Zac Posen is an American fashion designer. Born in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City, Posen grew up in a large Jewish family, where he grew an interest in fashion through the traditional Jewish headwear Kippah.

Posen cultivated his art skills throughout middle school and high school at Saint Ann’s School where he’d graduate in 1999. He would go on to enroll at University of the Arts London for its womenswear degree program.

There, Posen would gain his attention for a gown displayed in a 2001 exhibition in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Later, once he returned to New York City, Posen participated in a capsule collection for GenArt’s 2001 Fresh Faces in Fashion New York. This led to him catching the attention of many industry titans including titans LVMH Fashion Group President Yves Carcelle, Christian Dior S.A. CEO Sidney Toledano, and more. Shortly after, Posen opened his own design studio in the New York Neighborhood Tribeca.

Posen began designing for major retailers like Target, Dave’s Bridal, Brooks Brothers,and even Delta Air Lines. Additionally, Posen has collaborated with celebrities like Glenn Close, Reese Witherspoon, and Naomi Watts for their red carpet appearances. He also made media appearances, staying on as a judge in Project Runway from season 11 to season 16.

Posen’s design company eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2019 but Posen himself continued on, taking on the roles of creative director of Gap and chief creative officer of Old Navy in 2024.