Quite honestly, I've never once seen zippers or really any dimensional applique or "Stuff" on modern quilts. I do recall when it was all exciting to put beads, ribbons, lace, trinkets, recycling, bangles, sequins, etc. on quilts, usually wallhangings. That was one trend I had to step far away from. Shudder.
the History Museum in St Louis, MO has (or had) a crazy quilt made in the 1800's, hanging in their textile room. It had a dead bird embellishing it. (Maybe it was a squirrel, been a few years!)! Also other creepy embellishments. It was fascinating; pieced with velvets and silks.
Modern in its day!