Rachel Zoe- Fashion Icon

Say what you want about Rachel Zoe...there is no denying that she has made her mark on the fashion industry. For better or for worse, Zoe has become a household name by turning Young Hollywood stars such as Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan (pre-arrests and rehab), and Mischa Barton (during her glory days as the star of The O.C.)  into budding fashionistas.

And Rachel has no problem accepting the acclaim. Zoe was quoted during Fashion Week as saying she was more influential than ... I don't know ... say, the editor of Vogue. She was quoted saying, "Anna Wintour is one of my heroes, but they say I'm more influential . . . As great as it is, Vogue won't change a designer's business. But if an unknown brand is worn by a certain person in a tabloid, it will be the biggest designer within a week."

Not to diss the legendary Miss Wintour, but Rachel does have a point. Zoe singlehandedly created Nicole Richie's "bohemian" look that put her on the map. From the maxi dresses to the big 70s sunglasses to the chunky gold jewelry, Nicole Richie underwent a style evolution to the likes I have never seen. She went from second fiddle best friend of Paris Hilton to glamour puss fashion icon seemingly over night.  In the blink of an eye, every girl I knew was rocking shades too big for her face and a flowy dress, looking like a Nicole Richie knockoff. And. not to mention, this style that Zoe created for Nicole has stayed with her. This style is heavily present in Richie's fashion lines, House of Harlow and Winter Kate, which have turned out to be highly successful celebrity lines. Does Rachel get a cut, Nicole? 

I personally find Rachel Zoe to be a fascinating individual. I certainly watched all three seasons of the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. (Man, I wish there would be a season four!) Anyone who can a turn a personal interest in shopping/fashion/accessorizing into a successful career and multi-million dollar empire despite no formal training is an inspiration in my book!