Zac Posen Designs Custom GapStudio Looks for 98th Academy Awards

The Gap Inc. executive vice president and creative director created red carpet outfits for actors Barbie Ferreira and Milo Manheim.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:20am by Ben Kaplan

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Renowned designer Zac Posen, who serves as the executive vice president and creative director of San Francisco-based retail giant Gap Inc., designed custom GapStudio looks for actors Barbie Ferreira and Milo Manheim for the 98th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026.

Why it matters

Posen's involvement in dressing Hollywood stars for the Oscars red carpet further solidifies the Bay Area's influence on the entertainment industry, building on the region's reputation for fashion, design, and creativity.

The details

Ferreira's cobalt blue gown featured a corseted bodice, flowy train, and large bow detail on the back, while Manheim wore a black tailcoat adorned with two brooches over a grey button-up shirt and bowtie. Posen has previously designed custom pieces for other Bay Area-connected events, including a silk GapStudio gown for singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams' Outside Lands debut and new costumes for the San Francisco Ballet.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Last summer, Posen designed a custom silk GapStudio gown for singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams for her Outside Lands music festival debut set at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
  • In 2025, Posen was tapped to create new costumes for the Christoper Wheeldon's 'Within the Golden Hour' in honor of Wheeldon's 25th anniversary choreographing for the San Francisco Ballet.

The players

Zac Posen

The executive vice president and creative director of San Francisco-based retail giant Gap Inc.

Barbie Ferreira

An actor who wore a custom GapStudio look designed by Posen to the 98th Academy Awards.

Milo Manheim

An actor who wore a custom GapStudio look designed by Posen to the 98th Academy Awards.

Gracie Abrams

A singer-songwriter for whom Posen designed a custom silk GapStudio gown for her Outside Lands music festival debut in San Francisco.

Christopher Wheeldon

A choreographer for whom Posen created new costumes for the San Francisco Ballet's 'Within the Golden Hour' in honor of Wheeldon's 25th anniversary with the company.

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What they’re saying

“Hollywood glamour for the Academy Awards,”

— Zac Posen (Instagram)

The takeaway

Zac Posen's involvement in dressing Hollywood stars for the Oscars red carpet further solidifies the Bay Area's influence on the entertainment industry, building on the region's reputation for fashion, design, and creativity.