Rachel Zoe, the star of the reality series Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has publicly disclosed that she was the one to initiate her divorce from Rodger Berman after 26 years of marriage. The 54-year-old stylist, who has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry for over three decades, confirmed this during an interview with People.
In her candid remarks, Zoe emphasized that when she made the decision to end the marriage, it felt like a necessary step forward. “When I made the decision to leave my marriage, it was like, okay, next,” she stated. This marks a shift from her previous comments where she described the split as a mutual decision between her and Berman.
Background on Their Relationship
Zoe and Berman first crossed paths in 1991 while they were both students at George Washington University. They began dating shortly thereafter and eventually married in 1996. Throughout their relationship, they have welcomed two sons, Skyler, 14, and Kaius, 11. Their announcement of separation came in September 2024, nearly ten months after Zoe filed for divorce in July 2025.
In her social media announcement regarding the divorce, Zoe expressed pride in the family they had built together. “After 33 years together and 26 years married, Rodger and I have come to the mutual decision to end our marriage. We are incredibly proud of the loving family we have created and our countless memories together,” she wrote, adding that their focus remains on co-parenting their children and collaborating on business ventures.
Empowerment and Independence
During her interview, Zoe also touched on themes of empowerment and independence, particularly for women navigating similar life changes. She noted that a significant portion of her social circle is currently experiencing separations or divorces. “The question I kept getting asked is: ‘Why am I so okay coming out of a relationship that really transcended my entire adult life?’” Zoe explained. “It’s because I’m independent — financially, professionally, and socially.”
She referenced a recent interview with actress Reese Witherspoon, highlighting the importance of women having their own pursuits and goals. “You have to have your own things to wake up for every day,” she added, indicating that this mindset contributed to her ability to cope with the end of her marriage.
As the upcoming season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills prepares to air on December 4, 2025, Zoe plans to share more insights about her experiences and challenges during this transitional period. “I feel different on every level. I’m very honest about where I am and what I’m dealing with,” she said, underscoring her commitment to authenticity and openness regarding her life’s realities.
Having relocated to Los Angeles in 2002, Zoe has made a name for herself in the fashion industry, working with numerous high-profile clients. Her career took off after dressing Nicole Richie in what became known as the “hippie chic” style in 2005. Reflecting on her journey, Zoe acknowledged the support she received from friends and colleagues during challenging times, reinforcing her belief in the importance of self-identity and resilience.
As Rachel Zoe navigates this new chapter, her focus remains on maintaining a positive environment for her children and continuing her successful career in fashion. Her candid reflections on independence and personal growth resonate with many, highlighting the significance of self-empowerment in the face of life’s changes.
