Zac Posen

Zac Posen first gained significant industry recognition in 2001 when a gown he created from thin leather strips and dressmaker hooks and eyes was exhibited by the Victoria and Albert Museum as part of their ‘Curvaceous’ exhibition. This early achievement built on a strong foundation, which included an internship at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute in 1996 and enrollment in the womenswear degree program at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London in 1999. Returning to New York, Posen presented a capsule collection at GenArt’s ‘Fresh Faces in Fashion New York 2001,’ securing a $20,000 grant and attracting immediate attention from fashion leaders at LVMH Fashion Group, Christian Dior S.A., and Gucci Group NV. This pivotal moment led to the establishment of his design studio in Tribeca, with his creations quickly becoming favored by celebrities including Natalie Portman, Rihanna, and Kate Winslet.

In 2019, his company, House of Z and Z Spoke, announced the closure of the label, a strategic decision following major client Barneys New York’s bankruptcy filing. This period demonstrated Posen’s adaptability and foresight in navigating evolving market dynamics. In a significant career move in February 2024, Posen took on pivotal new leadership roles as Creative Director of Gap and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy. In these capacities, Posen is tasked with spearheading the revitalization of both iconic American brands, overseeing design, product development, and creative marketing strategies to drive renewed brand vision and consumer engagement across their extensive global operations.