Prabal Gurung On Photography, How To Wear Purple And Dressing Miss Piggy

Prabal Gurung On Nicki Minaj, How To Wear Purple And Dressing Miss Piggy

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Patrick McMullan

Since launching his eponymous line in fall 2009, Prabal Gurung's glam, artful creations have become a favorite of personalities from Michelle Obama to Sarah Jessica Parker. We caught up with the up-and-coming designer at last night's fete celebrating "50 Photographs," an exhibit of New York Times images curated by Gurung and other CFDA designers.

What makes a good photograph?
When the subject, the story behind it, the photographer and the model -- or whatever the object is that's being photographed--when there's some sort of pure relationship. The end goal of what they're trying to create is very clear. And, I think more than anything else, when it's something that comes purely out of their heart, you can feel that.

You've dressed some big names for the red carpet. Who else is on your list of dream clients?
I've been fortunate enough to dress the majority of them. My dream client would be every girl living on this planet--all of them. There are so many. If I was to sum it up in a few words, I would say anyone who is aware, smart, intelligent, beautiful, just someone who is not celebrated in pop culture for the wrong reasons, but who is celebrated for intelligence.

I love the brilliant purple palette you showed for spring. What's the best way to rock bold color?
Confidence, and not being afraid. There's no secret. You can wear it however--brights with brights or brights with muted colors.

Nicki Minaj sat front row at your spring show. Any plans to collaborate with her, the way you did with Rye Rye for your resort video?
I love, love, love her music, so if an opportunity presents itself, I'm more than open to it. But nothing right now.

Do you have any other musical muses?
Lots of them. I love Lana Del Ray right now.

You recently designed for Miss Piggy. How was that?
I grew up watching her, and they handpicked a few designers to do it. Fashion is about being able to enjoy the moment, and being able to have a sense of humor about it.

Why is Miss Piggy still a style icon after all these years?
I think because she has a joie de vivre, and she's also very uncaring about anyone else. She's just perfectly comfortable in her own skin.

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