Fashion designer Zac Posen on new collaborations, "creative burnout"
Zac Posen launched his own label 15 years ago when he was just 21 years old. Since then, world-famous women like Michelle Obama, Rihanna and Naomi Watts have worn his outfits on the red carpet.
But to prove he's more than a dressmaker for the prettiest of faces, Posen recently took on collaborations with global brands and companies, reports "CBS This Morning" co-host Norah O'Donnell.
When Zac Posen's Fall/Winter 2016 collection debuted at New York Fashion Week Monday night, the fashion world took notice.
His ability to create gracefulness by way of simplicity has made the 35-year-old one of his generation's brightest fashion talents.
His well-known clients regularly land magazine covers and leading roles.
Last month, Demi Moore wore a vintage dress Posen created in 2002 to the SAG Awards.
"We fit a dress on her from my second collection. She wore it and kind of showed Hollywood, 'This is what a great star is. This is the power of it.' And that's not something you can create," Posen said.
"What's the business effect of such a high-profile actress wearing one of your gowns?" O'Donnell asked.
"You can't directly necessarily quantify it unless that piece of clothing is in a store at that moment," Posen said.
When Posen got his start 14 years ago, department stores sold his lines. Now, as shopping habits evolve, he's ready to sell his pieces directly to his customers online - still without any storefronts.
"I didn't want rent right now. I didn't want inflated rent," Posen said. "I would love to have a store. I did e-commerce first because I wanted to directly have this dialogue with the consumer."
That dialogue includes his contemporary line, a collaboration with David's Bridal and the engagement rings he designs, all while creating his namesake fashion shows twice a year.
Posen said while working in the industry is "an honor and a great luxury," fashion "burnout" is a huge issue.
"The pace is enormous, the pressures are very high," Posen said. "Listen, creative burnout and physical burnout is real. I mean, there are moments when I get home - after overseeing, you know, almost 16 collections a year - where I can't move."
In addition to those 16 yearly collections, Posen is also pairing up with Brooks Brothers. The brand recently chosen him as its creative director.
Posen's characteristic style - hourglass gowns, billowing trains, colors out of the Crayola box - hits a more practical tone on the floor of the global retailer.
"This is very different. This is streamline - great discipline on my part of not over-detailing pieces," Posen said, laughing. "This is about making people look chic on the street."
The collaboration gives Posen experience to hone what the working woman wears. The idea that a designer known for his thousand-dollar gowns now wants to dress everyday Americans may sound unbelievable, but Posen's perch in the fashion industry is distinctly democratic.
"You know, since the beginning of my career, I have publicly dressed and represented women of all sizes, of all colors," Posen said. "And that's a big part of who I am, and what I want to give to the world."
Posen is also headed to the airport runways - Delta Airlines chose him to redesign the uniforms for its 60,000 employees, from flight attendants to customer service. Those outfits will be released next year.