Essie and Rachel Zoe just made it official. The iconic nail brand has appointed the fashion designer and new Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member as its “Chief Color Director,” a newly created role that brings, the brand says, “a more directional, fashion-informed lens to the brand’s color strategy and overall evolution.”
Zoe, who grew up going to the nail salon weekly with her mother and sister, says Essie was always a part of their routine, so it feels both fitting and a little fateful that the relationship has evolved to this level. Shades in her regular rotation included—and still include—Ballet Slippers ($10), Mademoiselle ($10) and her personal favorite: Marshmallow ($10).
In a nod to her longtime love of the latter shade, she debuted her official title of Chief Color Director at her annual Zoeasis dinner during Coachella in a head-to-toe Marshmallow-inspired look, complete with a bespoke, bedazzled nail polish bag charm and a matching manicure layered with Essie Cosmic Chrome ($13)—a hue that’s made to layer over neutrals—for added shine.
Marshmallow’s appeal makes sense given the return of spring and the fresh hue back in rotation. “Marshmallow is my go-to, it’s a soft, slightly white neutral that goes with absolutely everything,” Zoe says of the polish. “I don’t have to think about it—whether it’s my lip, my makeup or my overall look, it just works effortlessly.”
On what the role means to her, Zoe adds: "Color is so emotional to me. It's mood-driven, it's personal and it really transcends everything. 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 we wait to see what’s next from the collaboration, shop the fashion designer’s favorite Essie nail polish shades below to inspire your spring and summer manicures.
Essie Nail Polish In Ballet Slippers
Essie Marshmallow
Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle
