Style A to Zoe

Well here it is at last - Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty & Everything Glamour - the much awaited book by Rachel Zoe. I have been really looking forward to getting my hands on this book and was delighted when it came through the door, compliments to Little Brown Book Group. At 36, Rachel (pronounced ‘Zoh’) with her ultra petite frame could pass for at least a decade younger. If she walked down the street in London no one would recognize her yet today she is one of the most powerful names in fashion and quite an important one too. Her ‘Nicole Ritchie’ makeover, created the Zoebot look of 2006 with the smock dress, skinny jeans, flat ballerina pumps topped off with the over sized sunglasses and over-sized bag. Since then she has built up an amazing array of clients who range from who’s is who of Hollywood. Keira Knightley, Mischa Barton and Lindsey Lohan are just a few clients on a tip of a very large iceberg. Before her days of commanding a £6,000 fee, Ms Zoe (real name Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig) spent her time at YM magazine where she honed her craft as a stylist. After serving there for three years, she went solo and picked up clients like Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys. She eventually decided to drop her surname and become simply, Rachel Zoe and then swapped the Big Apple for the sun filled LA. Rachel hit pay dirt in 2004 when she teamed up with Nicole Ritchie who had recently gained fame in the reality show, The Simple Life. The rest and I will cheesily say is history!

Style A to Zoe is certainly a glamorous affair, it is roughly A4 sized and the cover is a gaudy gold. Inside the book, Rachel dares you to release your inner goddess and get glammed up for all occasions. We are not just talking about parties, black tie dos and weddings here that also goes for hanging out at weekends and lounging round the house. As far as Rachel is concerned there is no excuse for being sloppy and ladies should look slick at all times. The book is divided into eight sections which consist of excessories, life on a red carpet, the day after, jetset, lipgloss and mane, behind closed doors and entertaining. There is also a directory for art of glamour called glamour a to zoe. We are also treated to contributions by the uber stylist’s designer chums such as Donatella Versace, Michael Kors, Diana Von Furstenberg and many more who I do not have the space to mention. Boy I had no idea that little lady was so popular. Opulence is the word I would use to describe the book and it reminds me very much of the look of the 70s of being immersed in luxury materials like gold jewelry, fur and silk. The pictures in the book are lovely and the illustrations of Rachel herself with her long flowing blonde mane and skinny bod are certainly eye catching. Still at least she is very aware of what she looks like. I am sure you will not be surprised when I tell you that this book was co-written by a journalist. Rosie Apodaca, a pop culture and style connoisseur who writes for Harpers Bazaar, Elle and Paper also plays a part in this title. I would give this book 9/10 for coffee table appeal and 6/10 for readability. I am not sure how long the Zoe bubble will last because as we all know, fashion is a revolving door. For now Rachel is enjoying the ride while it lasts.

Style A to Zoe is published on 1st November.