ZAC POSEN HEARTS NAOMI CAMPBELL

What does a runway queen wear? A ruby glitter ballgown, of course.

Naomi Campbell had Zac Posen’s crowd collectively uttering that fashion word of all words — wow — when she closed his Monday night show in the flocked taffeta bustier number against the grandeur of Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal.

Compared to a sea of muted greys, blues and blacks on other runways — and the gloom of winter’s deep freeze — Posen’s show of colour was a welcome sight. It included a range of reds, emerald green, plum, orange and sparkly disco silver in a column gown done up in bugle beads that glistened under the hall’s stately chandeliers.

Posen said in a backstage interview that he mixed his muses for autumn. He worked in stretch jersey, included more day looks and ran with a 70s vibe in sparkle. And there was mink, in scarves tied close to the neck, a coat and a bright orange top paired with a long loose skirt of a similar shade.

“We wanted more fluidity on the runway. I was feeling the glamour of Grace Kelly meets the spice of Chaka Khan. I draped most of the collection myself, on weekends. In my quiet moments,” the affable designer said. So what’s on Posen’s mind for the Oscars? “I don’t believe in pushing hard for red carpets. Getting something on a red carpet shouldn’t have to be a notch every awards show,” he said.

What else might be up for Posen? There’s a documentary in the works about his life. And the avid home chef who delights followers on Instagram with his recipes and hashtag of Cooking with Zac may just do a cookbook. He likes thinking up new recipes in the same way he likes taking fabric to a mannequin.

“Finding your ingredients is like finding a great fabric,” he said. “Both are sensual in the same way.”