Zoë Zimmer is a London-based photographer, artist, model, and designer (an occasional hotel reviewer, too) who recently launched her own resortwear line, the 87, which has already attracted attention from Vogue, Grazia, and some of the world’s most in-demand stylists.
We caught up with her during a trip to Morocco to pose the questions that matter…
Quote to live by
‘Go all in’. Work, love… whatever it is, you gotta be All In on your own life. It’s short, so you may as well be brave about it.
Favourite museum/gallery
The V&A. I particularly like the top floors that are full of ceramics, glassware, and not many other people. I recommend going when it’s raining because it sounds great on the roof.
Book that shaped you
A Moveable Feast by Hemingway – which is hard to say without sounding pretentious, but it was the book that started my love of reading.
Favourite artist
Allen Jones.
Favourite bar
Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle in New York. Shame about the tourists, even when I am one.
Favourite cocktail
I’m not really a cocktail kinda gal. You’ll be hard pressed to find me drinking anything other than a double Woodford Reserve on the rocks or a glass of champagne. Luckily it’s impossible to make either of them badly.
Comfort food
My mum’s bolognese (this makes it sound like she’s Italian. She’s definitely not, she just makes a mean spag bol).
Most memorable meal
Dinner for my dad’s 60th at La Colombe d’Or. Although I have a feeling that every meal at La Colombe d’Or is memorable.
Worst holiday hangover
The drive from Vegas to LA on a Sunday morning. Thank god for Advil and In-N-Out.
Best vintage/antique find
I found a 1970’s Yves Saint Laurent suit at a tiny store in Paris that fit like it was made for me. Although I think something got lost in translation, because I got it for under €100 which might be the only time my bad French was useful.
Architecture that awes you
Richard Neutra houses.
Interiors you envy
Anything Halston designed. His home. His office. That man was so stylish, I bet even his laundry room was incredible.
How do you unwind?
I’m an avid bath taker. Good day? Bad day? Have a long bath.
Most regrettable holiday purchase
A vintage kimono I bought from a flea market in Tokyo… which turned out to be infested with moths who then made themselves at home in my London closet. I’m still finding holes in my cashmere to this day.
Your must-pack outfit
Well seeing as I recently started a resortwear brand, I can’t really say anything other than something from the 87 can I?!
Most stylish place
Paris. I mean, surely everyone’s answer to this question is Paris? I especially love the way older generations dress there – give me an old Parisian woman in a big fur coat, a neck scarf, chain smoking with a tiny dog any day.
City you’d move to
I’m a born-and-raised die-hard Londoner, and after having lived in Los Angeles for a while it’s safe to say I’m now happily committed to the Old Smoke for good.
Strangest hotel experience
I recently checked into a hotel in Paris where they accidentally gave me the key to someone else’s room, which led to me walking in on two guys wearing very small shorts, listening to EDM and rolling a joint. They asked if I wanted to join them, which, although tempting, I declined.
Best place you’ve ever swum
Skinny dipping in the sea at midnight in Capri.
It’s not a holiday without…
Salty skin and Orangina.
Guilty pleasure
Never feel guilty about pleasure.
@account to follow
@lostinhistorypics for… lost in history pics.
Pool or ocean
Ocean. Every time.
Define love in three words
Feels like home.
Zoë was shot on location in Morocco by Richard MacKichan. The 87’s beachwear collection is available now.