Zac Posen

Like most designing legends, wunderkind Zac Posen showed early signs of fashion fanaticism. At age four, he started cutting up yarmulkes and handkerchiefs to create gowns for his Barbie dolls that he later displayed for his family in puppet theatre plays. As a teen, he interned at Metropolitan's Costume Institute, he landed his first designer job at Tocca, and he moved to London to attend Central Saint Martins. In 2002, he catapulted to fame with a debut runway show that showcased Posen's unique ability to create beautiful and feminine garments using avant-garde ideas and techniques. In 2004, his coveted signature label was backed by Sean Combs.

"I'm more content now that I'm being recognized, because it allows me to do all kinds of projects. What's really amazing is to be able to make cultural statements. Since fashion touches everybody's lives, you can use it to express political views about ethics, labor, and women's rights."