THE DRESSER TO THE STARS BRINGS HER OWN UNMISTAKABLE STYLE TO THE RUNWAY

Rachel Zoe may be the workingest woman in fashion.  She styles celebrities, stars in her own Bravo show and designs her own line.  But if she’d had the time to clone herself a couple of dozen times, you could easily see her walking the runway in every single look she showed at Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week.

Every look channeled Zoe’s easy, almost-Bohemian style, from the wide-legged pants suits to the mod-inspired dresses.  From belted blazers to flowing summer dresses and shorts suits, the looks were easy, wearable, and signature Zoe.

I don’t know if all stylists harbor dreams of designing their own lines, but Zoe made it a reality by creating styles that everyone can wear.  They are ageless, timeless, original even when they’re retro.  A white pants outfit with a bold black stripe reminded me of the Avengers’ Emma Peel, but with a very modern edge.

On the color front, the collection went from stark black and white to the palest pinks and blues, and then grew bolder with turquoise, gold, green and rich, bright orange.  Sequined tops added extra glamour.

And, of course, her red-carpet-ready looks really shined. There were a couple of animal prints that were actually wearable, but mostly it was a color-blocked collection that really stood out.

I look at the plethora of TV personalities who suddenly decide they’re designers, and find it hard to take them seriously.  Zoe is the exception to that rule.  She shows, year after year, that she has the chops to duke it out with the most seasoned designers by creating clothes that just about anyone would covet.

Photography: Anton Brookes