Rachel Zoe
Rachel Zoe
Q & A
You began your fashion career in NYC at YM Magazine. What influenced you to move to California, specifically to Beverly Hills?
I always knew I would move to California; it was just a matter of time. I have always had this infectious love of L.A., which began when I spent a summer at UCLA when I was 16 years old—I completely fell in love with the city. I remember being totally enveloped by the beautiful landscape, yet it had this cosmopolitan feel to it. Los Angeles, and specifically Beverly Hills, is one of those few places in the world that has figured out the incredible balance of suburban and city life. That’s why I knew I had to be in LA—and coincidentally where my job took me as my celebrity client roster began to grow. Beverly Hills is truly a magical place. It’s probably the New Yorker in me, but I love that I can walk everywhere too. Walking to The Beverly Hills Hotel and Will Rogers Memorial Park is how my family and I spend many weekend afternoons. My kids are obsessed with Rogers Memorial Park—they affectionately call it the ‘fishy park’!
Can you share your three favorite go-to places in Beverly Hills when you are alone, with a client, or with your family?
When I’m alone, my favorite thing to do is walk around Rodeo Drive. I’ll always stop into Hermès, Saint Laurent, Chanel, Tom Ford or Burberry—I could spend hours in those boutiques! With a client, I love the cozy setting of The Palm. I have so many favorite places to go with my family—my top go-to’s are Il Pastaio, Barney’s, and the Farmer’s Market on Civic Center Drive—I’m there every Sunday with my boys. We also love to brunch at our favorite hotel spots—Montage Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Beverly Hills and The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Rachel Zoe
Rachel Zoe with her husband Rodger Berman at Barry Diller and Diane Von Furstenberg's Oscar weekend garden lunch.
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Rachel Zoe with her sons Skyler and Kaius shop the designer boutiques of Melrose Avenue.
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Rachel Zoe with her husband and son at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills for the debut of her first collection.
The Future of Luxury thought leadership paper commissioned by Beverly Hills states that the future promises a return to old school precepts with experience, craftsmanship and sourcing being key. How does Beverly Hills embody these principles?
Beverly Hills definitely embodies those classic and timeless principles—you really feel it in the beautiful historical architecture and the opulence of the world class shopping destinations and fine dining. I think Beverly Hills will always embody that luxurious, old Hollywood sensibility and will forever remain an iconic luxury and travel destination. Beverly Hills truly supports the retail environment by providing an unparalleled, custom experience—it’s a place where people can really immerse themselves in luxury, whether for shopping or enjoying world-renowned restaurants. That kind of physical presence of luxury is something you can’t capture through digital alone. Brands are dying to be on the map in Beverly Hills—the city practically invented the word.
“Brands are dying to be on the map in Beverly Hills — the city practically invented the word”
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Rachel stepping out on Rodeo Drive.
What has been your favorite memory in Beverly Hills?
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Rachel stepping out on Rodeo Drive.
From a fashion perspective, I have witnessed several of my friends who are also incredibly esteemed and talented designers receive the Rodeo Drive Walk Of Style Award—Christopher Bailey, Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, Iman and Missoni. They close down the entire street for the event! It was always such a special and glamorous night—memories that I will always remember. My other favorite memories are the walks we take as a family around Beverly Hills. I remember the first walk I took with my son Skyler as a first time mom. You really get to take in the beauty of your surroundings and appreciate how special the city really is. One of my favorite Saturdays was when we had brunch at the Montage Beverly Hills rooftop, walked to the Farmer’s Market and then headed to the Beverly Hills Art Show. I love that we had a 360 Beverly Hills experience, all just a few steps away from our home—can it get any better?
What is your definition of luxury?
Luxury is that immediate feeling of empowerment—it’s that feeling that you are the best version of yourself. Whether you’re putting on a luxurious coat, walking into a store that provides a great experience or stepping into a luxury hotel or restaurant—it’s that magical feeling that you don’t want to dissipate and can’t wait to experience again.