Popular designer the Zac of all trades
Ever since he burst onto the New York fashion scene in 2001 as the debonair young winner of Gen Art's Fresh Faces in Fashion competition, Zac Posen has made a name for himself with his gorgeous red-carpet clothes and the celebrity pals who wear them, such as Claire Danes and Natalie Portman.
From 1 until 3 p.m. today the 27-year-old designer will be making a personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan. I caught up with the style guru by phone to find out more about his high-end fashion line and his favorite things for spring.
(AP file)
Q. Do you have any notable Chicago clients?
A. I think Oprah looks phenomenal in our clothing. She's someone who rocks my looks.
But for me, it's really about everybody being a star -- whether it's a mom at home or a professional woman. I like to make clothes for that special moment.
Q. What do you consider your must-have looks this season?
A. The Winsome dress ($3,900) has a level of sophistication because we use innovative techniques of pleating and tucking. It's an artisanal luncheon dress.
There's another dress that works on a lot of different body types and is that one dress you have for the rest of your life: the Mistral gown ($5,400). The slight asymmetry keeps it modern and timeless. You'll always be the coolest, hottest and smartest woman in the room.
Q. How do you justify the prices of your clothes (starting at $800 for blouses)?
A. They are collector's items and labors of love. You're really owning rare pieces.
Q. So how can the average woman update her wardrobe this spring?
A. I'm really into dark-colored denim in a real Katharine Hepburn way, with a pegged leg and a rolled-up cuff.
I think color is going to be very important, great reds and bright yellows, even for evening. I also think playing with graphic break-up is really important, like wearing an oversized striped T-shirt with an accent belt and a differently colored skirt. You can "Mondrian" your outfit from your shoes to your bag to your sunglasses.
Q. What trends do you think should be retired?
A. I'm over socks with open-toed shoes. I call them "sweaty betty" toes.
Q. What's on your iPod?
A. There's a new band that's going to be enormous called the Virgins, and their really good song is called "Rich Girls." I also love "D.A.N.C.E." by Justice and "Electric Feel" by MGMT.
Q. Any great books you're reading?
A. I really like heroic women, and I've been reading a biography of Jane Goodall [Jane Goodall: The Woman Who Redefined Man]. I just read this really funny book called Stories of My Life, Me, the autobiography of Katharine Hepburn. It was a really easy read about the genius of a self-absorbed actress.
