Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rachel Zoe

How Rachel Zoe built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rachel Zoe is a prominent American fashion designer, businesswoman, and author initially recognized as a celebrity wardrobe stylist. She is credited with popularizing the "boho-meets-rock chic" style in the mid-2000s, influencing Hollywood trends with a blend of 60s/70s glamour, Mod elements, and Grecian influences, characterized by relaxed glamour, gold, bronze, and bold accessories. As a stylist, Zoe has worked with many high-profile clients including Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lawrence and Miley Cyrus.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: Worked with Jennifer Garner

Around 2002, Rachel Zoe worked with Jennifer Garner, considering her the "first big client".

2002: Moved to Los Angeles

In 2002, Rachel Zoe moved to Los Angeles to further her career in fashion.

2004: Styled Jennifer Garner for the Academy Awards

In 2004, Rachel Zoe styled Jennifer Garner for the Academy Awards. She considers this a career turning point as she transitioned from styling pop stars to red-carpet events.

2005: Hired by Nicole Richie

In 2005, Rachel Zoe was hired as a stylist by Nicole Richie. This association increased Zoe's public profile and recognition as the pioneer of the 'boho-chic' look.

2005: Became known as the pioneer of the 'boho-chic' look

In 2005, Rachel Zoe's association with Nicole Richie led to tabloid coverage that elevated her profile. Zoe became known as the pioneer of the 'boho-chic' look, which is influenced by the 1970s, consisting of oversized jewellery, loose-fitting dresses and shirts, paired with a slim frame.

December 2006: Fired by Nicole Richie

In December 2006, Rachel Zoe was fired by Nicole Richie, which was followed by media coverage of a reported feud between the two, who had previously been close friends.

2007: Published 'Style A to Zoe'

In 2007, Rachel Zoe co-wrote Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty and Everything Glamour with Rose Apodaca, and the book was published.

Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour

Check it on Amazon

2007: Face of Samsung's BlackJack ad campaign

In 2007, Rachel Zoe partnered with Samsung and served as the face of Samsung's BlackJack cell phone national ad campaign.

September 2008: The Rachel Zoe Project Series Premiere

In September 2008, the first episode of Rachel Zoe's reality television series, The Rachel Zoe Project, premiered on Bravo.

2008: Consultant for Piperlime.com

In 2008, Rachel Zoe acted as a consultant for Piperlime.com, Gap, Inc's shoe and handbag website.

2008: Starred in The Rachel Zoe Project

In 2008, Rachel Zoe starred in the Bravo reality television series The Rachel Zoe Project.

August 2009: Founded The Zoe Report

In August 2009, Rachel Zoe founded The Zoe Report, a free daily newsletter that evolved into a lifestyle brand.

August 2009: The Rachel Zoe Project Season 2 Premiere

In August 2009, the second season of The Rachel Zoe Project premiered on Bravo.

2009: Launched The Zoe Report

In 2009, Rachel Zoe launched The Zoe Report, which began as a newsletter.

2009: Launched Luxe Rachel Zoe collection on QVC

In 2009, the Luxe Rachel Zoe collection, a QVC exclusive consisting of handbags, jewelry, scarves, sunglasses, and outerwear, was announced, and the line sold over 260,000 units.

August 2010: The Rachel Zoe Project Season 3 Premiere

In August 2010, the third season of The Rachel Zoe Project premiered and covered the departure of Zoe's longtime assistant, Taylor Jacobson, while introducing her new assistant, Ashley.

2010: Made an appearance on Gossip Girl

In 2010, Rachel Zoe made an appearance as herself on the TV show Gossip Girl.

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February 2011: Collaboration with Lindex Announced

In February 2011, Swedish fashion retailer Lindex announced a collaboration with Rachel Zoe, which marked her first bigger collaboration with a European brand.

September 2011: The Rachel Zoe Project Season 4 Premiere

In September 2011, the fourth season of The Rachel Zoe Project premiered, which involved Zoe dealing with Brad Goreski's departure as well as her pregnancy with her first child.

2011: Launched Zoe Beautiful

In 2011, Rachel Zoe launched Zoe Beautiful, which focused on all things beauty.

2011: Launched Eponymous Fashion Brand

In 2011, Rachel Zoe launched her eponymous fashion brand.

2011: Released First Contemporary Collection

In 2011, Rachel Zoe released her first contemporary collection of separates, footwear, and handbags, influenced by her vintage-inspired, 60s and 70s style.

2012: Expanded Line to Include Jewelry and Accessories

In 2012, Rachel Zoe announced her plans to expand the line to include jewellery and cold weather accessories.

2012: Co-launched DreamDry Salon

In 2012, Rachel Zoe co-launched DreamDry, a hair salon in New York City, with Robin Moraetes.

2013: The Rachel Zoe Project Ended

In 2013, The Rachel Zoe Project, the Bravo reality television series starring Rachel Zoe, aired its fifth and final season.

2014: Rachel Zoe Brand Did Not Participate in NY Fashion Week

In 2014, Rachel Zoe's brand did not participate in New York Fashion Week.

July 2015: Announced Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe

In July 2015, Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe was announced, a talk show hosted by Zoe, focused on trends in the fashion world. The show lasted for one season.

2015: The Zoe Report launched Box of Style

In 2015, The Zoe Report launched Box of Style, a subscription service providing Zoe-approved goods to subscribers quarterly.

2016: Teamed up with Quinny and Maxi-Cosi

In 2016, Rachel Zoe teamed up with Quinny and Maxi-Cosi for a collection of baby strollers and car seats.

2019: Partnership with Starbucks Asia Pacific

In 2019, Rachel Zoe's partnership with Starbucks Asia Pacific was announced, featuring a six-piece collection of Starbucks X Rachel Zoe branded items in select Starbucks stores in Asia.