Rachel Zoe's Interpretation Of French Style Doesn't Involve Stripes

Leave it to Rachel Zoe to interpret fashion's French style obsession through a hyper-glamorous lens. The designer's 30th collection was inspired by Paris and the South of France, specifically St. Tropez, but there was nary a striped top in sight. Instead, Zoe's Spring 2019 offering incorporated wide-leg trousers, Le Smoking tuxedos and satin midi dresses all begging to be worn aboard a yacht on the Riviera. Having established herself as a celebrity stylist specializing in red carpet ensembles, it's fitting that Zoe's namesake line rarely strays into casual territory.

Zoe fans rely on her gilded suits and statement-making dresses for special occasions, a fact that is not lost on the designer who smartly began adding bridal designs to her arsenal a year ago. "If a piece doesn't have some drama I can't resist the urge to add sequins or fringe," says Zoe, who incorporated both into this collection, as she has in all collections past.

While staying true to these codes, her vision for Spring 2019 felt decidedly new, with plenty of languid silhouettes designed to be thrown on with the insouciance of a gallic style star. Straying from her typical optic black and white, the warm palette was also a sunny breath of fresh air. Here are a few of the best looks and a peek behind-the-scenes.

Arrivals

Guests arrived via Lyft to the Hotel Bel Air where they sipped Belvedere during cocktail hour.

Julie Sarinana, Victoria Justice, Rachel Zoe, Chloe Bonnet and Ali Kay all wearing Rachel Zoe Collection.

Backstage

Meanwhile backstage the models — wearing Omaze T-shirts designed by Rachel Zoe to benefit Save the Children — were being preened by an army of hair and makeup artists. Skin was cleansed and hydrated with Honest Beauty products while nails were coated in Young Nail's neutral pink polish.

Rachel greeted friends like Lisa Rinna, Jessica Alba, Sarah Wright Olsen, Molly Simms and Sara and Erin Foster on the carpet. In homage to Zoe's trademark glamour, attendees opted for tuxedo suiting, shimmering cocktail dresses and sleek jumpsuits in a range of velvet, metallic prints and sequins all from Rachel Zoe Collection.

After models' Great Lengths extensions were applied, their hair was braided, hot-ironed then spritzed with Matrix hairspray to create a rumpled texture. Using Olivia Garden brushes, models were given teased fishtail braids and a smattering of embellished Scunci pins for a pop of shimmer.

The ethereal makeup look was created by Monika Blunder using Honest makeup — you can recreate it with her easy step-by-step tutorial — as a modern ode to undone French glamour. A handful of models also received eyelash extensions courtesy of One Two Cosmetics.

Pre-Show Dinner

As models were ushered into their first looks, guests were welcomed to the ballroom for dinner. The long tables were set with La Tavola linens and customized seating placards.

Michelle Alves, Rebecca Dane and Soleil Moon Frye all wearing Rachel Zoe Collection.

Tori Praver and Rachel Roy seated for dinner.

Emilly Current and Merrit Elliott awaiting the start of the show.

The Show

Zoe's eldest son, Skyler, informed the audience that the programming would be starting shortly.

The show opened with a range of blush, peach and pink dresses, including a breezy maxi dress featuring Zoe's own lip print.

Next was a spate of tailored menswear separates, all riffing on the French laissez-faire attitude.

The eveningwear pieces began with a fil coupé midi-dress, draped satin column and short-sleeved sequin gown — all of which would look just as good with flat sandals as they did with heels.

The Bridal Looks

And finally, Zoe's newest wedding edit, featuring a range of gowns intended to be worn to any number of bridal events. The standout styles included fluted-sleeves, floral necklines and a body-skimming satin number similar to the version worn by the Duchess of Sussex to her wedding reception.

As entrees were served, Zoe thanked everyone for attending and for making her dream of designing for modern women come true. With a busy fall ahead — she opens a store in the Pacific Palisades later this month — it's no wonder she kept the event short and sweet.

"You'll all be in bed by nine I promise," she said before ushering her children off the stage.