Kailey Strachan for E! OnlineWhen it comes to fashion, Zanna Roberts Rassi knows a thing or two…million.
There's a reason why E! News and the Today show regularly invoke the style expert's name. As Marie Claire's senior fashion editor, Zanna has an editorial eye for both elevating and introducing trends. The caliber of influencers she has styled—including Jennifer Aniston, Naomi Watts and Eva Mendes—is just another testament to her skills.
Lucky for us, the editrix is bringing her wealth of knowledge to the E! Style Collective. Before she shares her insider access with us, get to know the doyen of tomboy-chic.
What was the first sign that this career path was your destiny?
At aged 21, I booked a six-month trip to Australia. Ticket and visa in hand, I got a call from Marie Claire UK Beauty Director Susanna Cohen, offering me a job as a beauty assistant (I had interviewed thinking no chance!). I knew Oz was not going anywhere, but this opportunity was. I still haven't made it to Australia but I never once looked back.
What was the biggest obstacle in your way toward fulfilling your dream?
Yet to come up against it, if I'm honest. I've had a wonderful journey so far.
If you could give the you who was just starting out any advice, what would it be?
Have confidence to speak your mind. Have the faith in your ideas and vision. Do not procrastinate. Don't stress the little things. Think big picture. Surround yourself with great people.
What's the best piece of advice you ever got?
Before you insult a man, walk a mile in his shoes—that way you are a mile away in his shoes when you do. Tee hee. Really—feel the fear and do it anyway. Move forward, never look back.
Thirty years down the road, where do you see yourself?
Thirty years?! I can barely plan 30 days! OK. If I must: Celebrating my twins' 30th birthdays on Necker Island, whilst running a few of my own companies and living life to the max with my wonderful hubby, family and friends.
Who or what is inspiring you as a woman and style expert right now?
As a woman, my 9-month-old twins. As a style expert , street style, social networking, experimental makeup.
If you had to wear one thing for a year, what would it be?
My Burberry leather biker jacket—works with absolutely everything.
What do you feel is your style signature?
Tom-boy with a little messy girlie thrown in. Youthful—probably too youthful!
What is your style pet peeve?
Ill-fitting jeans and huge platform heels, especially when worn together!
What is one style/beauty trend you wish would make a comeback?
Sneakers with everything! OK, so it's still around but as it's been popular on the runway for a couple of seasons, it's probably on its way out. I imagine the comfort bubble will burst soon, and we will be in sky-high vertiginous heels next season. For beauty, Kate Moss slept in eyeliner.
What song do you jam out to when you're getting ready?
"Jane Fonda" by Mickey Avalon.
If your craft was a song, what song would it be?
Happy Mondays' " Step On." (I'm a Manchester girl.)
Who has been your favorite person to interview/style so far?
To interview, Kate Hudson and Drew Barrymore. Both are honest girls—girls you want to hang out and drink tequila with. To style, Jen Aniston. Real, lovely, fun with piercing blue eyes and a killer body. Also, Sophie Dahl, the most beautiful girl on the planet inside and out.
What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
That it's anything but 24/7. I'm typing this at 5:45 in the morning while lying in bed. And I LOVE it.
What is your guilty pleasure?
An obscene amount of cream with everything. Blame my dad, a rationed war child!
What's an embarrassing tidbit about yourself?
I broke my nose on my own knee when showing off and doing a flip. I hadn't been drinking, promise.
If you were stranded on an island, what are three things you would take with you?
Bikini by Lisa Marie Fernandez, iPhone and solar-powered generator.
Who is your Hollywood girl crush?
Felicity Jones—she's adorable, cute, funny, stylish, smart and, obviously, a Brit!
Who would you love to work with?
I'm blessed to have worked with some of the best in the media and entertainment business, from editors and TV personalities. So I would embrace the chance to work with tech wizards—Angela Ahrendts, the SVP at Apple, and Marissa Meyer, CEO of Yahoo!.
How are you so comfortable in front of the cameras?
Nice of you to say! I work with awesome peeps like Giuliana [Rancic], who make me feel good about myself! Also, a little secret: I force a yawn before I go on air…makes my entire body relax.