Gap Names Zac Posen as Creative Director

The Designer Will Also Oversee the Company’s Portfolio of Brands, Including Banana Republic and Old Navy

Zac Posen has been appointed as the creative director of Gap Inc., taking charge of the creative vision for the American retail giant, which also includes brands Old Navy, Athleta, and Banana Republic.

In a move signaling a strategic shift, the 43-year-old designer will join the executive leadership team, becoming the “cultural curator and creative partner” to recently appointed CEO Richard Dickson. Additionally, Posen will take on the role of chief creative officer at Old Navy, where he will spearhead design, merchandising, and marketing efforts, reporting to Haio Barbeito, Old Navy’s brand president and chief executive.

This appointment is a significant milestone for Gap, marking the first time the company has appointed a creative lead at the portfolio level. Notably, Posen is the first fashion insider to fill such a role since Patrick Robinson, an alumnus of Armani, departed as the chief designer for the Gap brand in 2011.

Richard Dickson expressed confidence in Posen’s ability to blend cultural insight with technical expertise, aiming to guide Gap back on the path to success.

While Posen’s selection may raise eyebrows in the fashion industry, given the years since his peak influence, his earlier achievements cannot be overlooked. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, Posen, a New York City native, garnered attention for his imaginative gowns and dressed numerous celebrities, earning a reputation as a red carpet mainstay.

Despite facing challenges in recent years, including the closure of his eponymous brand after Barneys filed for bankruptcy in 2019, Posen has continued finding ways to contribute to the fashion world, with experience as the womenswear creative director at Brooks Brothers from 2014 to 2020 and collaborations with David’s Bridal and Delta Airlines.

Gap Inc., grappling with a series of challenges and leadership changes, sees Posen as a key figure to rejuvenate its creative direction. Previous collaborations – such as the high-profile partnership with Yeezy – faced setbacks, while Athleta, Old Navy, and Banana Republic have encountered difficulties in staying competitive in the retail landscape. Posen’s appointment is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective and creative energy to address these challenges.