i worked for Zac Posen during market week.
Zac Posen, Day One.
I've decided to chronicle what I've been doing in the studio/showroom while I intern with Zac Posen's company. For those of you that don't know, Zac Posen is a fresh, new, very successful clothing designer. Being a part of this even for a week is very exciting for me.
My quite amazing friend Jesse offered to let me stay in his apartment in Queens while I'm here. My flight got in really late, and the train from Long Island into Jamaica didn't run until 12:45. So with his help I finally got to his place around 3. Got an hour of sleep or so and then headed into Manhattan for my first day of work. Thank fuck, I had no problems whatsoever finding the studio.
The building itself was very old, but the showroom was a nice space, wood floors good lighting (duh) etc etc. I was initially blown away because the collection really is stunning. In the main room though, there is a dress form. On this form is one of the most incredible couture gowns I've ever seen. It's hard to describe: slightly metallic (gold, silver, and cream) leaves of stiff fabric are sewn together to make this really romantic skirt. and the top is like a flared corset. I'll get a picture of it on Tuesday.
My first task was making copies of the Domestic packet to show buyers. It fascinated me, to see all of this put together, the sketches, the fabric and color stories, the categories... anyway. After that, the models needed under-pinnings. Stephanie gave me her company card and told me to go to Wolford's in Soho for two nude slips and two nude camisoles. I found the store pretty easily but had to wait around for it to open. These four things alone cost $607.
I got back and started interacting with buyers, offering them coffee or water, letting people know their appointments were here etc etc. We got an enormous platter of sushi for lunch. I was kind of in heaven. I was worried I wouldn't be able to eat the entire time I was here (I'm a fucking billionaire but I'm poor). I was really happy this wasn't the case. After lunch I worked the front desk for a little while, taking calls and buzzing people in. Stephanie told me to relabel the index of the Domestic packet.
After that, I went to hang out with the models and help them get dressed. There were three (well four but I don't count the other girl because she was boring and left early), and they were beautiful and so sweet. I always thought that models who worked showrooms as fit models didn't do a lot of other modeling work but i was wrong. One of the girls, Lauren, was on Project Runway this season (Jillian's model) and Jeanette does a lot of really important runway work. I don't think Anna, the other model, is as successful but she's my favorite. BEAUTIFUL. She was surprised when I told her it was my first day and said I seemed really smooth about everything, like I knew what I was doing. The other girls agreed. Yeah yeah, compliments from models, I'm in paradise etc etc. That was the bulk of my day, but when some of the girls wanted hot chocolate I went out to Dunkin' Donuts and picked that up. My day ended around 7:30.
Then I got back into Queens. I stopped by the newsstand to pick up the new Rolling Stone (amazing Britney article, by the way) and guess what. Stephanie's card was still in my coat pocket. I feel like an enormous fuck up. But I've emailed and called and tried to get up with people with no luck. The office is closed today so I'm going to head over there tomorrow morning to drop it off. And hope that I don't get screamed at. Overall my first day there was really incredible and my lack of sleep didn't affect me at all.
And then I came back to Jesse's and got wasted. Y e a h.
Zac Posen, Day Two.
I drank too much last night. I was two hours late this morning. I am an incredibly responsible person.
Fear not though... it was not a big deal. I mean let's be honest with each other, I'm not getting paid for any of this work. Yesterday I dropped off Stephanie's card and she was actually incredibly sweet about it, seeming very relieved and thanking me for coming into town (it was six degrees outside).
Last night I tried to get a few things in order for MTSU's own fashion show which I am coordinating. This ended up completely stressing me out. So Jesse and I got a bottle of whiskey and drank most of it. Apparently this wasn't the best idea because I was not conscious until 9:30. So I came in and no one really said anything. :shrugs::. It was very awkward to be sober.
There were new interns today, and they were hysterical and I loved them. They're from Murderland too, cheers. Today was a bit busier than Saturday... the buyers from Bergdorf's arrived and everyone got a little stressed out. I was in the model room for basically the entire day. Thankfully the same girls from Saturday will be working all week. Lauren is my new best friend, there's a chance that I'm in love with her. After the.. honestly very long day, she asked me if I wanted to go lingerie shopping with her. and then we went to H&M. I think we're going to go out on Friday or Saturday.
It snowed pretty heavily today, and that was quite beautiful. New York feels like home. I'm going to miss it so much when I go back to Tennessee. And also. I drank so much Pellegrino today that I don't know how I'll go back to regular water. and I really don't want to.
Zac Posen, Day Three.
Ok. the weather was a fucking disaster today. Yes, it snowed yesterday and that was good, but this morning it was a little warmer and raining. This created slush. It was really disgusting. When I left Jesse's my hair was perfect, but I didn't have an umbrella for two blocks (until I bought one at a convenience store) and the rain sort of killed that. Otherwise, I'm not gonna lie to you, I looked amazing.
So. upon arriving at the studio, one of the people I noticed first was Mr. Posen himself. Hmm.. maybe I should rephrase: ZAC POSEN WAS FUCKING THERE TODAY, HE WAS LIKE RIGHT NEXT TO ME. I acted like a complete fanboy and walked away to like, hyperventilate and... it was really silly. He's so goddamn cute, cuter in person, and quite tan at the moment.
I'm not sure what else to say about that. I was a wreck. I decided not to interrupt him while he was working. But I was in the showroom and turning the corner to go into the model room and he was also turning this corner. So we almost collided but did not, and HE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID "HI" and I said "hi, how are you doing?" I'm such a loser. He wears Wayferers when there is no sun outside.
I dressed models. I ate sushi, I drank Pellegrino. Then Stephanie sent me out to pick up two "congratulations on giving birth" cards and some groceries. Nothing incredibly memorable happened today. I really am loving market week.. buyers come in and give their opinions on the clothing, and changes are made accordingly. I know that sounds obvious, but it's still interesting to be around.
AFTER WORK I WENT TO THE SPICE GIRLS CONCERT IN JERSEY. My friend Cory was in town and offered me a ticket. It was a fucking incredible show, it really was. Everything glittered, it was phenomenal.
My camera's battery is dying. I'm pretty bummed out. I did manage to get a pretty sweet shot of Anna wearing this mink-covered coat. And Cory got some amazing shots at the concert. So... pictures soon I s'pose. My feet have never been so angry with me. Bye!
Zac Posen, Day Four.
Ok. I woke up completely exhausted and looked terrible today. I really wanted to shave but didn't have time. So tomorrow (my last day) I'm going to try to look a lot better. And maybe bring flowers for Ayana and Stephanie.
This morning Saks Fifth Avenue was in the showroom. They were our biggest appointment for the week. While most buyers come in teams of two or three, they had ten people with them. And four hours blocked off for them on the schedule. Even though they were all very laid back, you could tell everyone working the showroom was STRESSED. I think they really loved the collection though and bought a lot of the pieces.
Beyond that it was a relatively slow day. Or maybe I was just moving slowly because I was SO TIRED. but. ZAC POSEN CAME IN TO OUR LITTLE ROOM AND INTRODUCED HIMSELF AND TOOK PICTURES WITH US. I will now, word for word, recount our interaction. After the girls took a picture with him, I said "Hi I'm Matt" and shook his hand. And then I smiled sheepishly and said "Would you mind if I got a picture too? Sorry, I feel like such a fanboy" and he said "No, of course" and so. we took the picture and he was, "Let's see it!" and then he was "So cute!" and smiled and I just... He left the room and I completely lost it. I got all flustered and started shaking and could not breathe, much less work a zipper. I'm not sure why. Eventually I shed tears of joy and pulled myself together. Ridiculous.
Exchanged contact info with the models. Stephanie got everyone a box of sweethearts. I think I'm in love with this week. I am also, clearly in love with Zac Posen, who looked at me with a really big smile when I passed him in the workroom later, probably because I embarrassed myself. It's true. I'm thirteen years old, and female. I left my camera's charger and cord at home, so I'll upload pictures on Sunday. happy valentine's day etc.
Zac Posen, Day Five.
So today was the last day of market week. I picked up two yellow roses for Ayana and Stephanie to say thank you for the week.
Everyone was in a great mood, and very excited that the week was basically over. It was an easy day. We saw really important clients (Nordstrom and Bergdorf's) but these buyers were mostly interested in evening wear, and the gowns are the easiest to try on and zip up. But all week I had been obsessing over these two couture gowns that were pinned to mannequins, AND NORDSTROM WANTED TO SEE THEM. I was so freaking excited. Anna left today, so there was a small casting mostly executed by myself and Lauren. The first two girls were NOT MODELS AT ALL. ugh I was so confused, they were awful. They left and Ayana called Jeanette's (had a casting for a Target commercial today!! Oh I love her) agency, and they sent over Mila. Whom I believe was Russian, quite stunning, and loved my haircut.
So I went out to the showroom with Mila because I wanted to see what Nordstrom's reaction was to the gown. I was not happy. They wanted to change so much about it. I wanted to walk over there and knock them on the head and say "that is the most perfect gown I have ever seen and you will love it just the way it is" but... I'm just an intern right now.
The three girls from MD... well only one of them showed up. If today hadn't been so easy.. that might have been a disaster. I had been working as hard as possible all week and I think it showed. I say this because... well STEPHANIE OFFERED ME A FULL INTERNSHIP. This was near the end of the day. Then everyone went into the workroom to toast Ryan (I drank champagne with Zac Posen etc etc), who was leaving the company. It was very... poignant. You can just tell that everyone working there loves what they're doing. Zac's mom and sister both work with him and it all just seems like a very familial environment. Barry, the president of the company, started talking to me and thanked me for all my work and asked me about school and career goals. I told him I was hoping to work with him again in the fall. He asked me about the summer, but I explained that Stephanie had already arranged for all the interns for the summer. After this, he talked to Stephanie and essentially told her to give me the season I wanted, Summer or Fall. I love Barry.
On my way out, Zac introduced me to his sister (actually it was really awkward, because we had met earlier that day, but Zac said "have you met my sister?" and it caught me so off-guard and my immediate response was no, and she said "oh we did, in the kitchen!" and I was "Oh my gosh that's right! and I told you I loved your jacket..." I suck). I told him it was my last day. He thanked me for my work and asked me if I'd be coming back, "Yes hopefully I'll be interning in the summer or fall" and he was "Well please come back." It was the perfect ending. Honestly I can hardly contain myself. I just.. I went through a period where I wasn't sure if any of this was really going to happen for me, if I would ever really be in this industry. The fact that I don't really have this concern anymore is tremendous.
So now I need to get this arranged. Ideally I will stay with Jeanette or Lauren. When I get back to TN tomorrow, I need a job. I will also accept donations.
I've decided to chronicle what I've been doing in the studio/showroom while I intern with Zac Posen's company. For those of you that don't know, Zac Posen is a fresh, new, very successful clothing designer. Being a part of this even for a week is very exciting for me.
My quite amazing friend Jesse offered to let me stay in his apartment in Queens while I'm here. My flight got in really late, and the train from Long Island into Jamaica didn't run until 12:45. So with his help I finally got to his place around 3. Got an hour of sleep or so and then headed into Manhattan for my first day of work. Thank fuck, I had no problems whatsoever finding the studio.
The building itself was very old, but the showroom was a nice space, wood floors good lighting (duh) etc etc. I was initially blown away because the collection really is stunning. In the main room though, there is a dress form. On this form is one of the most incredible couture gowns I've ever seen. It's hard to describe: slightly metallic (gold, silver, and cream) leaves of stiff fabric are sewn together to make this really romantic skirt. and the top is like a flared corset. I'll get a picture of it on Tuesday.
My first task was making copies of the Domestic packet to show buyers. It fascinated me, to see all of this put together, the sketches, the fabric and color stories, the categories... anyway. After that, the models needed under-pinnings. Stephanie gave me her company card and told me to go to Wolford's in Soho for two nude slips and two nude camisoles. I found the store pretty easily but had to wait around for it to open. These four things alone cost $607.
I got back and started interacting with buyers, offering them coffee or water, letting people know their appointments were here etc etc. We got an enormous platter of sushi for lunch. I was kind of in heaven. I was worried I wouldn't be able to eat the entire time I was here (I'm a fucking billionaire but I'm poor). I was really happy this wasn't the case. After lunch I worked the front desk for a little while, taking calls and buzzing people in. Stephanie told me to relabel the index of the Domestic packet.
After that, I went to hang out with the models and help them get dressed. There were three (well four but I don't count the other girl because she was boring and left early), and they were beautiful and so sweet. I always thought that models who worked showrooms as fit models didn't do a lot of other modeling work but i was wrong. One of the girls, Lauren, was on Project Runway this season (Jillian's model) and Jeanette does a lot of really important runway work. I don't think Anna, the other model, is as successful but she's my favorite. BEAUTIFUL. She was surprised when I told her it was my first day and said I seemed really smooth about everything, like I knew what I was doing. The other girls agreed. Yeah yeah, compliments from models, I'm in paradise etc etc. That was the bulk of my day, but when some of the girls wanted hot chocolate I went out to Dunkin' Donuts and picked that up. My day ended around 7:30.
Then I got back into Queens. I stopped by the newsstand to pick up the new Rolling Stone (amazing Britney article, by the way) and guess what. Stephanie's card was still in my coat pocket. I feel like an enormous fuck up. But I've emailed and called and tried to get up with people with no luck. The office is closed today so I'm going to head over there tomorrow morning to drop it off. And hope that I don't get screamed at. Overall my first day there was really incredible and my lack of sleep didn't affect me at all.
And then I came back to Jesse's and got wasted. Y e a h.
Zac Posen, Day Two.
I drank too much last night. I was two hours late this morning. I am an incredibly responsible person.
Fear not though... it was not a big deal. I mean let's be honest with each other, I'm not getting paid for any of this work. Yesterday I dropped off Stephanie's card and she was actually incredibly sweet about it, seeming very relieved and thanking me for coming into town (it was six degrees outside).
Last night I tried to get a few things in order for MTSU's own fashion show which I am coordinating. This ended up completely stressing me out. So Jesse and I got a bottle of whiskey and drank most of it. Apparently this wasn't the best idea because I was not conscious until 9:30. So I came in and no one really said anything. :shrugs::. It was very awkward to be sober.
There were new interns today, and they were hysterical and I loved them. They're from Murderland too, cheers. Today was a bit busier than Saturday... the buyers from Bergdorf's arrived and everyone got a little stressed out. I was in the model room for basically the entire day. Thankfully the same girls from Saturday will be working all week. Lauren is my new best friend, there's a chance that I'm in love with her. After the.. honestly very long day, she asked me if I wanted to go lingerie shopping with her. and then we went to H&M. I think we're going to go out on Friday or Saturday.
It snowed pretty heavily today, and that was quite beautiful. New York feels like home. I'm going to miss it so much when I go back to Tennessee. And also. I drank so much Pellegrino today that I don't know how I'll go back to regular water. and I really don't want to.
Zac Posen, Day Three.
Ok. the weather was a fucking disaster today. Yes, it snowed yesterday and that was good, but this morning it was a little warmer and raining. This created slush. It was really disgusting. When I left Jesse's my hair was perfect, but I didn't have an umbrella for two blocks (until I bought one at a convenience store) and the rain sort of killed that. Otherwise, I'm not gonna lie to you, I looked amazing.
So. upon arriving at the studio, one of the people I noticed first was Mr. Posen himself. Hmm.. maybe I should rephrase: ZAC POSEN WAS FUCKING THERE TODAY, HE WAS LIKE RIGHT NEXT TO ME. I acted like a complete fanboy and walked away to like, hyperventilate and... it was really silly. He's so goddamn cute, cuter in person, and quite tan at the moment.
I'm not sure what else to say about that. I was a wreck. I decided not to interrupt him while he was working. But I was in the showroom and turning the corner to go into the model room and he was also turning this corner. So we almost collided but did not, and HE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID "HI" and I said "hi, how are you doing?" I'm such a loser. He wears Wayferers when there is no sun outside.
I dressed models. I ate sushi, I drank Pellegrino. Then Stephanie sent me out to pick up two "congratulations on giving birth" cards and some groceries. Nothing incredibly memorable happened today. I really am loving market week.. buyers come in and give their opinions on the clothing, and changes are made accordingly. I know that sounds obvious, but it's still interesting to be around.
AFTER WORK I WENT TO THE SPICE GIRLS CONCERT IN JERSEY. My friend Cory was in town and offered me a ticket. It was a fucking incredible show, it really was. Everything glittered, it was phenomenal.
My camera's battery is dying. I'm pretty bummed out. I did manage to get a pretty sweet shot of Anna wearing this mink-covered coat. And Cory got some amazing shots at the concert. So... pictures soon I s'pose. My feet have never been so angry with me. Bye!
Zac Posen, Day Four.
Ok. I woke up completely exhausted and looked terrible today. I really wanted to shave but didn't have time. So tomorrow (my last day) I'm going to try to look a lot better. And maybe bring flowers for Ayana and Stephanie.
This morning Saks Fifth Avenue was in the showroom. They were our biggest appointment for the week. While most buyers come in teams of two or three, they had ten people with them. And four hours blocked off for them on the schedule. Even though they were all very laid back, you could tell everyone working the showroom was STRESSED. I think they really loved the collection though and bought a lot of the pieces.
Beyond that it was a relatively slow day. Or maybe I was just moving slowly because I was SO TIRED. but. ZAC POSEN CAME IN TO OUR LITTLE ROOM AND INTRODUCED HIMSELF AND TOOK PICTURES WITH US. I will now, word for word, recount our interaction. After the girls took a picture with him, I said "Hi I'm Matt" and shook his hand. And then I smiled sheepishly and said "Would you mind if I got a picture too? Sorry, I feel like such a fanboy" and he said "No, of course" and so. we took the picture and he was, "Let's see it!" and then he was "So cute!" and smiled and I just... He left the room and I completely lost it. I got all flustered and started shaking and could not breathe, much less work a zipper. I'm not sure why. Eventually I shed tears of joy and pulled myself together. Ridiculous.
Exchanged contact info with the models. Stephanie got everyone a box of sweethearts. I think I'm in love with this week. I am also, clearly in love with Zac Posen, who looked at me with a really big smile when I passed him in the workroom later, probably because I embarrassed myself. It's true. I'm thirteen years old, and female. I left my camera's charger and cord at home, so I'll upload pictures on Sunday. happy valentine's day etc.
Zac Posen, Day Five.
So today was the last day of market week. I picked up two yellow roses for Ayana and Stephanie to say thank you for the week.
Everyone was in a great mood, and very excited that the week was basically over. It was an easy day. We saw really important clients (Nordstrom and Bergdorf's) but these buyers were mostly interested in evening wear, and the gowns are the easiest to try on and zip up. But all week I had been obsessing over these two couture gowns that were pinned to mannequins, AND NORDSTROM WANTED TO SEE THEM. I was so freaking excited. Anna left today, so there was a small casting mostly executed by myself and Lauren. The first two girls were NOT MODELS AT ALL. ugh I was so confused, they were awful. They left and Ayana called Jeanette's (had a casting for a Target commercial today!! Oh I love her) agency, and they sent over Mila. Whom I believe was Russian, quite stunning, and loved my haircut.
So I went out to the showroom with Mila because I wanted to see what Nordstrom's reaction was to the gown. I was not happy. They wanted to change so much about it. I wanted to walk over there and knock them on the head and say "that is the most perfect gown I have ever seen and you will love it just the way it is" but... I'm just an intern right now.
The three girls from MD... well only one of them showed up. If today hadn't been so easy.. that might have been a disaster. I had been working as hard as possible all week and I think it showed. I say this because... well STEPHANIE OFFERED ME A FULL INTERNSHIP. This was near the end of the day. Then everyone went into the workroom to toast Ryan (I drank champagne with Zac Posen etc etc), who was leaving the company. It was very... poignant. You can just tell that everyone working there loves what they're doing. Zac's mom and sister both work with him and it all just seems like a very familial environment. Barry, the president of the company, started talking to me and thanked me for all my work and asked me about school and career goals. I told him I was hoping to work with him again in the fall. He asked me about the summer, but I explained that Stephanie had already arranged for all the interns for the summer. After this, he talked to Stephanie and essentially told her to give me the season I wanted, Summer or Fall. I love Barry.
On my way out, Zac introduced me to his sister (actually it was really awkward, because we had met earlier that day, but Zac said "have you met my sister?" and it caught me so off-guard and my immediate response was no, and she said "oh we did, in the kitchen!" and I was "Oh my gosh that's right! and I told you I loved your jacket..." I suck). I told him it was my last day. He thanked me for my work and asked me if I'd be coming back, "Yes hopefully I'll be interning in the summer or fall" and he was "Well please come back." It was the perfect ending. Honestly I can hardly contain myself. I just.. I went through a period where I wasn't sure if any of this was really going to happen for me, if I would ever really be in this industry. The fact that I don't really have this concern anymore is tremendous.
So now I need to get this arranged. Ideally I will stay with Jeanette or Lauren. When I get back to TN tomorrow, I need a job. I will also accept donations.