Designer Zac Posen sure knows how to put on a show. Since he burst onto the scene 15 years ago as a young fashion prodigy, he has always put a special emphasis on presentation and pizzazz — all the better to showcase his colorful, often retro-tinged designs.
Now, at the relatively advanced age of 34, Posen continues to dazzle, drawing a celebrity front row for his fall 2015 show at New York Fashion Week in the palatial surroundings of Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall. That included Rihanna, who slipped in with a large entourage just as the show began; Mary J. Blige; Mad Men's Christina Hendricks; and Orange Is The New Black's Uzo Aduba. They gasped in delight and spontaneously burst into applause as supermodel Naomi Campbell appeared in a ruby metallic princess gown with a voluminous skirt, looking like the good witch in Wicked, to close the show.
Posen, who sometimes veers toward the fussy, has stripped out some of his excess, and the results are impressive.
The Campbell gown notwithstanding, this collection is leaner and less bejeweled than some previous efforts. The designer, who sometimes veers toward the fussy, has stripped out some of his excess, and the results are impressive.
Jersey gowns in jewel tones are cut close to the body; other more sparkly numbers are sometimes gathered at the waist for special effect. Dramatic model Anna Cleveland, in a dark emerald gown with cutout points at the waist, stopped mid-runway and twirled to show the fluidity of Posen's construction.
There are plenty of elegant day looks for work in the office or lunching with the ladies too. Supermodel Alek Wek opened the show in a flirty two-tone burgundy dress that is great for either occasion. More opportunities for day dressing include chic two-piece suits; tailored slacks in shades of burgundy, plum and green; a tiger-print cashmere cardigan; and coats of varying lengths.
Before the show, Posen met with a select group of American Express Platinum cardholders, who took advantage of an opportunity to attend the show and visit the designer's studio for a special shopping excursion the next day.
Among the group were Houston-area hand surgeon Dr. Emmie Ko and her teenage daughter Allison, who is thinking about a career in fashion. "I like his ideas, how he views fashion, what he's trying to create is really interesting," Allison said.
During the show, Emmie, an avid photographer, took some photos, which are included in the slideshow above.
Katherine Levy, who recently moved to New York from Dallas, was also thrilled to see the show. "I love the colors, the movement, the textures. The jersey he is doing really sounds interesting," she said.
Supermodel Alek Wek opened the Zac Posen show in a flirty jersey dress.
