This guy is well spoken, charming, knowledgeable about his craft and its history, and not flamboyant (not that there is... anything... wrong with that). I'm not a dude but like many dudes, am not interested in fashion. But this is a great and engaging interview! It's actually super cool when technology meets fashion, reminds me of this super neat fashion exhibit I saw at the Met Museum that used technology to essentially virtually dissect these gorgeous ballgowns.
What he says about making jacquard is absolutely true. In the city where I live in Catalonia there's a textile/technology museum where you can see one of these original Jacquard machines with the punched cards. Fascinating.
I'm usually indifferent or even hateful of what I perceive as being a superficial fashion industry at times, but man that was a cool dress, made by a guy that was clearly clever.
+OnceUponAPiano Considering how thin and frail fiber optic fabric looks like it is and how easily she was spinning around, I don't think that dress is all that heavy. I worked in the couture (high end) department of Neiman Marcus for a year and I can tell if it were any other typical fabric that would be used for such a ball gown dress, it would be a whole lot heavier.
The Luddites were 19th-century English textile workers (or self-employed weavers who feared the end of their trade) who protested against newly developed labour-economizing technologies, primarily between 1811 and 1816.
Actually the theme was Manus X Machina; fashion in the age of technology (i.e. hand vs machine, hand in hand with machine). I much preferred Zac's execution of the much abused "lights on dress" concept. Karolina Kurkova's Marchesa dress was a hamfisted Project Runway tragedy. Ironic since Georgina Chapman is a judge on one of the Project Runway shows.
+lovepotionsinc Zac's design was a beautiful flattering garment in addition to being technologically inspired. That's a winning combo to me. 90% of those outfits looked like glorified clown costumes.
People were there to be seen and only seen, unfortunately. Which is a shame since the theme was so interesting. Barely any Issey Miyake with his pleats or Iris Van Herpen with her tremendously advanced use of materials and new methods, or vintage Alexander McQueen (Lee loved technology), even vintage Lacroix or Valentino, with embellishments that can no longer be reproduced for one reason or other (craftsmanship is not easy to pass down). Take Chanel, for instance. The famous Chanel braid trim on the iconic jackets was all hand done by Madame Pouzieux, who began making braids on a loom she custom built with her brother. She worked with Chanel from the days of Coco Chanel in 1947 until her passing in 2011. They would send her the tweed of the jacket and she would unravel it and use the threads as material for the braid. Very different than if she were sent a bunch of threads already separated, having never been part of a complete tweed canvas to pull inspiration from. Her unique method could not be replicated despite numerous efforts by Chanel to send people to learn her technique. No 3D printed anything at the red carpet either. Shame. But maybe it speaks to the current mood and culture in fashion. Technology, while readily available and advancing at tremendous velocity, is not always easy to embrace. I'm nostalgic for everything hand made, hand crafted, hand stitched. So was every designer who dressed the celebrities for the red carpet that night (with the exception of Zac, Marchesa and one or two others). 3D printing is particularly interesting because it can possibly disrupt the current hierarchy of fashion as we know it (haute couture trickles down to luxury and contemporary design, which in turn trickles down to mass produced, fast fashion). Anyway, I'm waffling on at this point. Sorry. :P
+lovepotionsinc Doesn't Anna Wintour have to give her approval for the Met Gala dresses? Idk, maybe it's her outdated attitudes that have resulted in horrid or worse, boring, choices on the Ball in the past years. It's become kind of a joke, a dumb event for celebrities to parade themselves instead of a celebration of innovation and fashion.
Sofia FP That's my biggest problem with Anna Wintour. Many have praised her for her foresight on "celebrities" and movie stars replacing the Supers on magazine covers but I think she's part of the problem in that today there's just celebrity for celebrity's sake and apparently that's something to be celebrated. As for approval on the actual clothing, I don't remember ever reading about that (otherwise, how would we get best and worst dressed?) but I do know she gets final say on who is able to attend and buy a table (she banned the cast of The Real Housewives from doing so one year). I doubt she has as much power as people today. Two years ago, maybe. But celebrities are brands of their own now and hardly need a nod of approval from Anna. It's not like she ever disapproves these days. The Kardashians are testament to that.
It's a bit odd Colbert didn't know his spouse sent Zac flowers, but I'm not married, so don't know the dynamics of a twenty-plus year marriage. Giving the designer two days of free advertising is worth it. Thanks for the cool discussion on the history of textiles! The teacher in me will be using it in spelling, math, art, science, history, geography, AND open discussion lessons. :) Thank-you for the inspiration and for reminding me of growing up reading Vogue and Architectural Digest magazines.
+Juan Manuel Pedrosa yes, but what they are talking about is spelled 'ombre', so they are probably referring to 'hombre' but don't kow how to pronounce
Paula Vezzulla I don't know, I don't speak french :D but in spanish the h is silent, so hombre is pronounced ombre. But yes...they are pronouncing it like Ambre
+Anner Chisline I find it so amusing that all these people like +MonkeyKong are so critical of everything. They belong on the 'I am very smart' thread on reddit. Check it out if you ever want a laugh!
Ginger Tuppence just add my shit to the reddit thread and maybe somebody will read it and people will finally start making clothes with electroluminescent wire/panels in them
I'm assuming you meant to say "hombre." Yes, that is what Stephen meant to say, but he said "hambre" rather than "hombre". A (somewhat) subtle change that means the difference between "man" and "hunger".
+Brandon Hall ...It was bait to fool you (and me) into watching some pretentious broomstick explain the apparent 200 year journey that lead to creating what is essentially a Tinkerbell outfit.
+Brandon Hall The science lessons for me were in the creation of fabrics and textiles and the math involved in creating them. This dress in particular could be used in figuring out how an angle or a combination of angles are needed to frame a human in order to stand and sit. The science can also come in figuring out when the person wearing it will need to use the washroom, or if the waistline will need to be loosened during a meal. What happens when the battery pack gets wet? The science in this is everywhere.
The guy's talking like modern technology is rooted in fashion, but his relationship between textile and technology is that they both used hole punches? He has the gall to credit textile makers for seeding the basis of most modern technology coming forth because they both used the same classroom utensil? Hole punches!? ... I'm sold, this guy's a genius.
I just find it ironic that it reminds me of the excess lifestyle of the bourgeois in the movie Hunger games which is what life is emulating more all the time.
+Who am I? Well, it's not exactly for events as dinners, but I see your point. Since the skirt is quite stiff, the most simple solution would be placing a small stool under the skirt, so the person can rest. Next question is: how to sit near the person wearing that and have a chat? Let's also remember the tecnology to weave optic fiber is all-new, so there's still a lot or research before you see it around more.
+gia I was watching these days that TV show, "Say Yes to the Dress" and then it hit me: that's a perfect costumer for such tupe of dress... Brides! Over the top exibhitionist ones!
***** Well the shape of the dress is perfect for that, Im just baffled by the choice of fabric, you could probably use better fabric, but maybe I just dont know how nice it is to wear telecommunication materials...
This guy is well spoken, charming, knowledgeable about his craft and its history, and not flamboyant (not that there is... anything... wrong with that). I'm not a dude but like many dudes, am not interested in fashion. But this is a great and engaging interview! It's actually super cool when technology meets fashion, reminds me of this super neat fashion exhibit I saw at the Met Museum that used technology to essentially virtually dissect these gorgeous ballgowns.
If only more people could have the passion for their craft that Zac does! He lives and breathes his craft as well as the history behind it.
That dress is what I imagine a 21st century Cinderella would wear
+Marissa The dress reminded me so much of the movie Stardust. Claire Danes was a fallen star in the movie... made me want to watch the movie again.
That dress took my breathe away. It's going down in history.
agreed
+Sam A looks like a big puff ball :P like something outta a shitty Disney movie
+Sam A , But is it Blue or is it Gold ?
+Seedzification oh don't start this again
The exact Cinderella dress I've always imagined.
"That's why it's a fad and not a fade"
Genius
I like listening to this guy. He seems to know his stuff.
Zac Posen earned my respect for life with this dress
Zac seems so sweet and adorable! God I wanna give him a big hug!
He has the face of a Greek god. I'm melting
Genius is definitely the right word.
that dress was everything
+Peachy *is
What he says about making jacquard is absolutely true. In the city where I live in Catalonia there's a textile/technology museum where you can see one of these original Jacquard machines with the punched cards. Fascinating.
+Arpa de Lluna Neat! I love embroidery, needlepoint, and petit point fabrics.
Oh God!! this guy is a genius!!
That dress is beyond beautiful
he should give lectures - they can totally be on fashion, i'll probably learn something in the process o_o his voice is strangely soothing...
I'm usually indifferent or even hateful of what I perceive as being a superficial fashion industry at times, but man that was a cool dress, made by a guy that was clearly clever.
+Cnith I'm not into fashion or those weird funny stuff we see on catwalks and news, but GOD DAMN this is a piece of art, amazing!
+Jay M well said
.....love that moment of temper tantrum when Stephen interrupts, haha genius
Zac Posen is adorable :)
brilliant and soooo handsome. I thought this was the best gown.
zac is a gem..
That dress is stunning
You can tell that guy is freakin SMART! I wanna have that genius aura.
That dress looked stunning!
the cyber punk fashion designer we deserve!
THE HUNGER GAMES! ARGH!
That dress is everything!!
i love these different guests
I love that dress. :) And the way she spun in it while it sparkled reminded me of the recent "Cinderella" movie :) :) :)
+CantStayAway I kept thinking of the Kleenex dresses and wedding gowns I would create for my Barbies back in the day. :)
Zac can be a fashion professor
I'm surprised that model was able to spin around - the dress looked several times heavier than her XD
+OnceUponAPiano Considering how thin and frail fiber optic fabric looks like it is and how easily she was spinning around, I don't think that dress is all that heavy.
I worked in the couture (high end) department of Neiman Marcus for a year and I can tell if it were any other typical fabric that would be used for such a ball gown dress, it would be a whole lot heavier.
OnceUponAPiano Organza is a very light fabric
We need more fashion designers on tv!
His smile is everything 😍
He's so cute I absolutely love him. He knows his history and craft. So successful.
The Luddites were 19th-century English textile
workers (or self-employed weavers who feared the end of their trade)
who protested against newly developed labour-economizing technologies,
primarily between 1811 and 1816.
Actually the theme was Manus X Machina; fashion in the age of technology (i.e. hand vs machine, hand in hand with machine). I much preferred Zac's execution of the much abused "lights on dress" concept. Karolina Kurkova's Marchesa dress was a hamfisted Project Runway tragedy. Ironic since Georgina Chapman is a judge on one of the Project Runway shows.
+lovepotionsinc Zac's design was a beautiful flattering garment in addition to being technologically inspired. That's a winning combo to me. 90% of those outfits looked like glorified clown costumes.
People were there to be seen and only seen, unfortunately. Which is a shame since the theme was so interesting. Barely any Issey Miyake with his pleats or Iris Van Herpen with her tremendously advanced use of materials and new methods, or vintage Alexander McQueen (Lee loved technology), even vintage Lacroix or Valentino, with embellishments that can no longer be reproduced for one reason or other (craftsmanship is not easy to pass down).
Take Chanel, for instance. The famous Chanel braid trim on the iconic jackets was all hand done by Madame Pouzieux, who began making braids on a loom she custom built with her brother. She worked with Chanel from the days of Coco Chanel in 1947 until her passing in 2011. They would send her the tweed of the jacket and she would unravel it and use the threads as material for the braid. Very different than if she were sent a bunch of threads already separated, having never been part of a complete tweed canvas to pull inspiration from. Her unique method could not be replicated despite numerous efforts by Chanel to send people to learn her technique.
No 3D printed anything at the red carpet either. Shame. But maybe it speaks to the current mood and culture in fashion. Technology, while readily available and advancing at tremendous velocity, is not always easy to embrace. I'm nostalgic for everything hand made, hand crafted, hand stitched. So was every designer who dressed the celebrities for the red carpet that night (with the exception of Zac, Marchesa and one or two others). 3D printing is particularly interesting because it can possibly disrupt the current hierarchy of fashion as we know it (haute couture trickles down to luxury and contemporary design, which in turn trickles down to mass produced, fast fashion).
Anyway, I'm waffling on at this point. Sorry. :P
+lovepotionsinc Doesn't Anna Wintour have to give her approval for the Met Gala dresses? Idk, maybe it's her outdated attitudes that have resulted in horrid or worse, boring, choices on the Ball in the past years. It's become kind of a joke, a dumb event for celebrities to parade themselves instead of a celebration of innovation and fashion.
Sofia FP That's my biggest problem with Anna Wintour. Many have praised her for her foresight on "celebrities" and movie stars replacing the Supers on magazine covers but I think she's part of the problem in that today there's just celebrity for celebrity's sake and apparently that's something to be celebrated.
As for approval on the actual clothing, I don't remember ever reading about that (otherwise, how would we get best and worst dressed?) but I do know she gets final say on who is able to attend and buy a table (she banned the cast of The Real Housewives from doing so one year). I doubt she has as much power as people today. Two years ago, maybe. But celebrities are brands of their own now and hardly need a nod of approval from Anna. It's not like she ever disapproves these days. The Kardashians are testament to that.
a true fairytale princess dress!
When I first watched project runway I thought he was just bullshit but he is an amazing and innovative designer!
I could listen to him all day!
subscribed coz of Zac Posen...love!!
> "I sent you nothing!"
> Zac smirks
> D'awwwwwww!!
+Angela Zhu Nothing but free advertising and a discussion online about him. Also, the event was criticised for using too many flowers.
Cool guest Stephen, I'm simple guy don't want a fancy dress but a t-shirt made of that thing would be a awesome thing to have.
simply stunning!
is it just me, or does Zac Posen look like a young Marlon Brando?
"I'm a super genius." "What'd you do?" "Put lights on it."
I wonder where the battery pack is.
+Scix You do not want to know ;-)
+Scix It's sewn into the dress's understructure
That's a really cool tie
oh Lord what a beautiful dress, wish i can have this dress for my weeding
Fav designer of our time
I need that dress for Mother's Day!
It's a bit odd Colbert didn't know his spouse sent Zac flowers, but I'm not married, so don't know the dynamics of a twenty-plus year marriage. Giving the designer two days of free advertising is worth it. Thanks for the cool discussion on the history of textiles! The teacher in me will be using it in spelling, math, art, science, history, geography, AND open discussion lessons. :) Thank-you for the inspiration and for reminding me of growing up reading Vogue and Architectural Digest magazines.
I knew he was a brilliant designer but had no idea he had such a cute personality too!
reminded me so much of katniss and that mockingjay dress...its incredibly amazing
At 2:49, unfortunately Comcast won’t be able to come and repair that outfit for another 1-4 weeks.
Look out Stephen! That jellyfish looks aggressive!
I love it. So amazing :) I want one.
Wonderful dress for a woman who wants to stand the entire evening and be stared at.
Progress!
Oh, come on
huh, so Verizon's making dresses now
He talks like Sheldon Cooper
*Sheldon Cooper with a touch of "fabulous"
He reminds me so much of Sheldon Cooper!
He's gorgeous.
lol at Stephen's Spanish. It's 'hombré'
Apparently using the unused stock of fiber optics from AT&T...
dayummmn
Is there a men's wear selection?
1:42 hambre = hunger / hombre = man
+Juan Manuel Pedrosa yes, but what they are talking about is spelled 'ombre', so they are probably referring to 'hombre' but don't kow how to pronounce
+Paula Vezzulla 'Ombre' is french for shade.
Paula Vezzulla I don't know, I don't speak french :D but in spanish the h is silent, so hombre is pronounced ombre. But yes...they are pronouncing it like Ambre
+Juan Manuel Pedrosa the french is pronounced "ombruh," actually, so he's mispronouncing it horrendously
furonet138 nah that's just a Japanese saying hombre..
Of all the 1983 fashion worthy of revival, that tie isn't. BURN IT forever. Everyone else did.
BTW: Is Zac from New York? ROFL.
it's so stiff and terrible in motion. Also, try something with electroluminescent wire/panels rather than optical fibres
+MonkeyKong He needed to do that version in order for you to suggest something more practical.
+Anner Chisline I find it so amusing that all these people like +MonkeyKong are so critical of everything. They belong on the 'I am very smart' thread on reddit. Check it out if you ever want a laugh!
Ginger Tuppence just add my shit to the reddit thread and maybe somebody will read it and people will finally start making clothes with electroluminescent wire/panels in them
imagine trying to dance with her
hes my lovee
OMG i'd faint if a dress lill less more than this looks exactly the same in light as it does when you dim the lights
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️💕💕
Crayon Pop's l.e.d. track suits are way cooler than the dress
Hambre is Spanish for hunger. Silly Stephen.
+Jesus Christ Ombre . . .
I'm assuming you meant to say "hombre." Yes, that is what Stephen meant to say, but he said "hambre" rather than "hombre". A (somewhat) subtle change that means the difference between "man" and "hunger".
+Jesus Christ ombre
A dress that lights up.Wtf is the big deal?
did he just copied the idea from the Disney night parade? lol
+Tivak Surol The Disney dresses use LED lights. This one uses fiber optics.
I hope Claire Danes didn't have to pee the entire evening.
+Baby Flying Spaghetti Monster theres a lot of things that could fit under the dress
i want it i want it i want it
The real life cinna.
Wouldn't it be a quick history lesson?
+Orion Tripodis
Exactly what I was thinking.
how do you clean this dress if you have an accidental spillage i.e. red wine?
well I guess since the fabric is made mainly of fiber optic... it would be somewhat water/fluid proof. right?
+quocodile did you just ask a question and answer it yourself
3d printed is way cooler imo.
Where's the Science Lesson? Am I missing something here?
+Brandon Hall ...It was bait to fool you (and me) into watching some pretentious broomstick explain the apparent 200 year journey that lead to creating what is essentially a Tinkerbell outfit.
+Brandon Hall
Peer reviewed studies prove that all fashion designers are gay.
+J Bin have you ever seen the 'I am very smart' thread on reddit?
+Brandon Hall The science lessons for me were in the creation of fabrics and textiles and the math involved in creating them. This dress in particular could be used in figuring out how an angle or a combination of angles are needed to frame a human in order to stand and sit. The science can also come in figuring out when the person wearing it will need to use the washroom, or if the waistline will need to be loosened during a meal. What happens when the battery pack gets wet? The science in this is everywhere.
Ginger Tuppence ye thats right, me calling him a broomstick is, to you, trying to seem really clever? OK!
The guy's talking like modern technology is rooted in fashion, but his relationship between textile and technology is that they both used hole punches? He has the gall to credit textile makers for seeding the basis of most modern technology coming forth because they both used the same classroom utensil? Hole punches!?
...
I'm sold, this guy's a genius.
Pretty sure "Cultural receive dish" is a porn, and it's filthy.
Hambre is hunger.
+Wicked Designs what does that have to do with anything?
I just find it ironic that it reminds me of the excess lifestyle of the bourgeois in the movie Hunger games which is what life is emulating more all the time.
So I guess a talk show appearance buys your wife a dress.
The dim is pretty cool but I can tell I do not think as much as this guy about culture and the personality of women when they wear dresses.
I cant see why this dress is that beautiful , for me it looks like any another white dress
it lights up
hi
His lips tho
how the fuck do you sit down in that monstrosity?
+Who am I? Well, it's not exactly for events as dinners, but I see your point. Since the skirt is quite stiff, the most simple solution would be placing a small stool under the skirt, so the person can rest. Next question is: how to sit near the person wearing that and have a chat?
Let's also remember the tecnology to weave optic fiber is all-new, so there's still a lot or research before you see it around more.
***** i like the integration of fiber optics, but thats about it. thanks for the info tho :)
+Karine Fonte wait they really want to use fiber optic for actual everyday fabric? I though tthis was just a "joke"/concept/one time thing
+gia I was watching these days that TV show, "Say Yes to the Dress" and then it hit me: that's a perfect costumer for such tupe of dress... Brides! Over the top exibhitionist ones!
***** Well the shape of the dress is perfect for that, Im just baffled by the choice of fabric, you could probably use better fabric, but maybe I just dont know how nice it is to wear telecommunication materials...
His suit sux
When they turned off the light, it was a bit creepy
+Joker sleep with a night-light?
Ayy
+ 1 like
this guy is sooo weird...
Cool a christmas tree designed by a jew.
Jews
so much