The internationally celebrated fashion designer discusses his foray into engagement rings and fine jewellery
Zac Posen, the renowned fashion designer, has created some of the red carpet’s most iconic looks. Perhaps establishing Truly Zac Posen Bridal with David’s Bridal in 2014 was the catalyst for moving deeper into the world of wedding fashion and accessories. His collaboration with Blue Nile resulted in his debut collection of engagement rings Truly Zac Posen, and fine jewellery ZAC Zac Posen Fine Jewellery. He discusses his expansion into jewellery, and why he said “I do” to the iconic jeweller.
Hong Kong Tatler: What led to the partnership of Blue Nile x Zac Posen?
Zac Posen: The design philosophy that we value at Zac Posen is well aligned with that of Blue Nile. It was very important to me that we partner with a company who feels strongly about the integrity of craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity.Truly Zac Posen Bridal with David's Bridal was the perfect way to move into the bridal category. We were always looking to expand and our partnership with David's Bridal was the perfect way to start building our world of bridal.
HKT: What does an engagement ring mean to you?
ZP: Engagement rings are a symbol of an intimate love and commitment between two people. The physical structure – a strong beautiful diamond and the endless shape of the ring – symbolise the core essence of an engagement.
HKT: Your gowns and outfits are a red carpet favourite, but how much thought do you put into accessorising and fine jewellery? What role does it play in your design aesthetic?
ZP: We put a lot of thought into accessorising. It's a very important part of building and finishing a look. Like red carpet gowns, fine jewellery is also inspired by meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design. I'm very committed to ensuring that my design philosophy is demonstrated throughout each of my collections and product categories. These values are the focal point for everything we create.
HKT: What are your top three favourite Zac Posen red carpet looks over the years?
ZP: I love all the red carpet moments I’ve shared with friends and peers over the past decade. Recently, Courtney Love and Rihanna came into the studio. They were both incredible to work with, both such passionate and smart women.
HKT: What are your thoughts on the parallels between fashion design and jewellery design?
ZP: When designing fine jewellery, I am working with various types of materials which means the guidelines and parameters of what is possible changes, but overall designing fashion and jewellery is quite similar. We go through a number of concept meetings, design reviews, and final collection assessments. Similar to fashion design, it takes months to pull together a collection that perfectly represents your brand and that speaks to the Zac Posen woman.
HKT: What have the challenges been in taking on the role of jewellery designer, and how will it influence your work as a fashion designer going forward?
ZP: I am a very hands-on designer. I like to be involved in each brand, from design through to marketing. We have been fortunate enough to launch fine jewellery, eyewear, and hosiery in the last 12 months so I'm constantly challenging myself to be educated and inspired so we can create these collections across multiple categories. Each one influences the other, ultimately creating the world of Zac Posen. It was a huge accomplishment that we were able to extend the Truly Zac Posen bridal collection and the ZAC Zac Posen contemporary collection into the fine jewellery category. It’s an exciting time and I’m thrilled with the positive response that we’ve received.
HKT: Tell us how you’re going to take the brand further in the future.
ZP: I am always looking for opportunities to grow our business. It's about timing and strong partnerships. We are very strategic about continuing to grow the business. I can say that we have some very exciting things happening in 2015!
To find out more about Zac Posen’s jewellery collections, click here
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