Fashion Week: Q&A with Prabal Gurung

Only two years have passed since Prabal Gurung‘s inception on the scene, yet he is, if not already, on his way to becoming a household name. His divine dresses can be seen everywhere from the pages of Harper’s Bazaar to the red carpet—he is a go-to for my clients—and even on the First Lady herself. All things considered, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include him in my Fashion Week Q&As for today. Obvi! Continue reading below for an up close and personal look into a world that is perfectly Prabal…xoRZ

RZ: In the short time that has passed since debuting your first collection, you have made a huge impact on the fashion sphere! Your F/W 11 show, which was presented this past week, is arguably your best collection yet. How would you describe it? And what was the inspiration? PG: This season draws from the romantic styles seen throughout the Victorian era with a slightly disheveled, savage edge. The silhouettes and detailing create a juxtaposition between precious and casual couture, in a way reminiscent of Miss Havisham meets John Singer Sargent’s A Parisian Beggar Girl.

RZ: Your list of clientele includes the most prominent women imaginable, including Michelle Obama, Demi Moore and Zoe Saldana—who in your words is the Prabal Gurung woman? PG: The Prabal Gurung woman is one who is confident, celebrates her femininity, intelligent and chooses to wear pieces that make her feel her best. I have always said that I design for the thinking man—trades sex symbol and I truly continue to do just that.

RZ: Talking the current season—your S/S 11 collection is an a-mah-zing merger of color-blocking, innovative fabrics and expert tailoring…what was your motivation behind it? PG: For the S/S 11 collection, I really wanted to include bright, unexpected color combinations. The bold hues and the simplicity of the silhouettes made the collection quite versatile and it seems that it was quite well-received by my audience.

RZ: What goes on behind-the-scenes in preparing for New York Fashion Week? What is your favorite part? PG: There are so many components that go into show prep season after season. Everything from the lighting and runway to the collection itself needs to come together and compliment each other. It’s one thing to have a vision but another to bring it to life. It is a challenge but worth every moment that leads up to the lights going down.

RZ: One thing my Zoe Report readers are all dying to know—can we anticipate a line of Prabal Gurung handbags and accessories in the future? PG: I don’t know how far into the future but you can expect handbags as well as many other product categories. Every day I work toward creating a lifestyle brand and I am so excited by the endless possibilities that hopefully will bring!

Availability: Prabal Gurung’s Spring 2011 Collection will be available at Fred Segal Couture this month (310.458.8100). For additional retailer information, visit Prabalgurung.com.

P.S. Looking to take a mah-jor vacay? ENTER NOW for your chance to win a trip to Miami! Includes 3 nights at the chic Gansevoort Miami Beach and airfare for 2, brought to you by PopSugar City, Tablet Hotels and me!