Rachel Zoe talks about Lindsay Lohan, John Galliano & her crazy empire

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I just read the full Rachel Zoe cover interview for this week’s Hollywood Reporter. She is improving, I have to admit. Since getting pregnant, Rachel seems… less tense. Less all-over-the-place. Less bananas. And this is maybe one of the first in-depth pieces I’ve read with her – I learned stuff in this piece that I didn’t know from watching The Rachel Zoe Project, which if you haven’t seen, IS AMAZING. I love ass-kissy fashion people. Anyway, it’s a fascinating read, and if you’d like to see the full piece, go here. Here are some highlights:

The basics of Zoe’s empire: Her clients include Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Eva Mendes and Demi Moore (among others), she designs her own line for QVC and filming her own Bravo reality series. She makes $50,000 an episode and earns as much as $10,000 per styling job. Her first job: fashion assistant at the now-defunct YM magazine (where she made $18,000 annually). Zoe went freelance at 25 years old.

Early years: “I worked 20-something hours a day, seven days a week,” Zoe recalls. “I was completely obsessed with fashion and spent all my money flying to Paris to go to couture because that was the dream. I crashed shows, stood in line for Marc Jacobs. Designers were my heroes and my celebrities. It hasn’t really worn off.”

Her husband Rodger Berman admits that money was a constant worry for his ever-stylish wife. “Last year was the first time when I felt like, ‘OK, we’re not gonna go bankrupt,” he tells THR. “But, ‘Mo’ money, mo’ problems.’ To my wife, it just means she can spend more.”

Zoe on her own fame: “A stylist is a behind-the-scenes job,” she explains. “I’m never a star when I’m with a star. Back then, I was very insecure about that. Even now, if you watch me on a red carpet, I’m physically uncomfortable. I can’t strike a good pose to save my life. Fortunately and unfortunately, it’s a part of brand-building. It’s just part of my job.”

Due to her pregnancy, the fashionista (born Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig) was forced to take a break from her typically hectic travel schedule. She skipped the fashion shows in Paris and Milan this year, instead choosing to stay home and watch Twilight in bed. “I can say in all honesty that being pregnant, working with the kind of people I work with and being this businesswoman has been a really wonderful, drama-free time in my life,” Zoe says.

Styling celebrities and a few private clients (says Zoe, “Sometimes princesses will fly in for three days from Dubai or Russia or London — that’s always fun”) remains RZI’s bread and butter, but she’s not looking to expand the roster anytime soon. “That’s not to say I wouldn’t take on new clients,” Zoe says, “if I was really excited about someone and if it was the right fit.” And if that person were, say, Snooki waving a $10,000 fee? “I don’t have time,” coos Zoe, who says she’s never seen an episode of Jersey Shore. “No really, because she’s so out there right now, that’s like a full-time job. It’s nothing against Snooki.”

Zoe on her former client, Lindsay Lohan: “We had a great run. I wish her the best and hope that everything works out.”

Zoe (who is Jewish) on John Galliano and his anti-Semitic remarks: “It’s a little insane and super-sad,” she says. “Anti-Semitism, racism or any prejudice is not something I tolerate. I’ve fired clients because they were anti-Semitic, or anti-everything, except what they were. … I’ve known John Galliano and his boyfriend for years. I don’t know enough about it to make a clear statement, but if it’s true, it’s tragic.”

Zoe “swears she’s never touched a drug in her life.”

Zoe on her gut: “When you’re a creative person, whether you design clothing or homes, your brain is constantly moving,” Zoe says. “What is beautiful? What gets you going? I have a 99 percent accuracy rate on my gut. I wish I could be that good with people. But projects, I’m pretty right-on about.”

So does Zoe feel powerful? “No,” she says with an audible snort. “Oprah is power — she is everything. Martha, she can make a house out of a piece of paper. I have incredible respect for women like that because it’s not easy. People fight you every step of the way — they pull you down as soon as you get up. And the reality is, it’s harder for women. It’s like if a girl has fooled around with a lot of guys, she’s a slut. But if guys do it, they’re cool.”

[From The Hollywood Reporter]

See? She seems calmer than before. Maybe she just came to the realization that she no longer has to hustle like crazy, that people are coming to her. As far as her gut and her fashion sense… well, I don’t doubt that Zoe is one of the best fashion historians working today. Her instant recall of current and vintage fashion is amazing, and she has a deep understanding of the technicalities of fashion. As for her taste… I often find Rachel’s styling to be hit or miss. It depends on the client, and I know that Camy Diaz wants one thing and Rachel wants to put her in something else, but still. Some of her girls go out looking like hot messes all too often.

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Photos courtesy of WENN.

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23 Responses to “Rachel Zoe talks about Lindsay Lohan, John Galliano & her crazy empire”

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  1. Eileen says:

    I am “MAYJORLY” going to miss her and Brad working together on her show next season-they were awesome together! =(

  2. Scarlet Vixen says:

    The pregnant granny look must be SO in this year. I DIE. Even with airbrushing this woman looks 65.

  3. jemshoes says:

    LOL @ Scarlet Vixen

    I was just about to say, “Great photoshopping!” because RZ has never looked this good ever!

  4. ERika says:

    she did wonders for nicole and lilo.
    i always luve what she does for cameron diaz.
    this woman has got talent to say the least

  5. The_Porscha says:

    I want that nail polish!

  6. Az says:

    I fell in love with her when she talked about her wedding dress and how she saw it on a Vogue cover w/ Shalom Harlow and Amber Valetta. It was a red Mizrahi she had made in white. I knew the exact cover she was talking about. Anyone who knows their fashion history like that, I love. Plus, I find her mannerisms oddly charming.

  7. EdithP says:

    She knocked it out of the park with Anne Hathaway at the Oscars. I think she generally does a great job. Also, she looks good here and sounds good. Maybe this baby will calm her down a bit.

  8. Hautie says:

    Geez, did Zoe put Cameron in that spandex animal print dress she wore at the Oscar parties? That truly tragic shiny, cut off 1/2 from her cooch, dress?

    Ugh. That was one truly tragic dress.

    Yet, I agree it is normally hit or miss. But for the most part the girls she dresses look fine. Sometimes breath taking.

    Ohhh and who wants to take bets that Lohan never returned any clothes or jewelry she “borrowed” from Zoe. And Rachel cut her off.

  9. sickofit says:

    she looks better with some meat on her bones.

  10. Isabel says:

    I think she looks great. Good for her. She’s taking care of herself, as well as that little one. All the power to her.

  11. I honestly think she’s a better stylist to trendy, young women. You know, women who aren’t afraid to take a big risk.
    Aside from that, this actually made me like her more. Kaiser- I’ve always thought she sent people out looking like hot messes too!

  12. TQB says:

    Yargh, I can’t stand looking at her but now that I’ve read that, I have to admire her. She sounds like an intelligent, driven, passionate woman who’s worked her butt off. I’m also taken by her admission that she’s uncomfortable on red carpets and has only put herself out there because she knows it’s good for business.

  13. flotus says:

    Zoe looks fabulous! Pregnancy certainly works for her.

  14. Turquoise Blue says:

    Hautie, I bet you’re right about Lindsay! People don’t just start stealing overnight, and there seems to be a pattern with Lindsay. Classy of Ms Zoe to not say anything nasty about her.

  15. filthycute says:

    I kinda like this woman, despite what I’ve heard about her pressuring women to starve themselves.

  16. Riley says:

    La Lohan made a crack appearance on Rachel Zoe’s show. There didn’t seem to be any hard feelings. Of course, Linds was going up, throwing herself all over Rachel but Rachel was cool about it and gave her a genuine hug. I doubt she stole from Rachel. Rachel went CRAZY (like a fox) when she thought Taylor stole designs from her. I don’t think she would have accepted it from LL either, or if LL did steal, Rachel would have no problem saying so now esp because Blohan has no career or real power in hollyhood.

  17. ordinarygirl86 says:

    C’mon you have to give credit where credit is due and Zoe is one hell of a stylist. She started from the bottom and worked her way into being one of the most in demand stylists around.
    Her styling of Anne Hathaway these past two years has really shown and helped Anne look the part of a movie star.
    I also give her props for Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson. They each have different styles but they always look great and well put together

  18. Anna says:

    I really dislike Zoe and everything she stands for. She’s almost one-handedly responsible for the size zero, lollipop head trend that’s been raging for years now. I just can’t condone that. I think she sounds what I call “interview-pulled-together”. When I have an interview like that (I’m a journalist), I heave a big inner sigh. I know the person is trying hard to project an image, to tell me what they think I and the readers want to hear. She doesn’t sound crazy in the interview, in fact a few of the things deserve a nod, but it strikes me as very controlled, bordering on fake.

    Oh yeah and: I think she totally looks like an anaconda who swallowed a huge egg in that dress. For a stylist, I think it’s a poor choice. But hey, it made me laugh! 😀

  19. Ari says:

    @Anna I was just going to say she looked like a python who finally had a good meal LOL

    I love Rachel Zoe she is a totally unique individual and although a bit quirky very business savvy

  20. Lisa Turtle says:

    “People fight you every step of the way — they pull you down as soon as you get up. And the reality is, it’s harder for women. It’s like if a girl has fooled around with a lot of guys, she’s a slut. But if guys do it, they’re cool.”

    *

    Sienna Miller said the same thing yesterday (paraphrasing) and everyone tore her to shreds!

    Same message, different messenger. Does that mean the message was wrong when Sienna said it?

  21. Kim says:

    Shes never taken a drug in her life – maybe not but she starves herself to stay anorexic thin and thats as unhealthy as drugs!

    I think she is a hoot to watch and is talented at her job BUT she has issues with weight for sure. I hope after baby she cares less about being a stick but its doubtful in the world she is in.

  22. gabs says:

    I love her. I love watching the rachel zoe project and hope she really gets to build her brand to the top. She deserves it. So hardworking. SO sad that brad left.

    I dont think shes a bad stylist. Anne always looks amazing these days.

  23. tina says:

    Love ya, Rachel. Keep doing a great job!