Last week was one of those weeks that makes me so utterly happy that I have a job in the fashion biz. Of course there was the Lanvin for H&M launch. Apparently fashion fanatics were lining up the night before to snag the darling shoes, sunglasses, jewels and dresses that Alber drew up for the mass retailer. Though I was on location my lovely and talented assistant picked up a few pieces for me while shopping for herself… expect to see me darting around this holiday season in one of the frocks that I purchased.
On Thursday I had the opportunity to check out the Prabal Gurung trunk show at Neiman Marcus. May I just say whatever you have seen in photographs doesn’t come close to the absolute genius of the pieces in person. The construction of each garment is right up there with my hero Ralph Rucci. Rarely do you ever see that kind of couture attention in a ready to wear line. When I asked who is the Prabal Gurung customer? Prabal says that he makes clothes for the thinking man’s sex symbol…. A confident, sophisticated, chic uptown woman with little bits of a downtown vibe thrown in.
I couldn’t stop gushing over the double washed silk dresses with rubberized silk organza trims. The cocktail length version was incredible enough, but the floor length gown took my breath away. And the marveling didn’t stop there, the silk and tulle dress with an overlay of leather patches that were trimmed with beading was so delicious that I am pretty sureI overheard it’s next stop was to Rachel Zoe’s zip code. I can imagine Kate Hudson or Demi wearing it, but we shall just have to wait and see on the red carpet.
Most of Prabals fabrics are sourced from the states, Italy and Asia while his knits are done in Nepal a place that he grew up in and still has very strong ties to. I couldn’t help but drool over the incredible silk washed prints, expertly seamed details and perfectly lined pieces. Far too many designers these days tend to skip what used to be considered an essential step in making elegant garments, so when you see a hand stitched lining…don’t walk, run to buy that garment!
The saddest part of the day per chance was finding out that Prabal is only available locally through special order. But hopefully due to the fact that the metro area is a mecca for charity and black tie events it won’t be that way for long! For more on Prabal Gurung prabalgurung.com
i totally agree with you! But i think you got it wrong there about nepal being a city. Its a country and kathmandu is the city that prabal grew up. He makes my country proud.
Misa… you are so right! Ooops what a typo!