Nobody knows their way around a red carpet like Rachel Zoe.
The stylist, 47, practically invented the big business of styling celebrities, and became a household name herself by starring in a Bravo reality series, “The Rachel Zoe Project,” and dressing stars like Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.
And although she’s now primarily focused on designing her eponymous fashion line, serving as Editor-At-Large of a digital media company and raising her two sons, Zoe still looks forward to awards season like no other.
Her biggest suggestion for any stars dressing for the Emmys, Academy Awards or any other major red carpet this season? Stand out.
“I feel like people have been more minimal in recent years, and awards season is such a moment in pop culture. It should be all about natural diamonds and full-on glamour,” Zoe told Page Six Style.
That means color and bling. “I am hoping that because black was the predominant color last year [in solidarity with the Time’s Up movement], that this year we see a return to metallics and jewel-toned gowns and over-the-top jewelry,” she continued. “I would love to see a modern take on old Hollywood glamour with haute couture and extraordinary diamonds.”
As for men, there’s no reason to go for a boring black or blue suit. Instead, Zoe hopes nominees like Bradley Cooper, Rami Malek and Timothée Chalamet amp up their looks. “I love when men take bigger red carpet risks! Playing with fabric, texture and color is great way to play on a classic black tuxedo,” she said.
Zoe also prescribed more accessories for both men and women. “A pair of sleek diamond cufflinks or a watch can really make a look unique and special,” she said. “I believe men should shine and sparkle like a real and rare diamond.”
In fact, when Zoe dresses a nominee, she often starts with the jewelry. “I think it’s important to consider when dressing a nominee that this is a monumental occasion for them,” she explained. “I like to begin the process with statement jewelry and build a look around it. There’s nothing more authentic than billion-year-old diamonds for major red carpet moments.”
She counts archival diamond necklaces and chokers, as well as shoulder-length chandelier earrings, as some of the most jaw-dropping jewels she’s had to choose from in the past. “As a stylist, it’s important that I find out what the client feels most comfortable in and try to push them a bit outside of their comfort zone.”
One of Zoe’s proudest moments was a rare strike of synergy between standout jewelry and a show-stopping gown. Jennifer Lawrence infamously fell while wearing pink Christian Dior Haute Couture at the 2013 Oscars while accepting the Best Actress Award for “Silver Linings Playbook,” but it was the accessories that really helped her strapless mermaid-style dress come to life.
“The dress was so perfect and elegant, and the look really came to life when we paired it with diamond pendant earrings and a delicate long diamond chain necklace that floated down the back of the dress,” Zoe said when asked about her favorite look from the past five years.
As for stars’ fear of winding up on a worst-dressed list? “I really dislike the whole ‘worst-dressed’ subject,” Zoe said. “I think it is so much about maintaining personal style and feeling like your most beautiful and confident self. You can’t please everyone, and I have always maintained the mantra that you dress for yourself, not for others.”