Rachel Zoe Just Took on a Major New Beauty Role at Essie

Rachel Zoe, the OG celebrity stylist who brought relaxed glamour to the red carpet, has officially joined Essie as the brand’s first-ever Chief Color Director.

But this isn’t your average ambassador partnership. In her new role, the entrepreneur and newest The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member will help shape how Essie shows up in the wider colour conversation, through events, original content, personal storytelling, and real-time commentary on the trends set to define what people wear next.

Zoe will also be stepping in as the founding member of the brand’s new Shade Society — an inner circle of tastemakers, creatives, and cultural voices set to celebrate colour across everything from fashion and film to interiors. It’s a full-circle moment for the stylist, who admits she’s been a brand loyalist (favourite shades include Ballet Slippers and Wicked) since her childhood days visiting the nail salon with her mother and sister.

“Color is so emotional to me. It’s mood-driven, it’s personal, and it really transcends everything,” shared 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.”

The appointment was made official at Zoe’s annual pre-Coachella ‘Zoeasis’ dinner. In typical Zoe style, she didn’t just announce the news — she wore it, dressing head-to-toe in a look inspired by the brand’s classic Marshmallow shade, finished with a custom handbag charm. Her manicure featured the same cloudy, sheer white hue, with Essie’s Nail Art Studio Special Effects in Cosmic Chrome layered over the top.

The brand is clearly banking on Zoe’s Midas touch — her uncanny ability to turn anything she touches into the next consumer obsession. “Some people speak French, Rachel speaks Mademoiselle,” said Zoe Housman, VP of Marketing, Brand Engagement, and Strategic Projects at 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.”

Essie has serious shelf presence on both sides of the Atlantic. UK shoppers can find the brand at Boots, Superdrug and Amazon, while those in the US can shop it at Ulta Beauty, Target and CVS.