One to Watch
Monday, January 11, 2010 at 12:47 PM 
Image via The Globe and Mail
Anyone who frequents a fashion blog or two has most likely read about Prabal Gurung in the past year. He was one of the hot newcomers of 2009 and an instant favorite among stars such as Demi Moore, Rachel Weisz and Zoe Saldana. Even Cathy Horyn of the New York Times appears to be enchanted, writing this last September:
"Prabal Gurung, a relatively new designer — he spent five years at Bill Blass before he set out on his own last winter — makes sophisticated clothes. He is aware of fit. He can set a proper sleeve. He has good connections with fabric mills, which will sell him small amounts. He makes everything count."
Prabal Gurung's Spring 2010 collection showcased his draping skills, but it was from the details — exxagerated bows and defined waists — that we could imagine his finely crafted garments working well in Mrs. O's wardrobe. It turns out we're not the only ones wondering about this fashion match. In a new interview with Amy Verner for Canada's The Globe and Mail, the designer reveals his hopes that the first lady might wear one of his designs.
AV: Who else would you like to see in your clothes?
PG: Who do you think?
AV: Let me guess: Michelle Obama.
PG: She embodies the woman that I design for: successful, smart, powerful, gracious enough to be her husband's wife but strong enough to put him in his place. That to me is an inspiring modern woman.
It seems we'll have to wait and see what the new year brings, but certainly, we'll be hoping Mr. Gurung gets his wish. (His $25,000 award from the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation in the first days of January is perhaps a sign of good things to come.) In the meantime, we should know what to look for. You can study up on Prabal Gurung's debut and sophomore collections here: Fall 2009 and Spring 2010.
Prabal Gurung
Reader Comments (13)
I like his jackets a lot. He would be a great addition to Mrs. O's young up-in-coming designer go tos!
Mrs. T,
Thanks for updating the blog. Hope Mrs. O will add his fashion
to her wardrobe. Stunning white ruffle blouse - Natalie Keyser, so
versatile, would be great with a variety of blazers or blouses.
F a bulous black and read one arm long sleeve dress. Would
be nice on a date night, as well as great holiday dress. Eye catcher,
conversation piece - Shu Pei Qin. Sheer blouse - Nina de Raadit. Black
laced up shoes - great combination.
Stunning strapless blue dress with fabric design on one shoulder,
as we know Mrs. O looks great in this style, Anne Sophie Monrad.
Gets me in the mood for some new stuff.
I agree. He would be a wonderful addition to Mrs.O's fashionable wardrobe. I listed him as one of the designers she would possibly wear for the first state dinner in November. I really like his aesthetic. Here are a few really great Youtube video's on his designs.
Showcasing his Spring 2010 collection I think this video gives you a much better look at the collection.
Showcasing his Fall 2009 collection
Once again I really think this footage allows you to see the 3 dimensional nature of his designs. You can really see the draping, oversized bows and feathers in great detail.
As a fellow Nepali, I am so happy to see my country man Prabal rise up in the Fashion world. He makes us really proud. I have seen Demi and Rachel Weisz in his clothes and they are simply beautiful!
Besides the Sherpas, I think Prabal is the next person to put Nepal in the World Map. Well done Prabal and I too can't wait for Mrs. O to wear his creations.
Wow I love his collection! FLOTUS would defintely look wonderful in that polka dot number and the floor length cobalt royal blue dress.
The shoes were also amazing. I wonder if Mrs. O would ever consider wearing a strappy stiletto type dress shoe, she sure has the legs for it!!
Melcy,
Yes, that polka dot ensemble screams Mrs O, doesn't it! There were quite a few pieces that totally would suit Mrs. O. And I think his clothes are cut better and more flattering than Jason Wu. And he has better taste. No ugly patterns or weird lengths.
I like this stuff. I hope Mrs. O takes a look at his collection, because she would look so beautiful in his clothes.
Beautiful things - especially the cocktail looks, I think. It's a very cohesive line, and the way he drapes, or softly folds, or layers fabrics is wonderful. I can see the Bill Blass aesthetic in his work. Blass was such a genius; it's hard to imagine a better mentor. I liked the take he did on a tux, as well as the very very ruffled tops. I also loved the first piece shown in the Spring 2010 link - the white dress with the sheer grey wrapping.
He's not currently listed on Ikram's designer list, but I'll bet he will be soon.
Beautiful work. Mrs. O would look fabulous in many of these pieces, but I can really picture her in the Spring 2010 #20 or 21.
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/S2010RTW-PGURUNG/?loop=0&iphoto=19&play=false&cnt=35
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/S2010RTW-PGURUNG/?loop=0&iphoto=20&play=false&cnt=36
She'd be a knockout in any of the gowns, wouldn't she?
Ari -- thanks for that video link.
Mrs. T and all,
I just found this on daylife. Looks like a glorious new coat AND a glorious new hairdo for our so-lovely First Lady! http://www.daylife.com/photo/059Rd6G5s35OE?q=michelle+obama.
Continued best wishes for the new year!
JMH
Love the new bob! Looks like she cut about a good 2 inches.
I can definitely see Mrs. O in Prabal Gurung's designs. Fun!
Mrs. O's new haircut is the one I've really been hoping for over the last several weeks!! I always thought she could wear a modified bob beautifully and I think she looks fantastic! I also love her ensemble. Elegant and modern. What an incredible couple.
JMH, I couldn't bring up that site. Will try again. thx
Lorns, the web address in my message connects to the same photo that Mrs. T now has posted on the Mrs. O website in regard to Mrs. Biden's services. I'm sorry you had difficulty accessing it.
Also, if you go to the daylife.com website and search on photos of "Michelle Obama," it will bring up a few other pics of the departure for Delaware also.
Hope this helps!
JMH