Designer Interview

Zac Posen dishes on Dallas women and why a little drama goes a long way

On November 15, Zac Posen will be honored with the Career Achievement in Fashion award at the Fashion Group International of Dallas’ A Night of Stars gala. Although Posen was born and raised in New York, he can still appreciate all that Dallas has to offer and the women who have supported his journey in becoming one of the most sought-after designers in the fashion world today.

Ahead of the gala, we chatted with Posen about the city he calls one of his “homes away from home,” how he views Dallas women and just what this special night in the spotlight means to him.

CultureMap: Let’s talk about Dallas. Do you come here often?

Zac Posen: I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Dallas many times in my career. I’ve always loved the Texan culture, and I’m very excited to bring the warmth and excitement of my brand to Dallas. I’ve always considered Dallas one of my fashion homes away from home. We have a very wide customer base there, so it’s meant that I’ve been able to spend a lot of time getting to know the people and immersing myself in the culture.

CM: How would you describe the style of Dallas women as a whole?

ZP: Dallas women are truly fabulous, and their sense of style reflects that. They consistently look confident and sophisticated in their day and eveningwear, and they’re never afraid to add an element of glamour to an outfit.

CM: What are some signature traits in your designs, and would you say those align with your personality traits as a designer? Where does your inspiration come from?

ZP: That’s a great question. Definitely a sense of drama applies to both my designs and my personality. It’s been something that has been infused in my collections from the very beginning. I think there are also strong synergies with glamour, precision and sophistication. All of these traits are consistently carried through both the Zac Posen and the ZAC Zac Posen collections.

My inspiration can come from anyone or anything. I am always absorbing what is around me and using it to guide everything from color to fabric to silhouette. I try to always keep my mind open and have a sort of cultural receive dish that I can pull inspiration from.

CM: What is the best piece of career advice you have ever been given?

ZP: I was told by a dear friend to never stop creating. You need to be sewing and making your own clothing to truly understand what works and how your customer is going to react to it. It’s a sound piece of advice that I have carried with me through the years.

Some additional great advice that I received in my early years was to focus and solidify my goals. There are so many different facets to fashion, so it’s important to clearly define what it is that you want and put some timeframes around them. It will help you to keep moving forward with the important milestones in your career.

CM: What does it mean for you to be honored by FGI for a career achievement award?

ZP: I am truly thrilled to be receiving the career achievement award in Dallas. FGI is a wonderful organization that has provided so much support to those in the fashion industry over the years. I’m humbled that FGI is honoring me in this way, and I’m excited to be able celebrate with all the people in Dallas that have been so supportive along the way.

Zac Posen will be honored with the Career Achievement in Fashion award at the Fashion Group International Night of Stars gala on November 15.

Courtesy photo

Zac Posen will be honored with the Career Achievement in Fashion award at the Fashion Group International Night of Stars gala on November 15.

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RETAIL APOCALYPSE

Mall favorite Francesca's to close all stores in Dallas and nationwide

Francesca's/ Facebook

Francesca's is known for its boho-chic dresses and tops.

After a decade of falling fortunes, Texas-based women’s clothing chain Francesca’s is clearing out all its racks. The once-mighty retailer is closing all of its stores nationwide, including several locations in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Although the company has not made any official pronouncement, Women’s Wear Daily reports that the brand is currently in the process of liquidating all of its inventory. According to the fashion industry trade journal, some employees are reporting that they were let go without warning, while vendors are allegedly seeking payment on hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid invoices.

Francesca’s was founded in Houston in 1999, becoming sought out for its boho-chic offerings that occupied a similar lane to Anthropologie. Over roughly 15 years, it quickly ramped up its footprint, peaking at over 600 locations by 2016.

That explosive growth did not prove to be popular with shareholders. That same year, the Wall Street Journal reported that its stock prices had plunged to their lowest price since Francesca’s went public in 2011. Despite leadership changes, the chain has been on a downward slope since.

In 2020, Francesca’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while it sought a buyer for its online operation and brick-and-mortar stores. The chain closed almost 250 of its storefronts by early 2021.

After completing reorganization and being bought out of bankruptcy by an affiliate of TerraMar Capital and Tiger Capital Group, Francesca’s attempted a revival by launching a tween line, Franki by Francesca’s, and gobbling up celebrity-endorsed lifestyle brand Richer Poorer.

Francesca's still had Dallas-Fort Worth stores in West Village, Galleria Dallas, Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, Firewheel Town Center in Garland, The Shops at Legacy in Plano, The Shops at Highland Village, Southlake Town Square, NorthEast Mall, Arlington Highlands, Glade Park in Euless, and Sundance Square and The Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth.

It’s unclear exactly when the local stores will shutter, but the company recently changed its return policy to state all sales are final after January 14. A request to Francesca’s corporate headquarters for comment was not immediately returned.

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