Few things in fashion speak louder than color. And few people understand its power quite like Rachel Zoe. That’s why essie, one of America’s leading nail brand, is tapping her as one of their first-ever Chief Color Director, marking a new chapter as the iconic brand continues to define how color shows up across style and culture.
Zoe will bring a fresh, stylist-led perspective to essie, extending the role of color beyond the nail, elevating how the brand connects with its community. A natural fit for essie’s “Cheeky Luxury” era, the brand’s bold new evolution; positioning polish at the intersection of expert craftsmanship and playful self-expression.
Zoe didn’t require an introduction to essie – she’s been wearing it her whole life. Growing up, she went to the nail salon every week with her mother and sister, rotating through iconic shades such as Ballet Slippers and Wicked. It was never about what brand of polish she was going to choose; it was which shade of essie.
Now, she’s stepping into a role with the brand that reflects both a lifelong connection and a cultural conversation she’s been having for decades. For Zoe, color is more than an aesthetic; it is her primary dialect and an emotional expression. She knows that before you even reach for a clutch or a heel, your nail color has already spilled all your secrets. She translates the emotional language of color from the glamour of the red carpet to the quiet, messy, and beautifully colorful moments of real life.
“Some people speak French, Rachel speaks Mademoiselle,” notes Zoe Housman, VP Marketing, Brand Engagement & Strategic Projects, L’Oréal USA. “Rachel has an unparalleled ability to build community and spark trending obsessions. We are thrilled to have her translate essie’s color in such an unexpected, emotional way, marking a bold step forward as we steward our iconic shades into the modern era and redefine the language of color.”
And she’s already made the first move. Last night, Zoe was spotted at her pre-Coachella dinner in head-to-toe “Marshmallow” – outfit and manicure included – layered with essie’s Nail Art Studio Special Effects in Cosmic Chrome, a cheeky, unexpected nod to her new role. It’s the same instinct she brings to fashion: treat the base as your foundation, then layer on the shine.
As Chief Color Director, Zoe will bring her sharp eye to how essie’s iconic shades show up across fashion and culture – from Marshmallow and Ballet Slippers to Bikini So Teeny, Berry Naughty, and Birthday Girl. These icons have a reputation, earned over decades, and Zoe is exactly the person to make sure their reputation continues to grow. Through curated events, original content, personal stories, and real-time cultural commentary, she’ll help essie show up in all the right places.
“Color is so emotional to me. It’s mood-driven, it’s personal, and it really transcends everything,” said Rachel Zoe. “Partnering with essie as their new Chief Color Director feels incredibly authentic. I’m excited to help tell a richer, more meaningful story around color and how it shows up in our everyday lives.”
As the inaugural partner in a collective of color authorities, Zoe will also serve as the founding voice of essie’s new Shade Society – a collective of tastemakers, creatives, and cultural voices coming together to celebrate color across fashion, film, interiors, and beyond. This signals a new era of storytelling for the brand in the broader context of its global evolution.
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