DOES FASHION GIVE SECOND CHANCES?

As part of our reading week we were also tasked to watch various fashion related documentaries and House Of Z was the first document that really sparked my interest. It tells the story of the infamous American fashion designer Zac Posen.

Zac Posen is not only famous for his elegant designs but also for his outlandish behaviour and lifestyle. This documentary documents his rise to fame, his fall from grace and ultimately his mission to regain popularity and be given a second chance. His first big break was when he made a gown for the gorgeous Naomi Campbell in 2000, the gown was loved and adored by many and it was even borrowed by various other eager socialites to different events which made the dress even more sought after in turn making Zac Posen gowns even more in demand.

One factor I love about Zac Posen's rise to fame is how his first workshop was actually just within his family's home and how his family chipped in by actually quitting their jobs with his mother being his business manager and his sister becoming the labels creative director. However as the documentary proceeds it becomes quite clear that his beginnings aren't simply that humble and cute. 

Zac Posen's upbringing and beginnings seem to follow the same initial pattern as the majority of people that have made it big within the fashion industry; they're rich as hell. His parents managed to fund his move to London for university with ease and also give him a daily allowance. It seems that to be able to get anywhere within the fashion industry you have to have a few million behind you! I feel as if this was also one big factor into him losing popularity around 2004. People love a sob story, and people love seeing an underdog rise from nothing to something. However Zac rose from something to something even bigger! Obviously there were many other factors within his demise but I feel that people wanted to buy into a story rather than just great talent.

Zac Posen has recently tried to regain popularity and I believe that due to his sheer talent he will eventually redeem himself via his second chance. It's just whether the very unforgiving fashion industry decide to let him slide...