Blass Alum's Solo Mission

(NEW YORK) The deterioration of Bill Blass has been a well-documented story in the last few months, but what of the talent formerly posted there? Prabal Gurung, design director of the house for the last five years, has broken out on his own and will launch his own line for Fall 2009 on February 12th at the Flag Art Foundation in Chelsea. "I'd always wanted to launch this," said Gurung, "and Fall 2009 had been a plan for a long time. It's still in the process, but it's such a small collection."

Gurung's time at Bill Blass has, undoubtedly, prepared him for his own show. "The whole thing started with going back to beautiful, well-made, timeless clothes that people want to buy. Nothing trendy," he said. "The way the clothes were made at Bill Blass was, other than Ralph Rucci, the closest to the way they're made at the Paris couture houses. I learned how clothes are supposed to be made. I learned the patience required to make a beautiful garment."

The designer has recruited some serious talent to help him out in his first solo show: T Magazine and former British Vogue stylist Tiina Laakkonen will be styling the show, and renowned casting agent James Scully will be selecting the lovely ladies who will walk.
EMILY GYBEN