Rachel Zoe Has No Respect for Our Dwindling Economy
on Sept. 8.
Today's review of The Rachel Zoe Project in the Times is a little mean and a little extreme with accusations—and sort of perfect.
One of our favorite paragraphs:
Given that Ms. Zoe is already a pox on humanity — exploiting an aesthetic of dissipation, invading our collective consciousness and spraying it with dummy dust — it is amazing that “The Rachel Zoe Project,” which focuses on her career, manages to send its audience deeper into the territory of smug NPR obsessives who won’t stop ranting about triviality’s conquest of the American soul.
Amazing, yes. But even more fascinating is Rachel Zoe's apparent disregard for the financial crisis that seems to be hitting everyone but a 37-year-old "stylist" who plays dress-up with Hollywood actresses.
While Lehman Brothers executives are hiding under their down comforters with a bottle of scotch right now, Ms. Zoe is collecting Birkin bags, replacing her own barely worn sofas with identical new ones (despite her husband's obvious hesitation), and scheming to design her own lines of denim, sunglasses, jewelry and handbags. (Her own assistant has to tell her, "You collect art. You don’t collect Birkin.")
“I love our furniture, but we’ve had it for a while” she tells her husband. “I don’t understand saving for the rainy day. Live now. Live every day like it’s your last day.”
Even the New York Times writer Ginia Bellafante is baffled by Ms. Zoe's level of consumption.
"It’s a genre that feels downright unseemly as investment banks are dissolving, and unemployment stands at more than 6 percent," she writes of The Real Housewives of Orange County coupled with Ms. Zoe's show. "It isn’t merely that Rachel Zoe lumbers along, asking us to get excited about a corporate work in progress — it’s also that the timing couldn’t be nuttier."
Rachel Zoe is 37???
Seriously, I was guessing maybe 47-50...really!
A good serving of nutrition might fill the lines in her face much better than botox...what do you think?
As for her show...it's much ado about nothing, imho!
37? au contraire. she was born in 1962, was she trying to do the math and had a moment? yeesh. cheek implants are too big, too much brightener around the eyes. tone it down honey, you are showing your age.
I have just watched the Rachel Zoe Project. ( I do like the show) I was shocked at how old she looks. I was thinking that she was around fifty five and was amazed to learn she is fortysix. I am an advocate for the nip tuck...... Please please please Rachel don't buy a sofa.. fix that neck, that mouth......the forehead is a smooth as a bowling ball. It does not look natural...(too many injections) take a look at your peers.... age gracefully.......your husband is looking like your brother.
she is really sad...
i cannot even bare watching the commercials
I actually think the show is entertaining. Not because I look to Zoe as my economic advisor, but because she lives in a world so different than my own.
I find it interesting that Irina would even consider using Rachel Zoe, a stylist, as someone to look towards regarding our economy or care about her lifestyle. She is a business owner who caters to the super wealthy and famous. As a business owner myself, I admire her perseverance and drive.
Lighten up! It's entertainment. AND it sends a less desperate message to those who may be feeling the financial crunch. If we all freaked out we would really be in a much larger financial mess.
I applaud your post !! I also find Rachel Zoe and her show very entertaining . So much negativity of others , have me questioning > are they jealous ? Rachel Zoe is to be admired. She is out there working and YES making a difference with her talent. The Hollywood Chic is not part of my world > but I love to look through the window ;o) I work very hard for my money > having worked at two careers since the age of 20. I have been extravagant at times but that is MY concern. Critics are a dime a dozen !! Anytime someone looks to become a success at something they love to do >>> others are to eager to throw mud pies !!!!!!! Now I do agree with her hubby about the sofas !! ;o)
I applaud your post !! I also find Rachel Zoe and her show very entertaining . So much negativity of others , have me questioning > are they jealous ? Rachel Zoe is to be admired. She is out there working and YES making a difference with her talent. The Hollywood Chic is not part of my world > but I love to look through the window ;o) I work very hard for my money > having worked at two careers since the age of 20. I have been extravagant at times but that is MY concern. Critics are a dime a dozen !! Anytime someone looks to become a success at something they love to do >>> others are to eager to throw mud pies !!!!!!! Now I do agree with her hubby about the sofas !! ;o)
Rach is fabulous and the show is fun to watch! Fashion is so personal to some people and "playing dress up with celebs"...well those celebs are a big part of what is posted in the papers. Leave her alone, it is not her fault if you are fashion wreck!
37 maybe in the right light.
Yeah, they is no way she is 37. Really.
If she was 37, would she be wearing such a thick layer of makeup all over her face? What is she hiding? She looks underfed and haggard. Her style of makeup is showing where's she's coming from - that's what women USED to wear. Now, girls are a lot lighter handed.
That being sad, I love the show and think her two assistants are adorable, especially Brad. What a cutie.
I think everyone needs to relax. The show is entertaining and light. If you don't enjoy it, simply don't watch it and don't criticize it because you don't understand fashion.
And has anyone ever thought that maybe the show isn't directed towards 40 year old fashion morons? Maybe it is directed towards the 20 or 30 year olds out there that like to dream and play dress up.
I think this show is a great idea especially for Bravo. It allows those out there that ARE interested in watching it engage in a lifestyle they may never experience. We may all be so fortunate to wear, try on, or see a one of a kind couture piece by some of the best designers in the world.
The show has absolutely nothing to do with the economy and Rachel Zoe should in no way take criticism for the reason we have horrible leaders running our country.
She is an entrepreneur and by the looks of the show a good one at that. We all have vices, she likes to shop. Everyone should get over it and let her live the life she wants.
Rachael Zoe project is an amusing guilty pleasure.
The long suffering, (financially sensible), Rodger, the evil Taylor;-) and the ever adorable Brad are fun accessories to the show.
Rachael's coined phrases crack me up.
Go get 'em in building out the Zoe brand!
Beauty tip: Rachael needs to think about getting a new make-up artist who does not yank at her skin when applying/removing make-up. (Based on viewing last couple of shows). Cringe everytime I watch this.
Would not let this make-up guy get near me.
I think the show is very entertaining. I love so many Bravo shows yet I had decided not to watch it, but did when I got tired of watching the depressing news on the economy after several hours. It's actually a good escape from everything on networks right now. Let's look at it this way: As long as Rachel Zoe is paying for whatever she's buying, she's stimulating the economy, not stealing from it. There is so much confusion about her age on the Inernet. My guess is that she's 37. She's first thinking about having babies so I highly doubt she's 44. I agree that she is too thin and wonder why her make up is applied so heavily. But that's her business. There were many negative comments on the Internet about the deep wrinkles on her forehead, she probably felt pressure to do Botox. The fact that she lets us in to see how much make-up needs is not a bad thing. I really enjoy the interaction between her and her husband. I hope they are as happy as they appear on TV.
I do think she is obnoxious and 'sort of' caught up in her own success to a point that she comes off like a clown. She really seems to have no concern or appreciation for the money she makes and throws away... But whatever, its disposable pop culture at best. That being said... I dont think she is the worst offense. There is something under the surface that is likable about her. Her assistant Taylor on the other hand, is really the worst person to EVER show their face on national t.v.. THATS what Rachel should really be concerned about, considering she is so concerned about her public image. That girl would put a scar on anyones image. She is rude and horribly offensive. How the other assistant 'Brad' has suffered through her torment is quite unbelivable. The whole 'dont touch me, dont talk to me' act is just deplorable. She should be ashamed. She comes off like an unfeeling, immature, rude and downright nasty example of how one human being should behave towards another. Even if she does not 'like' Brad, or 'people' in general, she could act mature about the way she deals with him/them. But if thats the image of herself she wants to send out to the world... BRAVO.
BRAVO!!!
Love, Love Rachel Zoe:for many different reasons. What a smart, beautiful business woman. I admire her ability to stay focused and do her thing. Would love to work for her. Taylor and Brad are perfect for her team, both have great qualities.
I never post but just had after reading the post from prior posting idiots. For one Rachel Zoe happens to be a smart business woman. She does do business with people that can afford to pay for the best and if they didn't think she could do the job, they certainly would not hire her. Especially since their own careers depend on it as well. Rachel was smart enough to turn her business into a television show so now she is getting paid twice to do her job, very smart and not to mention the advertisement she gets (good or bad). I think she takes her job seriously, anyone in the fashion industry knows it's about what you present and how you present it not always being cautious. Some of the biggest risk takers are the ones who end up on top, Take Trump for instance He has never beeen favored in the tabloids and he certainly has taken risks and has failed but always ended up on top because he was willing to take risks and work hard for what he has. I admire that she has not lost her sensitivity and is not jaded yet. I am glad to see she still cries when she is spoken badly of from all the nasy people with no lives. Who cares about her age and what she looks like. I have seen people worse than her who are in the spot light and nobody says bad things about them and by the way have you looked in the mirror lately because the people with the most criticism are the ones that have the least amount of self confidence and self esteem and aren't even the pretty to look at(usually because of your nasty attitude). Rachel works and makes her own money, if she wants to buy new furniture it's her money. I think until the day these people who question her life choices start paying her bills they should just shut it! I have a daughter in college learning about the fashion industry and I can only hope my daughter will learn to take risks and not be afraid because of what people think. Some times we restrict ourselves because of society is full of mean people. I love life and live each day ready to see what the world has to offer without judgement it makes life much better even in economical hard times.
The Rachel Zoe Project is BANANAS.
Everyone gets their panties so in a twist over her, it happens to be a fabulous show and I will watch it as long as its on. There is actually substance to it, and as a female business owner I found I really relate to her. I hope her brand succeeds because unlike a lot of people who slap their names on "fashion", she has talent and is relevant in this industry. And unlike a lot of them, she will be doing this whether she sails or falls, because it's clear this is her life and true passion. I admire that.
Rachel Zoe's manic obsession with all things material, from clothing to class/status to home furnishings, etc., makes her come across as completely soulless. It is horrifying to watch (and I am a Bravo TV fan). I am amazed that a person of this level of superficial exists and can't help but ponder the culture she is inspiring. I am incredulous that she mentions wanting to have a baby--how can she possibly be able to connect with and nurture another person when she hardly seems like a person herself. She comes across as a mere shell of a person who truly would rather be surrounded by things than have a real connection with another human being.
As far as being a fashionista, I find her to be a talentless hack who pushes a garish design aesthetic on Hollywood's young starlets. It is a depressing show to me--that there are people out there like her.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Rachel Zoe, husb Rodger, assistant Brad...........
I am (barely) able to stomach assistant Taylor. To me she has shown herself to be primarily rude, condescending, obnoxious, ill-mannered, coarse, uncouth, uncaring, angry and nasty. But there ARE little teeny bits of her personality that I like.
Anyhoo: What is a dream come true to me is being able to go along on personal meetings with such SUPER STARs as Oscar de La Renta, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Zac Posen and others. Anyway, keep doing your thing Rach!!! You are loved.
People need to get over themselves. It's a SHOW on TV. If you dislike her so much why are you still watching it? I think it's great that someone like Rachel Zoe is living her dream EVERY DAY. That's the kind of lifestyle that I used to DREAM of as a kid. I love how the anon up there says she's a talentless hack...kinda like losers sitting on there comp all day ripping on people that actually DO something with their lives?????? She has an impeccable taste for what's flattering, and knows how to dress people, hence her being able to buy new furniture. She also has a deal with piperlime and all of the listed 'rachel zoe picks' always sell out. She knows what she's doing. Who cares about corporate america and investment banks...they screwed themselves over, it has nothing to do with rachel zoe. WE LOVE YOU RACH!!!
Rachel Zoe is an inspiration to women everywhere because she started her own business out of something she loved. She has shown people everywhere that it is possible to follow your dreams and make them a reality. She is beautiful and kind and has taken a big step for fashion and women everywhere.
As a college grad with a degree in Clothing & Textiles, I find Rachel Zoe entertaining and enjoy the glimpse into the fashion world. My concern with Zoe lies in her desire to have a child. Let's face it, some people are not meant to be parents...and Zoe is one of them. I have raised two children and can tell you that the nurturing, teaching, and loving involved in child rearing can be a full time job. You can't call an assistant to step in to be the 'mommy' and if you do, the child will be messed up. The image she reflects of her manic life is frightening. Keep shopping, Rachel, and leave the parenting to those capable of it.
Rachel Zoe is 37 born Sept. 1, 1971. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Zoe
I like her care free attitude and she is helping our economy by spending.
I agree completely. Zoe's desire for having a child seems selfish and downright rediculous. I'm so tired of hearing her complain how stressed she is and how shes falling apart. One should not have a child and not be completely devoted to them. A child is not some cute accessory(Scarlett Bagonia) to add to your collection. Stick to your shopping and Starbucks honey!
I agree completely. Zoe's desire for having a child seems selfish and downright rediculous. I'm so tired of hearing her complain how stressed she is and how shes falling apart. One should not have a child and not be completely devoted to them. A child is not some cute accessory(Scarlett Bagonia) to add to your collection. Stick to your shopping and Starbucks honey!
I agree with all of the supporters. Zoe is living the American dream, making a living out of what you love.
I the words of Rachel Zoe, she is "Killing It"
If you do not like it, don't watch.
I think Mrs. Zoe show is quite entertaining as she lives in world of fantasy. She spends outrageuosly. Why would anybody need to buy a rack full of vintage gowns? If she is that wealthy why not donate some of that money to charities, eg babyland is a hospital in TN where babies do not make more than a day as they are born premature. They are badly in need of funds to buy clothes, diapers, etc. I think these people are greedy. If you are fortunate to have that much money think about the less fortunate.
she works hard for her money. she can spend it how she wants. quit your friggin whinging and get a job. noone whinges about how you spend your money. she has a lot of it and has the opportunity to buy and own fabulous things. id do the same if i was her!!
leave her wrinkles alone. let her do what she wants. if you dont like her dont watch her and dont talk about her. whinge whinge whinge.
how bout u whinge about more important things!!!
whingersssss!