Designer Zac Posen, who presented his first runway show in 2001 and is a Project Runway alum, is closing his namesake business. WWD reports on the details — employees were immediately informed of the news and the Spring collection Posen showed will not be offered to customers — and Zac spoke with honesty and integrity about the decision [1]. "We were in a sale process and we ran out of time . . . There was a board vote. We had to make the call. My partners and I tried everything possible within our means to find solutions to keep it going. I have been trying to find the right strategic partners at this tough time in retail and in the industry. The clock ran out," Zac said.
We're sad to hear the news as fans of the designer, who received Swarovski's The Perry Ellis Award for womenswear [2] at the 2004 CFDA ceremony (Natalie Portman [3] showed her support at the event in this shimmering minidress). Zac also created a wonderful collection for Target [4] in 2008, famously made a powerful statement about diversity in the fashion industry [5] on his Fall 2016 runway, and designed Princess Eugenie's wedding reception dress [6], inspired by the blush hue of the English rose.
We're not the only ones reminiscing about Zac's esteemed career. Christian Siriano posted a message on Instagram, addressing the strength it takes to be a designer in 2019 [7], for "all you fashion lovers out there." We're sure the celebrities, models, everyday customers, fans, and Zac's peers, who have either worked directly with him or admired his work, are thinking of him now.
Zac was announced as Creative Director for the Brooks Brothers women's collection and accessories in Fall 2014, and he has an ongoing partnership with Delta. He reportedly expects to continue both endeavours. Zac summed up his positive outlook to WWD: "I will always have me. I will always have my creativity." In the meantime, let's appreciate the masterpieces he brought to life for some of our favourite stars on the red carpet, including, perhaps most famously, Claire Danes's light-up Met Gala ballgown [8].
Joey King Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Most recently, Joey King stunned in this Zac Posen dress at the 2019 Emmy Awards [10].
Katie Holmes Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Zac created this fit-and-flare for his good friend Katie Holmes [11], who styled it up for a mommy-and-me fashion moment at the American Ballet Theatre gala in NYC.
Emily Ratajkowski Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
She walked the red carpet with the designer himself at the 2016 Emmy Awards [12].
Gigi Hadid Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Gigi wore this beautifully constructed satin mermaid gown [13] at the 2019 Pirelli Calendar launch.
Miley Cyrus Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Miley Cyrus first wore this Disney princess worthy gown on the Grammy Awards red carpet in 2018 [14].
Laverne Cox Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Laverne Cox later wore the same dress as Miley on the runway at New York Fashion Week [15], celebrating the high fashion designers that create luxury pieces for 11 Honouré, a retailer that offers luxury clothing in extended sizes.
Ashley Graham Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Ashley chose Zac to create her gown for her first-ever Oscars appearance in 2019 [16].
Deepika Padukone Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Deepika's metallic pink gown [17] was one of our favourites at the 2019 Met Gala.
Claire Danes Wearing a Zac Posen Dress
Making for one of Zac's most iconic red carpet moments ever, Claire Danes dressed up in this light-up ballgown [18], which Zac teased on Instagram ahead of the 2016 Met Gala.