and socialites. She charms with stories of being inspired by “the petite lady living next door who appears larger than life, a kind of Diana Vreeland figure, draped in incredible caftans and laughing that gregarious laugh.”
Zoe’s career started off dressing the mega teen stars that made guys, girls, and Chris Crocker gush and sob: The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Jessica Simpson. Zoe has since upgraded to the likes of Keira Knightley, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Garner, Mischa Barton, Selma Hayek, Anne Hathaway, Joy Bryant, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, and Kate Beckinsale. Impressive list, non?
And if this doesn’t speak for itself, Zoe is quick to make sure you understand her importance. She includes an endorsement from Valentino Garavani (the maser couturier who recently retired, leaving 90 percent of the Upper East Side looking for a new saint), in which Garavani praises her understanding of modernity, timeless style, and women.
Roll your eyes all you want, but you have to concede that Zoe has made some of the greatest moments in Hollywood. When people ask, “Why glamour?” Rachel responds, “Why not?” She also affirms that “great style begins with knowing your self and your personality.” She writes, “It’s best to focus on what you like about yourself and what is working for you. Remember, a good stylist is a master of illusion.”
Zoe also covers the basic style facts. “Another detail to never be overlooked is comfort. Comfort nurtures confidence. With my marvelous clients, I strive for clothes, accessories, and jewelry that let them feel their most comfortable. Glamour should be effortless, or at least look like it.”
Zoe even manages to throw in a couple of surprises, such as her belief that “In all likelihood, you don’t need a diet; you just need a different silhouette, not size.” Quite shocking to read such words, especially considering that the very slight weights of some of Zoe’s clients scandalize the covers of gossip rags throughout the world.
Ultimately, what separates Zoe’s book from the millions of other style guides and blogs that dictate what the modern woman should wear is her unapologetic embrace of glamour and fabulous things. She writes, “There is nothing fun or interesting, or glamorous in playing it subtle.” Zoe’s way of life is certainly fun: it includes front-row attendance at the hottest fashion shows, walking red carpets around the world in haute couture, entertaining just as royally as Marie Antoinette, and jetting all over the world to exotic locales.
Yet Zoe constantly reminds her readers that her life is attainable: “Eyes closed or open, just dream.” Zoe’s basic items that lead to having and living the good life are probably owned by most women today. The best part is that they are all under $50: “red lipstick, black eyeliner (always with mascara!), great heels (the higher the better), faux fur shrug (even second hand), and a metallic clutch (Does a Leiber given on your birthday count?).”
Sifting through the gilded pages of Zoe’s book, you actually find many useful principles, such as how one should prepare one’s toilette. Zoe’s blunt remarks about how a girl should carry herself when she isn’t stomping through New York City nightlife in her heels will snap all sloppy mademoiselles into des femmes. “A day off is no excuse to be a slob,” she writes. “I won’t do the cropped tank top, jeans, and Ugg boots look. No one wants to see your belly button at the Coffee Bean. My New Year’s Resolution last year was not to leave the luxury or the nice things in my closet for special occasions, but to enjoy them on the days that I am slumming it.”
In the end, no matter how you manage to stick to Zoe’s principles (and whether by means of your own money or another’s), remember her ultimate principle: “The meaning of life is living it.”