With recent developments like his lower-priced Z Spoke line and a Go International collaboration with Target, Zac Posen is feeling upbeat, and it showed in a vibrant pre-fall collection the designer described as "Lewis Carroll meets Paloma Picasso." The Alice in Wonderland part—a very popular fashion reference these days (presumably because we could all use a little escapism)—came through via Rosson Crow's prints. A pair of striking black swans decorated the hem of a red velvet column gown, and sweet running bunnies and toadstools dotted georgette dresses and intarsia sweaters. As for the Paloma influence? That was evident in the seventies-ish silk bow-front blouses, flaring trousers, and pleated knee-length skirts, not to mention the models' painted red lips. As always, the collection had a serious theatrical streak; Posen's basics came in carnation red and neon pink. But we can't think of a girl around who wouldn't like a little drama in her life in the form of the designer's black and ivory strapless crepe marocain gown.
