Prabal & Diane
Apparently, we’re on a first name basis.
As much as I love to shop, I’ve never really been a Vogue devotee and I’d probably be laughed at in the halls of the Conde Nast offices (unless they gave me free reign of the PR Fashion/Accessories closet a la Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada). I love the hustle and bustle of NY Fashion Week but let’s be honest - I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing half the ensembles that grace the tent runways.
I will, however, express my deepest affection for both Prabal Gurung and Diane von Furstenberg. My feelings for them stretch beyond the retail aspect of their empires. I feel a loyalty to them and have so much respect for what they do - each for different reasons.
DVF is the pillar of the fashion community. She has built an empire not once, but several times through the past few decades. Her designs (whether it’s vintage prints or the asymmetrical cut of one of her jersey knit dresses) aren’t always on point but she knocks it out of the park 9 times out of 10. Her collections are as classy as she is and from what I hear, the FALL 2012 designs are the best yet (I may or may not have some inside resources on that front).
Prabal is the man. Plain and simple. He has talent coming out of his ears and he’s the most humble and down to earth designer I’ve ever had the pleasure of keeping company with. In fact, when I met him last summer, I didn’t even know who he was and I pronounced his name incorrectly…to his face (I told you I wasn’t a fashion expert!). I’ve since learned the proper pronunciation and I won’t soon forget it. I would wear his stuff (leaning on the less extravagant and more on the demure pieces) in a heartbeat. Check out his SPRING 2012 show here (recognize that venue?). I’m excited to see what he has in store this February.
Why am I bringing this up?
Well, I was just giddy when I spotted their pictures hanging side by side on my pre-work morning stroll through the Chelsea Market. The New York Times/CFDA has their Five Fashion Designers:50 Photographs exhibit on display and my two favorites are are sharing the same wall, inches apart (though I’m thoroughly annoyed that the pictures aren’t hung evenly).
Go check it out - but not unless you go early in the morning or late at night because the tourist foot traffic in Chel Mar is sickening in the middle of the afternoon.
