Zac Posen Gowns for Under $100

If you thought scoring one Zac Posen dress for 80 bucks was a bargain, try three. "We made the ruffles detachable, like a Judy Garland apron," says the designer of a fire-engine red strapless number with frilled skirt from his new Target collection. "You can wear it as a skirt over the dress; undo it and drape it over your shoulders à la Cristóbal Balenciaga; or if you don't want any frou, take it off and you have a sexy date dress."





It's not hard to see why Posen is such a ladies' man. The designer has built a career on the kind of dramatic, head-turning dresses that win over Oscar-nominated actresses like Natalie Portman and young up-and-comers alike. One of his current muses is model and equestrian Mavis Spencer. But his Target collection broadens his reach to a whole new set of drama queens-not to mention prom queens. Posen's floor-dusting dress in a color-saturated, abstract print is Target's first-ever gown.

He also revisited some of his own iconic pieces, such as the trumpet dress he made for Naomi Campbell in 2001. "That was the dress that started my business," he says. "It's flirtatious and fun, but it has a punk, tough quality too." Another blast from the past, his snap dress, allows the wearer to "self-drape and self-create."





"Individuality" has always been a Posen mantra, and his fans will be happy to know the designer held tight to his core values. His Target line even boasts a tuxedo for women, a nod not only to vintage Saint Laurent but also to current events. "Lesbian proms have been such a big thing in the news lately," Posen says. "Rather than create a fake subculture, I wanted to address things that are actually happening." Not that you need to be gay to wear the tux; it just takes confidence, the designer explains. "It's a kick-ass girl who can wear a tuxedo to prom! Don't be afraid of drama," he adds. "Prom is one of the few opportunities in life when you can fulfill any romantic desires you have. And," he deadpans, with signature Posen wit, "there's no prenup attached to it." Nor would you need one at these prices.

Photo Credit, Images 1 & 3: Courtesy of Target

Photo Credit, Images 2 & 4: Victor Demarchelier

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