Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe: Fashion Week 2025 – Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 14, 2025
Host: Rachel Zoe
Produced by: Cloud10 and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to New York Fashion Week

Rachel Zoe kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to a live broadcast from New York Fashion Week 2025. Despite facing two snowstorms and a whirlwind of events, Rachel maintains her signature grace and humor. She humorously notes the challenges of navigating Fashion Week attire in inclement weather:

“I don't recommend wearing sheer fabric gowns and 8-inch heels in a blizzard, but, you know, here we are. I am who I am.” [02:39]

Listener Q&A Session

Rachel transitions into an engaging Q&A segment, addressing various questions submitted by her followers. This section forms the core of the episode, providing invaluable insights into the intricacies of Fashion Week.

1. Show Timings and Durations

Question: What time are shows typically, and how long do they last?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Show Times:

  • Traditionally, shows like Marc Jacobs began at night (8-9 PM) but have shifted to earlier slots, with the earliest around 9-10 AM.
  • “The earliest show is typically 9am or 10am the last show I remember being 9am was the Row.” [04:15]

• Show Durations:

  • Extremely brief, lasting between 8 to 15 minutes.
  • Rachel likens it to a wedding: “You just work so hard on this event and then it's literally over in 10 minutes.” [05:00]

2. Calvin Klein’s 2025 Collection

Question: What are your thoughts on the Calvin Klein collection?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Style:

  • Described as "super chic and very old school," staying true to Calvin Klein’s legacy despite the brand being led by new designers.
  • “It feels very Calvin Klein. And I think there's a big future there for it.” [06:00]

• Designer Legacy:

  • Highlights the transition from designers like Francisco Costa and Raf Simons to the current creative leadership.
  • Notable presence of iconic muses such as Christy Turlington and Kate Moss reinforces the brand’s enduring appeal.

3. New York vs. Paris Fashion Week

Question: Which do you prefer, New York Fashion Week or Paris Fashion Week?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Preference:

  • While being a "true New Yorker at the core," she acknowledges Paris Fashion Week's unmatched glamour and magical ambiance.
  • “It's just magical. You just breathe differently in Paris.” [07:30]

• Atmosphere:

  • Describes the experience of walking out of a Paris show as breathtaking and ethereal, emphasizing the city's unique charm.

4. Must-Visit Places During Fashion Week

Question: What are your must-visit places during Fashion Week?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Dining and Venues:

  • Recommends The Corner Store for its American bistro vibe and Crane Club for its old-school New York supper club ambiance.
  • “I love the Crane Club; it felt super chic.” [08:15]

• Trends in Venues:

  • Enthusiastic about the resurgence of membership clubs with velvety, dark interiors, disco ball fixtures, and brass hardware, reminiscent of the Tom Ford and Halston era.

5. Favorite Stores in New York

Question: What stores do you like to go to?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Shopping Preferences:

  • Bergdorf’s for upscale shopping and Resurrection for vintage finds.
  • “Resurrection, New York vintage. They just recently had the vintage show that I missed here, which is my favorite.” [09:00]

• Additional Favorites:

  • Carbone and Via Corota Polo Bar are mentioned as personal favorites for dining and socializing.

6. Hair Tools for Waves

Question: What hair tool do you use for your waves?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Preferred Tools:

  • Relies on T3 hair tools, using minis while traveling and full-size versions at home.
  • “I always bring my wand, which has like a one inch or one and a half inch barrel.” [09:45]

• Styling Tips:

  • Prefers platform heels for longevity and comfort, especially during snowy weather, despite occasionally facing minor injuries from high heels.

7. Planning Outfits for Fashion Week

Question: How do you plan your outfits for Fashion Week?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Preparation:

  • Receives outfits from designers in Los Angeles, which may require adjustments upon arrival in New York.
  • “Sometimes the outfits are meant for a six-foot model, and I need like a foot taken off the bottom.” [10:20]

• Backup Plans:

  • Always brings her own wardrobe staples—various black pants, faux furs, sweaters, and jackets—to ensure versatility and readiness for any last-minute changes.

Managing High Heels

Question: How are you able to walk in such high heels?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Comfort Strategies:

  • Prefers platform heels, which provide stability for long durations.
  • “I don't find it hard. It's actually harder for me to wear flats.” [14:03]

• Shoe Collection:

  • Carries a curated selection of Valentino platforms, Alaia ankle boots, and Louis Vuitton pumps to maintain both style and comfort.

Fashion Trends at New York Fashion Week

Question: What trends are you seeing at New York Fashion Week, and what do you expect on the Oscar red carpet?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Current Trends at NYFW:

  • Quiet Luxury:

    • Emphasis on luxurious yet understated pieces, a response to the casual comfort of the pandemic era.
    • “Luxury is really like this whole quiet luxury trend is really hitting hard.” [11:30]

  • Layering and Textures:

    • Use of layered cashmeres, wools, and soft-textured fabrics in jewel tones.
    • Incorporation of nude sequins paired with flats and layered evening wear.

  • Lounge Dressing:

    • Transition from pajamas to chic, comfortable ensembles suitable for both work and social settings.

• Expected Trends on the Oscar Red Carpet:

  • Schiaparelli and Versace Influence:

    • Expectation of sculpted gowns with intricate details and bold designs.
    • “I'm gonna see a lot of the Schiaparelli sort of trend in heavily designed, heavily sculpted gowns.” [12:45]

  • Nude Transparency and Vintage Revival:

    • Continued popularity of nude, transparent fabrics and the resurgence of vintage pieces from iconic brands.
    • “Vintage Galliano, vintage Dior, vintage Versace” seen on models and celebrities alike.

  • Sustainability and Repetition:

    • Encouraging sustainable fashion through the reuse and remaking of previous outfits, as exemplified by Cate Blanchett’s repeated wears.
    • “Repurposing for a celebrity to come out and say, I'm wearing this again that I wore 20 years ago is really making a statement.” [13:30]

Beauty and Skincare Routine

Question: What is your go-to coffee order and moisturizer routine?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Coffee:

  • Avoids coffee due to severe acid reflux, favoring hydration and skincare instead.

• Skincare Regimen:

  • Daytime:

    • Uses products from Barbara Sturm and YouBeauty, including hyaluronic acid serums and intensive face oils.
    • “My skin in New York is like, I feel like a lizard. I actually apply facial oil during the day.” [14:50]

  • Nighttime:

    • Relies on rich creams and barrier restorers to maintain hydration after long days.
    • “I love her super rich face cream and Eye cream.”

Favorite New York Fashion Shows

Question: What has been your favorite New York fashion show to date?

Rachel’s Insights:

• Historical Favorites:

  • Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and the late Oscar de la Renta stand out for their elegance and timeless appeal.
  • “The Oscar de la Renta show that I went to shortly before he passed was one of the most beautiful shows.” [15:30]

• Memorable Moments:

  • Remembers attending Oscar de la Renta’s final show, likening it to an operatic experience with unparalleled beauty and sophistication.
  • Nostalgia for Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford’s contributions to the vibrancy and structure of Fashion Week.

• Current Reflections:

  • Expresses longing for the traditional, grandiose shows amidst the evolving and fragmented nature of modern Fashion Week presentations.
  • “I miss Tom Ford showing here. I miss Marc Jacobs closing the fashion Week. I miss Oscar shows.” [16:00]

Conclusion

Rachel wraps up the episode by thanking her listeners and encouraging them to engage with her on social media for more questions. She emphasizes her ongoing excitement for the remaining shows and events of Fashion Week, promising to share more insights in future episodes.

“Thank you so much for joining me for this New York Fashion Week episode of the pod. Feel free to send a question to my Instagram or the show's Instagram.” [16:30]

Takeaways and Insights

• Adaptability in Fashion: Rachel highlights the necessity for flexibility in fashion, from adjusting outfits on the fly to embracing both traditional elegance and modern sustainability trends.

• Balancing Comfort and Style: Emphasizes the emerging trend of blending comfort with chic, a lesson learned from the pandemic era, which continues to influence current fashion directions.

• Sustainability and Vintage Revival: Points to a significant shift towards sustainable practices in fashion, with a notable increase in the popularity of vintage and repurposed garments among high-profile designers and celebrities.

• Importance of Personal Branding: Rachel’s detailed discussion on her skincare and wardrobe routines underscores the importance of personal branding and self-care in maintaining a public persona in high-pressure environments like Fashion Week.

Notable Quotes

1. “Luxury is really like this whole quiet luxury trend is really hitting hard.” [11:30]
2. “Repurposing for a celebrity to come out and say, I'm wearing this again that I wore 20 years ago is really making a statement.” [13:30]
3. “I don't find it hard. It's actually harder for me to wear flats.” [14:03]

Final Thoughts

Rachel Zoe's episode on Climbing in Heels offers a comprehensive and intimate look into the bustling world of New York Fashion Week 2025. Her candid responses to listener questions provide valuable insights into the fashion industry's current trends, challenges, and the evolving landscape of style and sustainability. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, Rachel's blend of professional expertise and personal anecdotes make this episode both informative and inspiring.

*For more insights and updates, subscribe to Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the iHeart app, or your preferred podcast platform. Follow Rachel on Instagram at @Rachelzo and the show at @ClimbingHeelsPod.