Photo credits Steven Pan – Brooks Brothers
Zac Posen launched his eponymous collection in 2001, with a vision for modern American glamour that married couture technique with striking innovation. Envisioned in his New York atelier, Zac introduced a collection that combined legendary Hollywood glamour with a downtown sensibility, enhancing women’s natural forms and enabling them to be their most alluring, empowered selves.
Raised in New York, Zac began his design training early. At 16, he attended Parson’s School of Design followed by London’s Central Saint Martins University. His collection launch quickly gained following by press, consumers and retailers alike as he carved his signature style. Two years following his first collection, he was awarded one of fashion’s most prestigious honors, Swarovski’s ThePerry Ellis Award for Womenswear by the CFDA. Quickly, he was solidifying his position as a preeminent American designer.
Today, Zac is known globally for his technique in artisanal craftsmanship, anatomical construction and textile manipulation. His daywear, suiting and red carpet eveningwear are infused with his bold sophistication, sexy femininity and distinctive glamour. Worn by leading women, including Uma Thurman, First Lady Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts, he has become a staple on the red carpet.
His collections have grown to include Zac Posen, ZAC Zac Posen and Z Spoke Zac Posen with offerings in handbags, accessories, eyewear and fur. The collections are found in leading department and specialty stores worldwide including Bergdorf Goodman,Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s New York, Harvey Nichols, and Seibu. In October 2013, Zac entered the bridal space with the launch of Truly Zac Posen in partnership with David’s Bridal, in stores since February 2014, and has recently ventured into an eyewear partnership with Kenmark Optical, arriving in stores in September 2014.
Most recently, Zac has served as a judge with Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia on Lifetime’s mainstay Project Runway, now in its thirteenth season.
In this new role, Mr. Posen will direct the current Brooks Brothers design and merchant teams and will be responsible not only for the women’s collection but will also affect a variety of areas including brand development and presentation for the women’s label.
“We are thrilled to have Zac join us as Creative Director of our Women’s Collection,” said Claudio Del Vecchio, Chairman and CEO of Brooks Brothers. “He is one of the most talented and influential American designers working today.”
“As soon as we met, it was clear to us that he had a true understanding of our brand and its storied 196 year heritage as well as the creativity to modernize our offerings within the category,” he added.
Of his new role at Brooks Brothers Mr. Posen said, “I am truly honored and excited to be embarking on this incredible opportunity to take the Brooks Brothers Women’s brand into the future while respecting its deep, rich American heritage as an institutional company.”
Brooks Brothers began selling women’s apparel as early as 1874 when an advertisement for the company promoted capes and accessories available in a special department within the store – then located at Broadway and Bond Street. Womenswear at Brooks Brothers gained significant attention in 1949 when a pink oxford shirt was featured in Vogue magazine – which also had a hand in its design. After that Brooks Brothers began selling a small selection of women’s items however it was not until 1976 that Brooks Brothers would open a complete women’s department selling seasonal collections. Today, the women’s category represents approximately 20% of total sales.
Brooks Brothers consists of three labels, the signature line, the recently introduced Red Fleece label, and Black Fleece, which launched in fall 2007 for men and women and continues to be designed by Thom Browne.
Zac Posen’s first women’s collection for Brooks Brothers will debut in spring 2016 and will be available worldwide.
