**Rachel Zoe Takes on a New Role as essie’s Chief Color Director**
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In a groundbreaking appointment for the beauty industry, celebrated stylist and designer Rachel Zoe has been named essie’s first-ever Chief Color Director. This significant role will see Zoe leveraging her extensive experience and passion for colour to influence the nail polish brand’s offerings, ensuring it remains a leader in the market.
Zoe’s attraction to nail colour can be traced back to her childhood, when she fondly remembers spending time in nail salons with her mother and sister. The trio would select their favourite essie shades, creating cherished memories around the simple act of getting manicures. One shade that resonates with her is the classic Bordeaux, a beloved colour her mother often chose. “As soon as October hits, I switch to it,” Zoe shared, highlighting how memories tied to colour have shaped her preferences over the years.
In an exclusive conversation, Zoe expressed her deep connection to colour, which she considers an essential aspect of her work as a stylist. “Everyone that I worked with—models, celebrities, musicians—understands how crucial colour is. If the makeup, hair or nails were incorrect, nothing felt right,” she explained. This intrinsic appreciation for colour not only informs her professional styling but also influences her personal aesthetics.
Zoe’s affinity for colour extends beyond her career; it is interwoven into her family life. For instance, her choice of names for her sons reflects this love for colour—her eldest, named Skyler, was inspired by her affinity for the sky, and her other son, Kauis, carries a name that means ocean. Interestingly, Zoe recalls wearing essie nail polish on special occasions throughout her life, including her college graduation and even during the births of her children.
In her new position at essie, Zoe takes her commitment to colour a step further by sharing her recommendations for nail shades suitable for various significant life events. She believes nail polish can be a reflection of personality and mood, emphasising that it plays a critical role in her overall aesthetic.
Zoe takes her role seriously when it comes to matching her fingernails and toenails, humorously attributing this to her astrological sign, “It’s a Virgo thing for me.” As a testament to her style credentials, she has curated a list of go-to essie shades perfect for an array of occasions.
For a music festival, Zoe suggests the understated yet classic shade, Marshmellow. She recommends enhancing this sheer white base with a chrome or metallic top coat for an added flair. “That sheer white vibe is good for the desert,” she notes, referencing her debut at Coachella, where she showcased her chic nail choices.
When it comes to a first date, Zoe advises choosing between two options, Fairy Tailor or Berry Naughty. “It all depends on the location and the time of day,” she said, indicating how different moods can lead to different colour choices. The soft nude shades project an air of effortless beauty, while bold reds communicate confidence and decisiveness.
Zoe’s recommendations do not stop there; she also has advice for festive gatherings. For a holiday party, she advocates for metallics and glittery finishes, stating, “You have to have glitter on your nails.” With essie’s Cosmic Chrome and Glazed Chrome available, she assures fans that they can achieve stunning looks without the need for complex layering techniques.
For professional settings such as job interviews, Zoe urges caution and advises sombre selections. “Unless you’re in fashion, it’s best to play it safe,” she noted, suggesting that a subtle nude shade, like Of Corset, is a wise choice. She encourages individuals to find their best nude, akin to choosing the perfect pair of denim.
Finally, as a nod to engagements and weddings, Zoe firmly believes in maintaining a traditional approach. For these pivotal moments, she highly recommends Ballet Slippers or Mademoiselle, emphasising that nails should enhance, not overpower, the occasion. For those who desire a hint of sparkle without being overwhelming, she suggests Drip Drip, a sheer white polish with a delicate shimmer.
Rachel Zoe’s new role at essie is not only a testament to her talent but also reinforces the influential position colour holds in everyday life. As she delves into this venture, she continues to celebrate the joy and significance of nails as a canvas for personal expression.