Fashion at Stanford: Zac Posen

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 The Perry 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. In September 2014, Zac ventured into eyewear with Kenmark Optical partnership. In Summer 2014, Zac announced his latest collaboration as the creative director of Brooks Brothers.For the past three seasons, Zac has served as judge, alongside Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia, on Lifetime’s mainstay Project Runway. In keeping with Zac’s commitment to mentorship in design, he has developed the Zac Posen Scholarship for Fashion Design at The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. In May 2013, Zac received from The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Alumni Achievement Award.

Photo by Michael Beauplet

As editor in chief of Town & Country, Jay Fielden has reimagined the 169-year-old title into a warm and lively mix of the highest quality journalism, culture, philanthropy and fashion that embraces its history while reporting on of-the-moment issues of the day.Prior to his appointment at Town & Country in 2011, Fielden served as editor in chief of Men’s Vogue from 2005 – 2009. Most recently, he served as a contributing editor at Vogue, where he had been arts editor since 2000. From 1992 to 2000, he held various editorial positions at The New Yorker.Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Fielden attended Boston University where he studied literature. He credits his interest in publishing to J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, which was gifted to him by a childhood girlfriend. He currently resides in Wilton, CT with his wife and three children.Photo by Cameron Krone