Zoë Kestan
 | The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's general notability guideline. (December 2024) |
Zoë Kestan | |
|---|---|
| Born | New York City, U.S. |
| Education | Rhode Island School of Design |
| Occupation | Designer |
Zoë Kestan is an American designer and former social media figure based in New York City. She gained public attention for her work in fashion and testimony related to her past relationship with Hunter Biden, which was the subject of federal investigations and legal proceedings.
Early life and education
[edit]Zoë Kestan was born and raised in the Yorkville, Manhattan.[1] She is the daughter of a lawyer and a saleswoman.[1] Kestan attended the Horace Mann School.[1] She studied art and design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD),[2] where she earned a degree in design.[1]
Career
[edit]After graduating from RISD, Kestan returned to New York City and began working as a color mixer for artist Jeff Koons. Concurrently, she became active in Manhattan's nightlife scene, attending events at venues such as the Boom Boom Room and China Chalet.[1]
Kestan developed a following on Instagram, where she shared a combination of personal photographs and visual content inspired by her interests in art and fashion. Her online presence led to collaborations with designers and brands, including Telfar Clemens and Andre Richardson, the publisher of a magazine and streetwear label. She participated in Richardson’s events as a performer and was also featured in his publication.[1]
In 2017, Kestan introduced a lingerie and apparel line called WeedSlut, which combined themes of fashion, cannabis culture, and the aesthetics of sex work. The collection debuted at a New York City cocktail lounge.[3] She later worked as a designer for the advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy.[1]
In 2022, Kestan shifted her focus to home décor design and took on the role of studio assistant[4] for decorative artist Elizabeth Hayt. She has since resumed participation in the creative community, including attending gallery events and collaborating on artistic projects.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Kestan met businessman and lobbyist Hunter Biden in December 2017 while working as a dancer at Vivid Cabaret, a strip club in New York City.[1][5] This meeting marked the beginning of an 11-month relationship, during which they frequently stayed in luxury hotels in New York and Los Angeles. During this time, Kestan witnessed Biden's struggles with substance use, including his crack cocaine addiction.[1][6]
The relationship ended in late 2018. In the following years, Kestan provided testimony, under immunity,[7] in legal proceedings involving Biden, including his federal trial, where her statements addressed his drug use and financial activities.[5][6][8]
Kestan has publicly discussed the lasting impact of her relationship with Biden, noting the challenges it created for her personal and professional life. She has expressed a desire to move forward and reestablish herself outside the context of her past association with Biden.[1][6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Bernstein, Joseph (December 3, 2024). "She Met Hunter Biden One Night at a Club. Then She Fell in Love". New York Times. Archived from the original on 5 December 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
- ^ "RISD Street Style: Wigs and Monochrome Outfits". The Cut. 23 October 2014. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
' Zoe Kestan, Senior', Photo: Kyle Laidig
- ^ "Weedslut Season 1 'Choke and Smoke'". Office Magazine. 2 May 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
The show took place at the intimate lounge of Pauls Baby Grand downtown Manhattan....Photos by Simon Rasmussen & Caitlan Hickey
- ^ Young, Doug (30 March 2022). "Inside Artist Elizabeth Hayt's Atelier". Cottages & Gardens. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ a b Queen, Jack; Hals, Tom (June 5, 2024). "Hunter Biden's ex-girlfriend describes his drug use at his criminal trial". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-12-04.
- ^ a b c Piatos, Tiziana (2022-02-22). "Hunter Biden 'Dumps' Ex-GF After Urging Him To Get Off Illegal Drugs, Sources Say". Latin Times. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "Hunter Biden's ex wife and his former girlfriend testified in gun trial". All Things Considered. June 5, 2024. Retrieved 6 December 2024.
- ^ Kilander, Gustaf (2024-12-04). "Ex-girlfriend Hunter Biden met at a strip club opens up about their relationship". The Independent. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
External links
[edit]- Zoë Kestan —— Getty Images
- "Hasbeens & Willbees for the 5 Easy Pieces Auction Teams With Mount Gay Rum & Naked Communications". Musée Magazine. 16 December 2015.
For the Five Easy Pieces auction, Hasbeens & Willbees has established an alliance with Mount Gay through Paul Sevigny, Managing Partner of Naked Communications
- Rudolph, Willa (14 April 2021). "Pornhub X Art Primo". Office Magazine.
Pornhub and Art Primo are also premiering a video directed by Gogy Esparza and... features models Chiara Charles, LAYA, Zoë Kestan, and Andrea Martinez alongside Pornhub ambassadors Asa Akira, Kira Noir, and popular names from Pornhub's Model Program, including Janessa Brazil, Toya Tickles, Britney Amber, Autumn Falls, Abigail Mac, and Alexis Tae