'Posen for Target'

Rihanna with Zac Posen

First there was Karl Lagerfeld for H&M, then we saw Matthew Williamson unveil his first capsule collection last spring for the Swedish fast fashion giant.

This past October, we saw Jil Sander at Uniqlo and squeezed as best we could into kidswear designed by Stella McCartney at Baby Gap.

And now, get ready for Zac Posen.

The fashion darling will design, according to WWD today, the next limited edition collection for Target’s Go International series – which has in the past delivered the creations of Jonathan Saunders, Alexander McQueen, Thakoon and Rogan. The exclusive collection is expected to hit Target stores nationwide and online from April 25 to May 30, 2010.

Posen, a favorite among budding socialites and young Hollywood (Sean Combs is a well-known financial backer of the label), has a flair for designing forties-inspired frocks with lace, fur and other luxurious extras for his adoring clients: Diane Kruger, Vanessa Hudgens, Demi Moore and Joy Bryant.

The 29-year-old designer created a collection of red-carpet gowns and tailored pants for Target Australia in 2008, although the two companies are unrelated in most respects.

Will we see some more ruffle-ridden, mini-floral dresses and black-tie pantsuits reduced to the $15 to $150 range?

Zac Posen Fall '09

I’m hoping the answer is “yes.”

One would think that Posen, whose pieces range from $900 to $12,000 in price, is trying to generate more visibility.

In a move similar to many of Posen’s fashion contemporaries, the capsule collections are a sure way to generate buzz and increase marketability among new, first-time customers.

Vanessa Hudgens in Zac Posen

For small fashion houses like that of Posen (insiders have filled me in on the hiring freeze in an effect – not so much a secret), thinking outside the ready-to-wear box is the only way to ride the recession wave.

In fact, plans are already in the works for Z Spoke, another more affordable line exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Whatever Posen’s motive may be, I expect to hit the stores early for a chance to buy my very own “Zac Posen” fashion masterpiece.

P.S. Happy Cyber Monday everyone! Don't miss out on the deals today! Only a few hours left!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of stylenews.peoplewatch.com; nymag.com; instyle.com

'Mother It Up'

Living in a perpetually recession-and-global-warming-obsessed world, this year’s Earth Day had the expected bombardment of ‘Go Green’ advertisements and ‘Earth-Friendly Fashion’ newsletters crowding my inbox. While I do commend my boss and coworkers’ efforts to ration our use of paper and lighting in the office, I do not see myself sporting any of the eco-masks that were being passed around.

Plus, I don’t think that I usually expose myself to harmful fumes. I don’t even own a moped…

As for talk of eco-sustainable initiatives and ‘Green jobs – Hope or Hype,’ I’ll save it for the other 364 days of the year.

But I will take my inspiration from Mother Earth and the sense of rebirth that follows spring’s first budding flowers. From frilly chiffon dresses to ornate glass tumblers, nature’s green thumb is cropping up everywhere:

1. Thakoon has a lovely floral dress for $1,255. Zac Posen has a similar ruffled number for $2,400. And model Theodora Richards and actress Rachel Weisz have been sighted wearing mini and tulip-skirted versions by TopShop and Phillip Lim in May’s issue of Vogue. Finding a print with microscopic blossom flowers is key. To the bottom, a reversible silk Rag & Bone tank from Shopbop.


2. Because I drink at least two cups of tea a day, Pier 1 Imports has a ceramic tea set painted with a delicate floral design. Inexpensive (on sale $24) and perfect for entertaining guests.

3. A mixture of mother-of-pearl, wood and pearl beading, this flower beaded ring by Miriam Haskell ($280) for Vivre.com is a definite conversation starter.


In my continuing promise to Mother Earth, I vow to start setting up fresh flowers and plants around the house. There is nothing like a growing pot of lavender flowers or even some aloe to both freshen up a room and serve medicinal purposes. Why thank you Mother.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Shopbop, Pier 1 Imports and Vivre.com