Warning: If a pre-fashion week vacation to somewhere balmy and tropical sounds like just what the doctor ordered, you’re about to be jealous of the epic trip our styling team just took. Rachel Zoe Studio recently jetted off to Harbour Island in the Bahamas for a super-fun shoot, and while it was a lot of hard work, there was plenty of time to play as well. Ahead, scope the highlights from their 6-day jaunt (and bookmark their recommendations if you’re planning a trip).
Rachel Zoe Studio's Bahamas Diary
Rachel Zoe Studio style directors Lindsay Pogemiller and Alyssa Sutter.
Packing & Prep
"Long days were spent shopping all over the city before we left. Our nights were spent getting our kits together and tagging each individual item (even the tiniest pair of earrings) for customs. Eight hundred items later, we were ready for the Bahamas!"
Getting There
"After two flights from LA, we boarded a puddle jumper in Nassau to North Eleuthera and then hopped onto a water taxi to Harbour Island."
Scouting Locations
"The locations for the shoot were unreal—from a private residence with a huge infinity pool (top) to the "Lone Tree" (bottom), they were all so enchanting. Look at that water!"
Hair & Makeup
"Our team for the shoot was amazing—Christian Marc (pictured) was on hair and Sarah Uslan did makeup. How gorgeous does our model look?"
Coral Sands
"We stayed at Coral Sands and loved it. Our cottage had its own staircase down to the beach—doesn't get better than that."
Dake's Shoppe
"While on the island, we of course made time for shopping. Dake's Shoppe is a beautifully curated boutique by Dake Gonzalez from Shake Productions filled with clothing, accessories, and home goods he's discovered while traveling the world."
Sugar Mill
"Sugar Mill is a an upscale boutique owned by former Ralph Lauren model India Hicks—the vibe is very island chic."
Rock House
"We had a great dinner at Rock House one night. Their poolside setting is super fun."
Haunted House
"When we arrived on the island we kept seeing signs for the "haunted house" and wondered what is was—we ended up shooting right next to it! It's the structural remnants of a big building that exploded long ago, and now people will host dinner parties and wedding receptions there."
Queen Conch
"The owners shell the conch right there in front of you, then toss it with fruits and vegetables to make their signature salad (it reminded us of ceviche). You have to eat it with the signature beer of the Bahamas, Kalik!"
The Landing
"The Landing is a boutique hotel and restaurant with the cutest courtyard—they have a garden in the back with day beds to lounge on, and the view is stunning."
Ocean View
"Everyone needs to go here—we walked on the beach from our hotel to a candlelit dinner out on the terrace one night. It was magical."
