New York City fashion saw Zac Posen rise to fame at age 20, and he is 44. The fashion world saw Zac Posen rise fast, starting at age 20, by showing retro-inspired designs that made him stand out at New York Fashion Week. Today, he holds two top-level creative positions at fashion giants Old Navy and Gap Inc.
Zac Posen talks with Nicole Phelps about his fashion journey shares his thoughts on the fashion scene and explains his current creative work on traditional American clothing stores.
From Couture to Accessibility
The way Posen switched from designing high-end clothes to everyday ready-to-wear has surprised people, but he is showing those doubters they are wrong. His work at Gap Inc. helps breathe new life into this company founded in 1969. One of his most memorable pieces was creating a white shirtdress Anne Hathaway wore last year. When Hathaway reversed and wore the dress inside-out for a photo shoot, thousands of fans bought tickets to see her, making the style so popular that the company released it for sale.
That is why Posen says he takes on different responsibilities. I try to apply that kind of creativity to building a gown. “Posen explained how he created an iconic shirtdress by working with Hathaway herself, developing, fine-tuning, and finalizing the design by making the shirt appear “inside-out.”
Revitalizing a Legacy Brand
Working for Gap Inc., Posen steers its creative growth while keeping its historic style alive. Part of what The Gap is doing is its Gap Studio line, which combines timeless basics with fresh, innovative designs.
Posen uses experimental approaches and specific knowledge of his industry’s needs. “Today’s fashion world looks completely different for big brands”. Designer clothing companies struggle to profit from their clothing lines while running their business.
Posen has grown into the fashion business by using his many years of experience to understand how to balance the need for creative designs with what makes money. He says, “I found out that managing creativity to support yourself requires keeping two main elements working together—the design and the business sides.”
A Vision for the Future
Posen leads Gap Inc. as more than a fashion label maker; he is a guide through changing fashion industry waves. He emphasizes that your reactions to weather and outside factors are part of what makes fashion so unpredictable.
By working together, thinking differently, and being open to new ways, Posen helps Gap Inc. grow and succeed in a changing market where many firms compete.
Sophia Walker is a fashion journalist who reports on the latest trends, events, and industry news, keeping readers informed about the dynamic world of fashion.
