Zac Posen Spring 2011

An explosion of plumes greeted guests at Zac Posen’s inaugural Paris fashion show–a remarkable move for the New York-based designer motivated by the desire to show in a city that he says “takes him more seriously.” Showing at the gilded ballroom of the Westin Hotel, formerly the Intercontinental, and where YSL always showed, the 29 looks were Zac channeling modern day couture. Inspired by the Marchesa Casati, and the style of Jacqueline de Ribes, the colors were rich and deep, mixed with black, that boasted feathers sprouting at the hip and cleavage. The red and orange hues were particularly entrancing, as were what he called his “storm-cloud” gowns, made by dying silk chiffon from black to a pale green grey. There was daywear, however, including some great cropped jackets, but not much. The focus this go around was on girly glam, and Zac achieved success on multiple levels.