“To be shown support by such an incredible and generous organization in this industry and to be placed in the same category as past recipients is an honor and a privilege,” Prabal humbly says.
Indeed, EDFF has managed to create a strong alumnus since its establishment in 2001. Designers like Zac posen, Erin Fetherson, and Alexander Wang are previous winners, as is the edgy and critically acclaimed line Rodarte.
Other winners in the Womenswear category were Joseph Altuzarra (Altuzarra), Ross Menuez (Salvor Projects), Phillipe Rollano and David Trujillo (Blonds). Siki Im was honored for Menswear, Irina Arakas (Prova) for Accessories, and John Patrick (Organic) for Sustainable Design.
It may surprise many, but Ecco Domani is in fact a wine company. The seven winners are narrowed down from a list of 25 semi-finalists and each winner receives a $25,000 (approx. Rs. 1,860,000) grant to be used for their presentation during New York’s fall fashion week held in February. It couldn’t have come at a better time for Prabal.
“What is exciting about the upcoming season is that it will be our first runway show, which is important for this particular collection because it is one that demands movement,” the designer reveals about his Fall 2010 collection that will be showcased next month at the New York Fashion Week. “It is inspired by the intriguing and exhilarating sport of motorcross, so there will be a definite splash of attitude while staying true to my overall design aesthetic. As far as production we have many elements to think about such as lighting, seating, runway presentation, music and everything else it takes to make just the right impact on the audience.”
This February will also mark the beginning of PG’s second year since its debut in last February’s New York Fashion Week. It would be safe to say that PG’s first year has been nothing less than enviable in the competitive multi-billion dollar world of haute couture.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
“I am still trying to grasp the fact that it has already been a year. I feel as though it has all just begun and I am so eager to see what will unfold over the next few seasons,” Prabal says about the fabulous year his team has enjoyed. “2009 will forever serve as the foundation of the brand and I look forward to building on that.”
And what a foundation it has been! Celebrities Ashley Greene (Twilight), Becki Newton (Ugly Betty), Carey Mulligan, Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) Thandie Newton (Crash), Zoe Saldana (Avatar) all wore a PG dress at public events. Demi Moore (Striptease) wore PG dresses more than once, and Oprah Winfrey appeared wearing one on her magazine’s December 2009 cover.
Exclusive outlets such as Saks Fifth Avenue (New York), Bloomingdales (New York, California and Dubai), Belhaus (East Hampton, NY), Wynn (Las Vegas), Harrods (London), Harvey Nichols (Hong Kong), DNA (Saudi Arabia), and online outlets 5th On Main and Shopbop, amongst others carry the brand. Prabal has also earned the fashion press corps’ praise with his designs and detailed technical skills, both before and after he launched PG.
“The support has been such a driving force for the entire team. Everyone from the editors, stylists and industry executives to friends and family have been so incredibly encouraging, which motivates all of us every day,” says Caitlin DiStefano, PG’s vice-president of communications.
As a student at The New School University’s prestigious design school, Parsons, Prabal had won himself a much sought after internship at DKNY. After Parsons he went on to work for the celebrated designer Cynthia Rowley. Before launching his line PG, Prabal also honed his skills at the iconic American fashion house Bill Blass.
Completely aware of his good fortune, yet grounded, the perfectionist of a young designer knows that this will only work if he and his team enjoys the process of making it happen.
Right now, however, there is little time to bask in glory or do much else. The team is focused on the New York Fashion Week set to begin on February 11. Apart from PG’s own runway show, Prabal’s work will also be displayed at a separate event during the upcoming Fashion Week: the first ever Ecco Domani fashion show presenting designs from the winners’ collections on February 15th in The Tent at Bryant Park. Says Prabal, “It will be a very exciting moment and one that I am thrilled to be a part of.” For Nepalis, especially those who have been following his work, it will be a moment of pride.
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