Zac Posen says San Francisco has quickly become more than just the place where he works: it is the city he now calls home. The creative director of Gap Inc., who moved from New York two years ago, describes the city as one of the most beautiful in the world and has grown especially fond of its mix of scenery, culture, and everyday character.
Among the places and details that stand out to him are the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, where Ellsworth Kelly’s Blue Green Black Red is on view, and the city’s distinctive neighborhoods. He points to North Beach for its color and atmosphere, Chinatown for the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and the Ferry Building farmers market, which he praises for its local food sourcing. He also enjoys crossing the bay to Muir Woods National Monument, where old-growth trees add another layer to the region’s appeal.
Posen’s appreciation for San Francisco is also shaping his work at Gap Inc., which includes Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. He says the city’s energy shows up in the clothes, from relaxed tailoring to bright color. He has referenced San Francisco Bay in a denim gown he designed for Da’Vine Joy Randolph at the Met Gala, and he has also pointed to the city’s influence on collections and reissues tied to his fashion work.
Beyond the landmarks and the design inspiration, Posen is drawn to the city’s style culture. He describes it as a place where bold self-expression and understated California ease coexist, with everything from dramatic personal style to a more minimal, casual look. For him, San Francisco has also changed his own wardrobe, down to a newfound love of linen.
Source: cntraveler.com