Zac Posen, the creative powerhouse behind many iconic red-carpet moments, has taken on an expansive role at Gap Inc. as executive vice president and creative director. This appointment makes Posen the first designer to oversee all four of the company’s major brands: Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and Old Navy. At the same time, he also serves as the chief creative officer at Old Navy, a position that allows his vision to reshape the everyday staples of American wardrobes.
Posen’s journey from Brooklyn’s Saint Ann’s School to the Parsons School of Design paved the way for his eponymous label, launched in 2001. Known for its stunning red-carpet creations, his label helped redefine evening glamour for nearly two decades until its closure in 2019. Since then, Posen has navigated the industry with various consulting roles, but his position at Gap Inc. signifies his reemergence as a leader in American fashion, this time with a broader canvas.
At Gap Inc., Posen is focusing on making the brands culturally relevant, emphasizing better fit, quality, and style. Working closely with CEO Richard Dickson, he has brought a renewed energy to these household names, blending his high-fashion sensibilities with a distinctly American take on casual wear. His influence is already being felt, with Gap making notable appearances on the red carpet in 2024, including Da’Vine Joy Randolph at the Met Gala and Anne Hathaway at a Bulgari high jewelry event.
Posen has called this moment a “brand reinvigoration” for Gap Inc., centered around creating great products, memorable experiences, and fostering a culture of creativity. His goal: to turn these everyday brands into symbols of modern American style—one well-fitted tee, tailored jacket, and perfectly crafted dress at a time.