If you want to impress this celebrity designer, don’t wear this outfit on a plane

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, fashion designer Prabal Gurung.

How would you describe your personal style? Individual and unbothered. Not effortless, because I do put in effort. I’ve always loved the idea of getting ready and dressing up – it’s ceremonial.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I was design director at Bill Blass and about 15 years ago, when the house of Bill Blass was closing, I bought some of the old patterns that were made for the society women of New York such as Babe Paley, Jackie Kennedy and her sister, Lee Radziwill.

And the most recent addition? I found a vintage Yves Saint Laurent navy three-piece suit with gold buttons that fits me perfectly. It’s my most cherished thing.

What would you wear … on a first date? One should always wear something one feels most comfortable in, whether that’s a little black dress, a suit or, in my case, a white T-shirt and jeans. … on a plane? I hate it when people travel in their workout clothes. I wear trousers, a T-shirt and Nike high-tops with a beautiful shearling coat I bought in Tokyo. It has a sheep embroidered on the back and always brings a laugh. … on the red carpet? A beautifully tailored white jacket and contrasting black pants with an elongated black lace-up shoe.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like now because the possibilities are endless. You no longer have to fit the mould, there’s a plethora of choice, and it’s individuality-driven. You can just be yourself and that’s exciting.

Who’s your favourite designer? Yves Saint Laurent. Before the word “inclusive” was a thing, he had different kinds of people from different walks of life represent his designs, whether on the runway or off. He embraced the idea of masculinity and femininity through people like Betty Catroux and Loulou de la Falaise, and he broke almost every rule possible. He saw the world of design and beauty outside the confines of what was prescribed; he saw it in different parts of the world, in faraway lands. That level of curiosity is inspiring.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I layer my favourite fragrances, like Chanel “Bleu”, with an oud oil from Saudi Arabia.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A white tee, Levi’s jeans and a well-tailored jacket – I make my own but also like Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Junya Watanabe.

Any go-to jewellery? I wear pearl earrings that belonged to my mother and a pearl, emerald and rose-gold necklace with my initials.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was five, it was a black T-shirt with a pearl necklace printed on it that I would change into every day after school.

What was your first fashion moment? My first introduction to fashion was my mother’s YSL “Rive Gauche” perfume and her ruby-red Dior lipstick. I vividly remember how they transformed her, and I
understood, even at that early age, the power of fashion and how it can change the way you hold yourself and how you go out in the world.

And your worst fashion mistake? None, zero. I own it; it’s always of the moment.

What’s on the top of your wish list? The Hope Diamond.

Is there something you’d never wear? Gym clothes outside the gym.

Is there a current trend you like? I love the way people are embracing themselves, regardless of body type and size, and wearing what they want, unapologetically.

What shoes do you wear most often? White Nike high-top sneakers.

Who are your favourite fashion icons? Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A gauzy white linen shirt with threadbare jeans, vintage Carrera sunglasses and my pearl earrings, always.

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