Thakoon Panichgul
A former editor at Harper’s Bazaar, Thakoon Panichgul
showed perfectly modernized minimalism in an earthy palette
and a precise, elegant silhouette. Not since Calvin
Klein have so many shades of beige looked so good: He’s
also refreshingly unafraid to experiment with adornment—of the
most restrained kind. —Amy Larocca
The Label
Thai-born, Omaha-raised Panichgul unveiled his debut womenswear line—a whimsical ten-piece presentation of metallic taffeta skirts, beige separates, and ribbon-tie jackets—in 2004 at the age of 29. Add to that three more stellar collections (that have progressively grown in size and ambition), a 2006 CFDA nomination, and distribution at Barneys, Harvey Nichols, and Jeffrey, and you’ve got a brand that any ingénue would die for.
The Look
In a nod to his Eastern heritage, Panichgul has always floated between the ethereal (billowy organza and silk-linen dresses) and urban (cotton polka dot and striped workwear pulled straight out of Holly Golightly’s wardrobe). In other words, perfect for the premiere and the after-party.
The Designer
With a business degree from Boston University, Panichgul worked as a merchandiser for J. Crew and a writer covering fashion trends for Harper’s Baazar, and he was a tailoring student at Parsons School of Design—all before actually designing his own line. Now, at 31, he’s preparing for his third (and largest) runway show to date.
