iStock.com/daboost
In the first high-profile hire by recently named CEO Richard Dickson, Gap Inc. appointed celebrity fashion designer Zac Posen as executive vice president and creative director with a particular emphasis on reviving Old Navy.
Posen, who grew up in New York City, is best known for his red carpet looks. In recent days, he has earned acclaim for the gowns he designed for the hit TV show, "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans."
Vogue wrote of Posen, “When he emerged on the New York Fashion Scene circa 2002, a young graduate of Central St. Martins, he displayed an affinity for the dressed-up stylings of Old Hollywood, and over the years, he became a go-to for stars, dressing the likes of Uma Thurman, Oprah Winfrey, and Sarah Jessica Parker in hourglass dresses with portrait necklines and grand skirts.”
The 43-year-old Posen also offered ready-to-wear looks under his eponymous line and worked at Brooks Brothers as creative director from 2014 to 2020, showing some experience with everyday wear. He has partnered with Target and David’s Bridal on collections over the years.
Posen became a reality TV star between 2012 and 2018 as a judge on Project Runway, enabling him to amass 2.2 million Instagram followers. His fashion label closed in 2019 after failing to find new investors, but he’s well-regarded by many fashion insiders.
Stylist Lakyn Carlton tweeted: “As a lifelong Zac-head, I think Zac Posen at Gap is a misuse of his talents, at best, but I’m hoping to be proven wrong! So happy to have him back, regardless.”
Washington Post fashion writer Rachel Tashjian called Gap Inc.’s hiring “a genuine fashion twist.”
As creative director of Gap Inc., Posen becomes the first to oversee design across Gap Inc.’s four brands: Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and Old Navy. He joins the firm’s executive leadership team and “will serve as a cultural curator and creative partner” to Dickson, the former Mattel executive who has earned credit for re-energizing the Barbie franchise. He’s expected to help offset Dickson’s lack of fashion experience.
Dickson said Posen’s “technical expertise and cultural clarity have consistently evolved American fashion, making him a great fit for the company as we ignite a new culture of creativity across the portfolio and reinvigorate our storied brands.”
Posen also takes the additional role of chief creative officer at Old Navy, Gap Inc.’s largest brand and the second-largest apparel brand in the U.S.
Posen said, “Gap Inc. and its brands have shaped American fashion and pop culture for decades and there’s so much potential at Old Navy. I’m eager to join Gap Inc. now as brand reinvigoration kicks up across the portfolio, rooted in great product, experiences, and a new culture of creativity.”