Rachel Zoe helps usher in fall fashions at South Coast Plaza show

For Jill Robinson, it was a dream come true to see Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe host a fashion show at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza.

“She inspired me to lose 60 pounds, so now I can wear cute clothes,” Robinson said.

Robinson was one of 1,200 fans who stood in line Thursday night for the show featuring fall trends.

“I think she’s classy and elegant,” said Robinson, who traveled from Lakewood with her mother, Randa Bates. “I love how she accessorizes.”

Robinson styled herself for the evening in a little black dress and Tory Burch boots and mixed her bangles with pieces of her grandmother’s jewelry.

She wasn’t alone. Many in the well-heeled crowd wore their finest.

Zoe fans, like Laguna Niguel residents and friends Tania Grade and Cathy Meyer, dressed in metallic blazers and slacks.

“I like Rachel and we thought it would be fun to get a sneak peek at the fall fashions,” Grade said.

Zoe, who has been involved in the fashion industry for nearly two decades, has dressed stars such as Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz and Anne Hathaway. She also is known for her Bravo reality television series “The Rachel Zoe Project,” which aired for five seasons. Her clothing line features a vintage-inspired collection of separates, handbags and footwear. Her newsletter, “The Zoe Report,” surpassed 750,000 subscribers.

She has been to South Coast Plaza before for book signings and other events, but Zoe said she was happy to return for the fashion show.

“It’s beautiful here,” Zoe said during an interview.

As always, Zoe was dressed in clothes by the designer she was featuring. She was wearing a shimmering black and gold Salvatore Ferragamo gown paired with her usual platform open-toed shoes. Her long blond hair was parted to the right side. There were stacks of diamond and gold rings on her fingers. Her nails were painted a deep red.

“I’m coveting so many things for fall,” she said, “from coats to the capes and boots from Chloe to the cheetah print.”

She said every woman this fall should have a chunky coat or wrap sweater, ankle boots, over-the-knee-boots and a bomber jacket.

But don’t mistake her for fashion police.

“I’m the opposite of that,” she said, though she does notice when a woman wears too much makeup.

Zoe said pieces like a leather jacket could work over a maxi dress. Also, a coat could be a transitional piece to any outfit, she said.

Fans gathered at South Coast Plaza’s Jewel Court to find seats. Others lined the upper-level railings for a glimpse of the stylist. It was standing room only.

“When we say Rachel Zoe, you guys are on it,” said Debra Gunn Downing, South Coast Plaza’s director of marketing. “Fall is such a dynamic season for fashion, and we couldn’t think of a better person to help us navigate the trends than Rachel Zoe.”

Erin Weinger, style editor at The Hollywood Reporter, introduced Zoe.

“She’s so tiny,” a teenager whispered to a friend as Zoe reached for the microphone.

“What an incredibly glamorous evening,” Zoe said to the cheering crowd. “I’m looking around and I’m seeing Max Mara, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Armani and I would love to be locked in here.”

A spotlight focused on Zoe and a white ball behind her. Fashionistas raised their cellphones to take photographs. Robinson hit the video button.

The first outfit to hit the runway was by Gucci. A model in a brown leather skirt and tucked-in green blouse walked through the aisles of seats.

Four models followed wearing wool coats by Max Mara.

“I know we live in California, but it gets cold at night,” Zoe said. “I will use any excuse in the book to bring out coats.”

Eleven other designers also were showcased, from Ralph Lauren, (“one of the ultimate idols,” Zoe said) to Ferragamo (“I think it’s incredibly cool, it’s modern and playful”).

After Oscar de la Renta’s gowns were previewed, Zoe gushed about the designer’s collection of embroidered cocktail dresses.

“I think we should all have red-carpet moments,” she said. “Pick up your husband at the airport in a ball gown,” she said to laughs. “Why not? You love it.”

The 30-minute show closed with a premiere of Lanvin’s leather pants and fur vests.

“When you wear beautiful clothes, you feel better,” Zoe said to applause.

As onlookers rushed to capture additional photos, Robinson and her mother looked at the pictures she had taken on her phone.

“I thought it was amazing,” Robinson said. “Very inspiring.”