Rachel Zoe Goes for Gold With Debut Jewelry Collection

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• Tassel Collection cuff, $495
• "I've literally worn this 200 times already -- it's so versatile. You can wrap it, knot it, drape it down the back, etc. I also wear it as a belt." - Rachel Zoe. Tassel Collection necklace/belt, $650
• I pair this bracelet with the tassel necklace, but you don't have to. It's all about mixing and matching everything." Tassel Collection bracelet, $325
• "I love this dome shape." Tassel Collection ring, $195
• Tassel Collection clip-on earrings, $265
• "Mod glam. Everything has a bit of a deco influence, combined with that '60s and '70s thing that I can't get out of." Sixties Glam Collection necklace, $595
• Sixties Glam Collection cuff, $595
• Art Deco Collection bracelet with magnetic closure, $385
• Art Deco Collection bracelet, $420
• Art Deco Collection earrings, $250
• "I layered a bunch of these together in my show, but you can also wear it long as one. I also wrap it as a bracelet." Art Deco Collection wrap necklace, $650
• Art Deco Collection necklace, $350
• "Major glam."
• "I wear this one like a crazy person. I just can't stop."
• "Here I mixed and matched chains and brought that great circular dome shape in."
• "This, I can't even talk about it. Obsessed."
• "This intertwined knot signifies eternity. It's a great piece to give to someone you love." Love Me Knots Collection necklace, $550
• Rachel Zoe with her adorably stylish son, Skyler

It's no secret that Rachel Zoe is obsessed with showstopping adornments. We've watched the superstar stylist go bananas for new baubles and help jewel-drenched celebs like Kate Hudson and Rebecca Romijn shut it down on the red carpet on many episodes of The Rachel Zoe Project. Given that she's a full-fledged designer now, it only made sense for her to whip up her own range of statement stunners.

We stopped by Zoe's showroom yesterday for a sneak peek at her debut jewelry collection, which features 14 karat gold plated necklaces, cuffs and earrings, sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, colored quartz (onyx, jade, ruby, and milky quartz) and luxe black and cream enamel. The collection launches online today (3:30pm PDT) on NeimanMarcus.com and will be sold exclusively at all 42 Neiman Marcus locations starting tomorrow, August 1st. Read on for our chat with Zoe and click through the gallery for more of her collection commentary.

Was it easy to transition from stylist to designer?
"Designing was a natural progression. I've been a fashion-obsessed stylist for 18 years now, so it's always been cultivating. When I finally started working on it, the inspiration just flowed."

What inspired this collection?
"It's for the effortlessly chic girl that loves to look glamorous but still wants to have fun. When it comes to jewelry, my taste doesn't change very much. I tend to gravitate towards glamor and deco statement pieces, infused with that '60s and '70s feel that I know I'll be stuck in for the rest of my life."

Are you satisfied with your debut designs?
"Definitely. They're exactly what I envisioned them to be when I first embarked on the project. I'm so happy because I truly want to wear every piece, which is such a relief. It's the same idea when I'm designing ready-to-wear: I need to envision myself wearing it or at least dreaming of wearing it."

Many of your pieces can be worn in a variety of ways. Is versatility key?
"Absolutely. Everything I design has to be versatile because I want to get the most wear out of each piece. I also make sure that the back of each piece looks pretty, too, because necklaces tend to turnaround with movement. And all of my pieces work together, so mixing and matching is highly encouraged."

Are you already thinking about your next collection?
"Yes. This is a tightly edited first launch. The collection will get bigger and bigger. As for design, my ready-to-wear, footwear, handbags and jewelry are always going to have that '60s and '70s undertone, but with a modern touch and a reincarnation every season. I'll always bring new pieces in, but the pieces that people love will remain core. I'm also working on designing smaller pieces for the girl who wants to make less of a bold statement."

Are you taking this collection to New York Fashion Week?
"For sure! I'll also be including jewelry on the runway for my spring 2013 show, which is exciting."
· Rachel Zoe Jewelry Debuts at NM Beverly Hills [NM]
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