The Handbook Meets Model & Designer Zoë Zimmer
When we came across the Instagram account of Zoë Zimmer, it was an instant follow. Her dedication to a monochromatic colour palette, love for vintage accessories and innate cool-girl style ticks all the boxes.
It’s no wonder that model, photographer, creative director and now designer for modern resort wear brand, The 87, make up her CV. She’s also the daughter of Oscar award-winning composer Hans Zimmer – so you can add eclectic, impeccable music taste to her talents. We sat down with Zoë to talk style, skincare, her track of the moment, travel and much more…
Tell us about your resort wear brand, The 87…
I started The 87 because I could never find beachwear that I liked – everything was always either really brightly coloured, floral, some kind of questionable “boho” crochet, or completely plain and boring. I wanted to make something that was still fun, but that I would want to wear off the beach too. The idea is that you can tie the two scarfs in various ways to create different looks that work for everyone, they’re also one size fits all and all are made to order in London.
Where are you taking your 87 pieces travelling this year?
We go to Capri every year, so I’m already looking forward to swimming in the sea and trying to not get spaghetti vongole all over my sarongs.
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I wear a lot of black – even in the summer.
How would you describe your style?
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I wear a lot of black – even in the summer. I’m not really interested in trends and prefer to buy things that are more classic and timeless.
What is your first memory of fashion?
My mother was a model, and growing up I remember going backstage at fashion shows with her. Then I started modelling myself and I realised firsthand how crazy it was backstage – I have no idea how she managed it with a kid!
Where do you find your inspiration?
I take inspiration from different eras mainly, or just things that I find interesting that feel like they could still be relevant now. The whole two-piece beachwear concept for The 87 came from how much I loved Cher’s Bob Mackie outfits from the ‘70s. A lot of the prints from my first collection were inspired by Bauhaus architecture, in particular, a house my father grew up in in Germany.
What was the last thing you bought?
It dropped to minus degrees in London recently, so I caved and bought myself a Nour Hammour shearling Penelope coat which I now live in.
Which items in your wardrobe do you wear on repeat?
I’ve been wearing a pair of black suede Stuart Weitzman kitten-heel ankle boots for about a decade. They’re timeless and so unbelievably comfortable – I wear them to death and then replace them with an identical pair.
Where do you go for great denim?
I’m always trying to find the perfect pair of jeans that are long enough on me to wear with heels. I love classic Levi’s, but recently I’ve bought jeans from Reformation and Paige, which are great too. I also love Khaite’s Danielle jeans.
Any jewellery brands you love and why?
I buy a lot of vintage jewellery, particularly oversized earrings from the ‘80s and ‘90s. I also love anything Elsa Peretti designed – I have a Bone Cuff that I’ve had since I was a teenager and wear almost every day.
I’ve been wearing a pair of black suede Stuart Weitzman ankle boots for about a decade – I wear them to death and then replace them with an identical pair.
Who do you love following on Instagram?
I follow a lot of design and interior accounts that I use for reference like @aurelien.raymond and @the_london_list, or vintage fashion accounts like @simplicitycity and @fauhxxyy.
What are your beauty product non-negotiables?
La Roche-Posay 50+ Sunscreen – all day every day, I use so much of this stuff it’s probably part of my DNA by now.
Living Proof Dry Volume Spray and a Mason Pearson hairbrush – anyone with a fringe will understand.
A313 Cream – which I used to hoard whenever I went to Paris but you can now buy it here online.
Chanel Lipstick in “Destination” – the perfect everyday colour.
What is your home style like?
My home is kind of a monochrome Art Deco/1970s mashup, which doesn’t sound like it should work, but does – although I have a wall of mirrored bookshelves and a black lacquered floor, which means I spend a lot of time dusting.
I grew up on Portobello Road, and love finding interesting vintage furniture there or online. My most recent purchase is a 1970s Willie Rizzo coffee table that turns into a bar and I’m obsessed with it.
What have you been reading/listening to/watching recently?
I just re-read Heartburn by Nora Ephron because no matter how many times I’ve read it I still love it. And I recently discovered this album from the ‘50s by jazz pianist, Toshiko Akiyoshi, which has been the soundtrack to my January hibernation.
What’s in your London little black book?
I might be biased, but London is the greatest city in the world. There’s always something new to do, a place to go, things to see. There are some great new restaurants in my neighbourhood like Canteen and Caia, as well as everyone’s favourite pub, The Cow. I love The Prince Charles Cinema, which is always playing something great, and places like Trisha’s in Soho, which have been around much longer than I have.
Shop Zoë’s Edit…
It dropped to minus degrees in London recently, so I caved and bought myself a Nour Hammour shearling Penelope coat which I now live in.
Find out more about The 87 and shop the collection at the87london.com
Follow ZoË on Instagram @zzimmer
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
