What Happened to Zachary E. Posen?
Zac Posen is an American fashion designer known for his glamorous red-carpet gowns and exquisite tailoring. After closing his eponymous label in 2019 due to financial challenges, Posen transitioned into various creative roles, including costume design and collaborations. As of February 2024, he serves as the Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy, where he is revitalizing the brands with new collections like GapStudio.
Quick Answer
Zac Posen, once celebrated for his high-fashion, red-carpet gowns, closed his namesake label in November 2019 due to an inability to secure a buyer and a challenging retail environment. Since then, he has diversified his career, engaging in costume design for ballet and television, and launching a genderless wedding ring collection. Most notably, in February 2024, Posen was appointed Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy, where he is actively leading design and marketing efforts, including the recent launch of GapStudio's Fall 2026 collection in August 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born in New York City
Zachary E. Posen was born and raised in the SoHo neighborhood of lower Manhattan.
Launches eponymous fashion label
Posen set up an atelier in his parents' living room and quickly gained attention, presenting a capsule collection at GenArt's Fresh Faces in Fashion.
Receives CFDA Swarovski's Perry Ellis Award
Posen was recognized with the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America's Swarovski's Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear.
Joins Project Runway as a permanent judge
Posen was announced as an official judge on Project Runway, starting with season 11, bringing his couture expertise to the show.
Becomes Creative Director for Brooks Brothers Women's and launches Truly Zac Posen bridal line
Posen was named Creative Director for Brooks Brothers' women's clothing and accessories line and partnered with David's Bridal for an affordable bridal collection.
Publishes cookbook 'Cooking with Zac' and subject of 'House of Z' documentary
Posen released his 288-page cookbook and was the subject of the documentary 'House of Z,' chronicling his career.
Designs Princess Eugenie's wedding reception gown and Delta Air Lines uniforms roll out
Posen designed the blush silk gown for Princess Eugenie of York's evening wedding reception and his Delta Air Lines uniforms were rolled out to 60,000 employees.
Closes eponymous fashion label
House of Z and Z Spoke announced the immediate closure of Posen's label, citing an inability to find a buyer and a challenging retail environment.
Designs costumes for New York City Ballet's 'The Shaded Line'
Posen fulfilled a long-held dream by designing costumes for Lauren Lovette's ballet, which returned to Lincoln Center in April 2020.
Releases genderless wedding ring collection
Posen continued his design work by launching a collection of genderless wedding rings.
Costume designer for the film 'The Outfit'
Posen served as the costume designer for the 1950s-set film 'The Outfit,' showcasing his passion for suiting.
Costume designer for 'FEUD: Capote Vs. The Swans'
Posen created costumes for a key episode of the FX series, focusing on Truman Capote's legendary Black and White Ball.
Appointed EVP and Creative Director of Gap Inc. and CCO of Old Navy
Gap Inc. announced Posen's appointment, tasking him with leading design, merchandising, and marketing for Old Navy and serving as a cultural curator for Gap Inc.
Designs costumes for San Francisco Ballet's 'Cool Britannia'
Posen designed elegant, diaphanous costumes for Christopher Wheeldon's 'Within the Golden Hour' as part of the SF Ballet's 'Cool Britannia' show.
Designs Kendall Jenner's 2026 Met Gala gown for GapStudio
Posen unveiled a custom GapStudio design for Kendall Jenner at the 2026 Met Gala, a sculptural evening look inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
GapStudio launches Fall 2026 collection
Under Posen's direction, GapStudio debuted its Fall 2026 collection, a 20-piece wardrobe reinterpreting American utility and casualwear with modern proportions and sculptural silhouettes.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Zac Posen, born in New York City in 1980, quickly rose to prominence in the fashion world after launching his eponymous label in 2001. His designs, characterized by glamorous evening gowns and meticulous draping, became a favorite among Hollywood celebrities for red-carpet events. Posen's career expanded beyond couture, as he became a household name through his role as a permanent judge on 'Project Runway' from Season 11 to Season 16, which ran from 2012 to 2018. During this period, he also undertook significant collaborations, including a line of affordable bridal gowns with David's Bridal (Truly Zac Posen) in 2014, and designing uniforms for Delta Air Lines, unveiled in 2016 and implemented in 2018.
A key turning point came in November 2019 when Posen announced the immediate closure of his fashion label, House of Z and Z Spoke. The decision followed a comprehensive strategic and financial review, as the company struggled to find a buyer amidst a challenging retail landscape and the bankruptcy filing of major client Barneys New York. This marked the end of nearly two decades for his independent brand, leaving many wondering about his future in fashion.
Following the closure of his label and the end of his tenure as Creative Director for Brooks Brothers women's line in 2020, Posen diversified his creative endeavors. He released a collection of genderless wedding rings in 2021 and ventured into costume design for various productions. His work included designing for the New York City Ballet's 'The Shaded Line' in 2019-2020, the film 'The Outfit' in 2022, and a key episode of 'FEUD: Capote Vs. The Swans' in 2024, focusing on Truman Capote's Black and White Ball.
The most significant development in Posen's recent career occurred in February 2024, when Gap Inc. appointed him as Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Gap Inc. and Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy. This role positions him as a key figure in revitalizing these iconic American brands, marking the first time Gap Inc. has hired an executive-level creative lead since 2011. His immediate focus is on leading design, merchandising, and marketing for Old Navy, while also serving as a cultural curator for Gap Inc.
As of September 2026, Zac Posen is deeply entrenched in his role at Gap Inc. He designed a custom GapStudio gown for Kendall Jenner at the 2026 Met Gala, drawing inspiration from the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Furthermore, GapStudio, under Posen's direction, launched its Fall 2026 collection in August 2026. This 20-piece wardrobe reinterprets American casualwear, including denim, khaki, and utility clothing, through sculptural silhouettes and modern proportions, aiming to elevate familiar forms. Posen also contributed costume designs for the San Francisco Ballet's 'Cool Britannia' in February 2025, showcasing his continued involvement in the performing arts. His current status reflects a strategic shift from an independent luxury brand owner to a creative leader influencing broader American fashion through major retail platforms and diverse artistic projects.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Zachary E. Posen made different choices?