Random Questions For...Zac Posen

Zac Posen is as well known in fashion circles for his nightlife loving, bon vivant ways - and mischievously dandified personal style - as he is for the glamorous day dresses, feminine suiting and elegant evening gowns that have made him one of the main go-to designers for A-list socialites and red carpet-walking celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren and Beyoncé Knowles.

But at the ripe young age of 27, this native New Yorker clearly works as hard as he plays, as witnessed by a six-year-old collection that already includes fur, leg wear, body wear, shoes and handbags, along with the requisite ready-to-wear. And really, what’s not to love about a guy who employs his nearest and dearest (sis Alexandra is the company’s Creative Director and mom Susan, a lawyer, is CEO).

Today, the Zac Posen brand, which he launched in his parent’s living room in 2001, boasts 49 full-time employees and is carried in luxury stores the world over, from Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus to Harvey Nichols, Holt Renfrew and Vakko. Posen’s work has also been exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and at the FIT Museum in New York, and the designer himself was awarded the CFDA’s Swarovski/Perry Ellis Award for emerging talent in 2004.

The Fashion Informer persuaded the on-the-go designer - who studied fashion design at Parsons and London’s Central Saint Martins - to slow down for five minutes (ok, three) earlier this month to dish on his favorite model, his weekend plans and his music du jour.

So, Zac...

What's your favorite time of day?
Dawn, because I rarely get to see it and I love the world waking up.

What did you have for breakfast today?
Tomato juice with a twist of lemon, a croissant, berries and a black iced coffee. I’m quite partial to breakfast.

What did you do last weekend, and what are your plans for this weekend?
Last weekend I put on a fashion show in Melbourne and this weekend I will be in Bali.

Where else would you like to live (other than NYC) if you could?
There are so many places I haven’t explored yet. I’d love to live in Montana, Paris, Maine or Sussex.

Who is your favorite model of the moment?
Sasha. She balances a cool vacancy with effervescent luster. She has real star quality without flaunting it. And she’s an artist!

What's in current rotation on your iPod?
The Arcade Fire, The Veronicas, Stylofone, Patti Smith and Anna Netrebko.

What's your beverage of choice?
Mr. & Mrs. T, V8, ginger beer, hibiscus tea.

Who do you admire, and why?
A lot of my existence is about admiration. I like people who take risks and have a unique hand that they are born with. I admire people who hone and own their craft. Jane Goodall, Werner Herzog, Azzedine Alaia, Herzog & de Meuron, and Hillary Clinton for going all the way.

What is your all-time favorite store?
Treasure and Trifles, the food court at Bon Marché, Chantal Thomass.

What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween.

What would you like to be doing if you weren't a fashion designer?
Politician.

Favorite sport to watch/participate in?
Horse-riding (cutting and dressage), back-country powder skiing and rugby.

Tell me about your pet(s).
I have two beautiful dogs. I have a little Poodle – licorice colored – named Tina Turner. She is one of the world’s greatest snugglers. Her sister is named Grey (Bingo). She is a fox-red Pomeranian. I also have four birds: three little finches and a white dove.

What never fails to make you cry?
Waste, bad food, and the movie The Color Purple.

When are you happiest?
When I am draping, singing, dancing and cooking for people.

Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For...Joy Gryson.