Behind The Most Epic Fashion/Beauty Collab Of The Year

Regan Rabanal: What's your favorite makeup look on a woman?

Prabal Gurung: "The Prabal woman is intelligent, beautiful, assured and confident, with a rich and polished sensuality. She is elegant and graceful, the epitome of sophistication in a modern context, and someone who is refined with a youthful appeal. She is curious about the world around her and resolute in her goals. I always say she is as alluring in what she conceals as in what she reveals. My designs, both in fashion and beauty, are an ode to women."

RR: What inspired the packaging?
PG: "The subversive beauty of [Swiss artist] Sylvie Fleury’s gold-plated trash cans played a particularly big role."

RR: Would you compare the process of making a beauty collection to making accessories or clothing?
PG: "The creative process for anything I do typically starts with a mood board that reflects what I am inspired by for that particular season or project. It then becomes a collaborative effort with my design team, and we fine-tune our vision and go from there.

RR: There are so many great colors in here, like violet, bright corals, and red. How do you think a woman can pull these off while still looking chic?
PG: "Thank you. Color is important. The key is not to overdo it, but considered pops can really bring a look to life. A confident use of color is always alluring."

RR: Your runway shows have run the gamut from all-out glam to softer and more understated. How do you decide what the makeup look is for a show?
PG: "Deciding on the beauty look for the shows is a very collaborative process. I work closely with the MAC team, and Diane Kendal, the lead makeup artist, as well as our stylist. It all starts with the mood board, then we see the direction the looks are taking. Our runway shows are an opportunity to really invite our audience into the world of the Prabal Gurung — whether the beauty look is softer or more dramatic, it always captures the essence of our muse."

RR: You've mention your mom as an inspiration. How so?
PG: "My mother was a great inspiration for this collection. I vividly remember, from when I was very young ,how she would apply her lipstick — I’m excited to give her all the shades we created."

RR: You have a lot of celebrities and very cool girls who wear your clothes. Would you give them anything in particular?
PG: "If I had to choose, the essentials would be the Coral Lumineux cream base, the bronzer, since it works with such a range of skin tones, and of course, the Ultramarine Pink, Light English Red, and Carmine Rouge lipsticks."

RR: Many designers are expanding into beauty. Do you think fashion brands have a duty to do more than just sell clothes?
PG: "It has been an exciting time to be working in this industry, but my vision for my brand has never changed: Category expansion has always been a goal. Expanding into other avenues isn’t so much about attracting customers as it is about telling the story of your brand. When I design, I have the whole world of my customer in mind — I believe it’s very important to eventually be able to cater to every need of this woman, from beauty to menswear, and even to sportswear and home."

RR: How do you think this MAC collaboration will help your brand’s visibility in the long-term?
PG: "Our collaboration with MAC will certainly heighten the brand’s visibility. Expanding into beauty will give us the opportunity to speak to a wider demographic, and being able to offer product at a different price point from our ready-to-wear is very exciting."