Zac Posen is the type of designer that everyone wants to be friends with.
Naturally, you or I could never make it into his social circle, as Posen is a fashion artist who rose to fame in his early ‘20s. Posen is a hot item—Sean “Diddy” Combs and the Olsen twins are just a few of the celebrities who count themselves as posse members. Not to mention, Posen is adorable, with poster-boy looks and a smile that is seriously its own work of art. His designs are New-York bred, and an urban-chic style paired with clean cuts and modern touches has made his line up-to-date and trendy. Now the genius that is Zac Posen is available at Target, and the designer has the opportunity to profit from all the broke college girls who are constantly in need of new dresses. Yes, I include myself in that statement.
Target’s Go International line has always been a favorite of mine, and the mega-chain has been able to bring in a number of respectable designers to lend their names and talent to a limited-time-only collection of pieces. Top couture brands such as Luella, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, and Paul & Joe have been featured for the Go International collection, and in the past the designers have whipped up beautiful blouses, cocktail dresses, cardigans, and swimsuits. The collection is a nice addition to Target’s constant lines, including Isaac Mizrahi, Massimo, Xhilaration, and Converse, just to name a few.
The line, which will appear in Target stores on April 25, is nothing short of fabulous. After seeing the highlights from the collection, it’s clear Posen has featured trends from decades past, modernizing each look. Posen is also successful in mixing bright and neon colors without making the look too overwhelming.
The classic “little black dress” is turned into a sweater dress, a bohemian-inspired print gown is complemented by bright reds, pinks, and greens, a ‘40s styled scarlet one-piece bathing suit is accessorized by a printed head scarf, and a neon-colored zebra-print dress (circa 1980) is short and sweet. These timeless looks are given a splash of color and a modern twist, which will be much appreciated by the current generation. Perhaps my favorite designs are the gold metallic bandeaus and the ‘60s inspired mod raincoat, in a beautiful mustard hue.
Posen has also made use of familiar, yet stunning materials, including brocade in a clean-cut, floral cocktail dress adorned with a large bow, satiny tuxedo pants, and a fierce leather jacket in bright red. The motorcycle jacket is the most expensive item offered by the designer, priced at $199 a pop.
If you are a Zac Posen fan at heart, it would suit you well to sport the tank top bearing his first name, written in deep red lipstick tailing at the end of the ‘C.’ Accessorized with T-strap heels, bright socks, rosy makeup, braided belts, and square-framed Wayfarer sunglasses, each look is comprehensive, yet all are capable of being intermixed to create new styles. Posen has certainly struck gold once again with his designs; however, this time it’s gold we can all afford.
Fashion always feels better when it’s inexpensive as well as visually appealing. Posen has been able to live up to these standards with his contributions to the Go International line, along with the other designers who have been able to make hits with their economically-savvy fashion pieces. It feels even better when you’re wearing couture-worthy designs that could have potentially been featured on the runway. I would like to take a moment here to thank Target and Zac Posen, for recognizing the little people…who often have little wallets.
As featured in Elle magazine, Posen said “I wanted to create electric pieces that will make any woman feel like a movie star.” Posen was able to use luxury fabrics while keeping the prices moderate and realistic. According to the same magazine, he has made history for the Go International line—designing the first floor-length gown and tuxedo suit for the corporation. He has also made history for himself, designing his first-ever collection of bathing suits. The collection is an accomplishment for both designer and consumer – the latter is able to afford luxury items while the former can lend his creative talents and new ventures in designing for a store that may not be glamorous, but is a shopping staple for Americans everywhere.
