When two designers from opposite sides of the world with a shared a vision met, their artistry becoming more than collaboration. They call it synergy.
rom meeting just earlier this year, it is almost unbelievable how Prabal Gurung and Cesare Casadei have come together to create an extraordinary collection of shoes. Although, extraordinary is often the case when referring to Gurung, known as the “sartorial magician.” Gurung is the first and only American designer Casadei has worked with on a collection, and much of it is due to Casadei, who claimed, “when I first met Prabal Gurung there was an immediate connection.”
The connection based on a similar belief that sexy well-created designs enhance a woman’s feeling of empowerment, creating a self-assured look which Cassadei noted, “One cannot take his eyes off.” True to the relationship, a lifeline monitor representing the freedom of life and transformation inspires the shoes.
Born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, this only seems to be a lucky day for a designer like Gurung, but Gurung will tell you, [quote align=”center” color=”#b64736″]”I’m not a believer of luck. I think opportunity and hard work becomes luck.”[/quote]For 10 years, Gurung has said to have “paid his dues” and have come a long way since studying at New Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology. Working as an intern with Manish Arora in New Delhi, it wasn’t until 1999 that he decided to move to New York City and attend Parsons school of design. At Parsons, he was instantly noticed and awarded the “Best Designer” title at the annual Parsons/FIT design competition while also working at Donna Karen. Today, Gurung is known for dressing women who have “strength of mind and real character.” His list of clients include: Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge; Michelle Obama, America’s First Lady and Oprah Winfrey.
By CheRima Manayan
