As one of the most in-demand stylists around, Rachel Zoe´s influence goes deep. And with a best-selling book, a ready-to-wear collection, and a much-loved editorial venture, The Zoe Report, already under her belt, it´s hard to imagine how she could do more. But this month marks the debut of a pop-up shop in Los Angeles shopping mecca the Grove. It´s the first time that Zoe has opened a brick-and-mortar space for her collection, and she teamed up with L.A.-based online interior design platform Laurel & Wolf to bring it to life. “They really made my dreams come true,” Zoe told Architectural Digest. And according to the project´s designer, Laurel & Wolf´s Lucinda Pace, the feelings were mutual: “Being able to collaborate with someone who works hard and is passionate about what she does is a real pleasure,” she told us. “Pace also enjoyed creating a space that embodies the “sleek and sophisticated vibe” of Zoe´s collection. “The lines of the jewelry are seen in the lines of the furniture,” she adds. AD caught up with Zoe to get an exclusive first look at the pop-up (open now through March 31) and a few design tips to boot.
Know When to Outsource “People always assume interior design is something I´m really good at, or obsessed with, and I am in some ways. But for me, having a designer to help make the vision come to life is a necessity. I think having someone to execute and create and bring what they think will work is so helpful. Literally, this is everything I wanted. And I couldn´t have done this on my own, no way.”
Make Sure You Find “the One””Laurel & Wolf have been amazing to work with-it was such an unstressful experience. And they really did made my dreams come true. I was very involved in the process. I told my designer, Lucinda, that I want texture, I want gold, I want flavor, I want function, of course, and she really understood and executed my vision beautifully. These chairs are a great example-I wanted a kind of furry texture, and somewhere people would really want to sit and try on shoes and play with jewelry. These are exactly what I imagined.”
Remember, Less Is More “I wanted to create a really airy, dreamlike environment-that´s how I´ve always approached any place I´m going to spend time, whether it´s my home, my office, or now this pop-up shop. I never want to feel cluttered. I never want to feel cramped. I like less furniture-but furniture with an impact.”
Choose Pieces You Can Live With “I approach interiors and fashion in a similar way, and honestly, I love both. But there are also big differences. Interiors are a much bigger commitment. You can´t rotate your couch the way you can a leather jacket-and you can´t just wake up on a Monday and say, ‘I want to change everything!´ Well, you can, but it´s very expensive.”
Mix It Up “I´m all about mixing textures-here you can see it with the glass, gold, marble, wood, and hides-to create this environment where people feel peaceful and serene. That´s a big part of keeping things to a neutral palette with gold accents. In the store, it really lets the clothes pop. And of course I love making things more interesting with accessories. At home, I have Missoni throws, pillows, bright blankets, pieces you can move all around-and I do, a lot.
Break the Rules “Anywhere I go in the world, I see things that stay with me-a lobby might have an effect on me for a decade. I think in my travels I really learned that you can mix a traditional house with modern interiors. I´ve taken that into my home a lot-I have very traditional moldings in my house, but the furniture is really modern. When I was younger, I thought ‘modern house: modern interiors,´ but those rules don´t apply anyone. I like things a little more eclectic.”
Incorporate Greenery”Greenery is a must-it really lets a room breathe. But indoor plants can be very hard to keep. I´m now on a palm tree I´ve had for five months, and it´s down to its last few branches. . . . It´s time for a new one. And while I love fiddle-leaf fig trees, I haven´t had that much success with them. But I´m still trying! I love them in this space, and I also threw in some Eric Buterbaugh flowers. A little Eric Buterbaugh florals go a long way.”