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 an American fashion designer, businesswoman, and author who gained recognition as a celebrity stylist. She is known for pioneering a bohemian-rock chic style that influenced Hollywood trends in the mid-2000s. Zoe's signature style blends 60s and 70s glamour with a relaxed, unstructured feel and bold accessories. As a stylist, she has worked with 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 started working with Jennifer Garner, considering her her "first big client".

2004: Styled Jennifer Garner for the Academy Awards

In 2004, Rachel Zoe styled Jennifer Garner for the Academy Awards, which she viewed as a turning point in her career as a stylist.

2005: Known as Pioneer of the Boho-Chic Look

In 2005, Rachel Zoe became known as the pioneer of the 'boho-chic' look, characterized by oversized jewellery, loose-fitting dresses and shirts, and a slim frame. Followers of the look were called "Zoebots".

2005: Hired as Nicole Richie's Stylist

In 2005, Rachel Zoe was hired as a stylist by Nicole Richie. This association brought her increased media attention and contributed to her rising profile.

December 2006: Fired by Nicole Richie

In December 2006, Rachel Zoe was fired by Nicole Richie, which led to media reports of a "feud" between the two after they had previously been close friends.

2007: Face of Samsung BlackJack Ad Campaign

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

2007: Published Style A to Zoe

In 2007, Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty and Everything Glamour, a book co-written by Rose Apodaca, was published.

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

Check it on Amazon

September 2008: The Rachel Zoe Project Debuted

In September 2008, Rachel Zoe's reality series, The Rachel Zoe Project, debuted on Bravo.

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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 began starring in the Bravo reality television series The Rachel Zoe Project.

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August 2009: Founded The Zoe Report Newsletter

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

August 2009: The Rachel Zoe Project, Season 2 Premiered

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

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2009: Launched The Zoe Report

In 2009, Rachel Zoe launched The Zoe Report as a newsletter, which later evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle brand.

2009: Luxe Rachel Zoe Collection Announced

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

August 2010: The Rachel Zoe Project, Season 3 Premiered

In August 2010, the third season of The Rachel Zoe Project premiered, covering the departure of Taylor Jacobson and introducing Ashley as the new assistant.

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2010: Gossip Girl Appearance

In 2010, Rachel Zoe made an appearance on Gossip Girl as herself. She also appeared on VH1 reality TV show Barely Famous.

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February 2011: Collaboration with Lindex Announced

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

September 2011: The Rachel Zoe Project, Season 4 Premiered

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

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2011: Launched Zoe Beautiful

In 2011, Rachel Zoe launched Zoe Beautiful, 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: Plans to Expand Line Announced

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

2012: Co-Launched DreamDry

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 Bravo reality television series The Rachel Zoe Project ended after five seasons.

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2014: Brand Did Not Participate in New York Fashion Week

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

July 2015: Collaboration with Judith Leiber

In July 2015, Rachel Zoe collaborated with accessories maker Judith Leiber on a line of bags.

July 2015: Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe announced

In July 2015, it was announced that Rachel Zoe would host a talk show entitled Fashionably Late with Rachel Zoe. Also in 2015, Zoe collaborated with Judith Leiber on a line of bags.

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2015: The Zoe Report Launched Box of Style

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

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: The Zoe Report Acquired

In 2019, The Zoe Report was acquired by Bustle Digital Group.

2019: Partnership with Starbucks Asia Pacific Announced

In 2019, a partnership between Rachel Zoe and Starbucks Asia Pacific was announced, resulting in a six-piece collection of Starbucks X Rachel Zoe branded items appearing in select Starbucks stores in Asia.

June 2025: Joins The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

In June 2025, it was announced that Rachel Zoe would be joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills as a full-time cast member for the fifteenth season.

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