Zac Posen Launches Sportswear!

Filed Under: Fashion Smashion Business Blitz Collection's Bureau Zac Posen

In a growing trend among high-end designers, Zac Posen is launching Z Spoke, a lower-priced American sportswear collection.

The opening price point for the collection, which will sell exclusively at Saks, is $78 dollars. Posen insists, however, "it's not Zac for less, it's not the little sister collection at all. The dresses - that's something I can do with my eyes closed. This is about a new identity." He describes the clothes as "minimalist and utilitarian," with an "urban hipster quality."

He went on to say, "We've had so much pressure from press and retailers to build out our collection into this more American sportswear look in our top line. To me, it's more appropriate to build a whole brand and collection around this price point. Chic sportswear should be at this price point. Designer dresses and cocktail pieces should be at a mor expensive price point."

Saks president and chief merchandising officer, Ron Frasch, seconds this notion, saying "Zac has always wanted to do a line that would be Zac Posen but maybe talk to a different girl." And with the recession creating a more difficult market for high-end gowns, the timing could not have been better. Frasch goes on to say, "Over the course of the past year, we got together with Zac…and began having conversations around how the world has changed and what some of the needs are that we had as a retailer. The moment was opportune."

That's not to say, however, that the collection won't excel in a healthier economy as well; Frasch says they expect the collection's performance to be "Significant. We're looking at this as a significant launch, a significant business relationship and something we believe has significant long-term legs."

Z Spoke is expected to launch in 17 Saks stores and on Saks.com in time for spring 2010.

We can't wait!!

[Images courtesy of Zac Posen.]

Posted: November 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm