Prabal Gurung On Pre-Fashion Week Madness and Taylor Swift As His Dream Model

Welcome to PAPERMAG's Countdown to Fashion Week series, in which we asked some of the busiest folks in the business how they prepare for -- and survive -- the craziest time of year. We got designers, stylists, bloggers, casting directors, and many more to weigh in, and the one thing we've concluded is that, no matter how you slice it, Fashion Week is never as glamourous as it looks! First up is 2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist and PAPER Beautiful Person Prabal Gurung, and we got him to spill about his studio playlist, his caffeine consumption, and some last-minute model mishaps. 

How long are your days on average during Fashion Week?
It seems that during Fashion Week, every day blends into the next. It really is a non-stop process from the design end to the production. I would say I average 25 hour days!

How many weeks before the show would you say the bulk of the collection is finished? How long does it take to edit it down?
The bulk of the collection is typically delivered by the end of August and the edit process begins immediately, but it is a process that takes a considerable amount of time.  I work closely with my stylist, Tiina Laakkonen, to tighten the collection and make it as cohesive as possible. The looks are tweaked up until the girls are actually ready to hit the runway.

When does the REAL frenzy begin? I'm talking fittings, alterations, castings, and putting together looks.
The frenzy really begins a week and a half before the show.  It is important to relay my vision to everyone involved from the producer to the casting director and of course to the hair and make-up teams. All of these components are crucial to the overall voice of the show.

Do you have any pre-Fashion Week rituals?
I try to work out almost every day but during Fashion Week I make it a priority.  It's the only time I have to really clear my head and get a boost of energy to help tackle the day.  My trainer, Ryan Hopkins, prepares certain work-outs for the days leading up to the show knowing what my schedule entails. I also try to escape to my favorite coffee shop in the East Village and sit with my designs and ideas for the collection to ponder and reflect on my own for an hour or so. Thankfully I have my sistaz in the city to keep me sane so time with them before, during and after Fashion Week is crucial.

Do you ever get to go home in the days leading up to the show, or do you hole up in your studio?
Unfortunately my studio is not conducive to overnight stays but that's a blessing because it's crucial to get a proper night sleep and walk away from the drawing board.  You come back well rested and with a crisp outlook.

What's your Fashion Week uniform?
I keep my uniform pretty uniform throughout the year - jeans and v-neck white tees.  If I have to go by an event or dressier occasion then I throw on a blazer.

What models do you dream of walking in your show? Any celebrities you'd love to have sitting in your front row?
When I found out that the narrow-framed Taylor Swift boasts 5'10" in height I had a vision of her walking in my show. You never know!  I would also love to see Daria, Natasha Poly, Jourdan Dunn or Liya Kebede all walking the runway in my designs,  As far as a dream celebrity to sit in the front row I would have to say Coco Chanel. To see her reaction to a creation of mine would be a moment worth living for. Considering that is not a possibility I would do anything to see Oprah Winfrey and the First Lady sitting front and center.

Name the scariest Fashion Week moment of your career thus far.
The scariest FW moment would have to be when it was ten minutes to show time and three of the models had not yet arrived.  I knew it would not ruin the show but when you're under that much stress, every minute detail seems to hold all the significance in the world!  

What's your go-to Starbucks order? How many cups of coffee/tea do you drink a day during Fashion Week?
I love a simple iced coffee with half-and-half and one and a half Splendas.  I would guess that I average five a day.

Do you listen to music while you're working, or do you prefer to work in silence? If so, what are some of your favorite tunes?
I have music playing all the time leading up to FW.  It is in part for inspiration for the music used in the show and also to keep me motivated, inspired and excited. Right now I have Robyn on repeat. I also love Lissie Trullie, Sia, The Drums, The XX, The Bird and the Bee, and major 80's and 90's hits.

What's the thing you look forward to most once Fashion Week is over?
I look forward to that rush right before the show begins. It is almost like a montage of my life goes by in that split second and then the collection comes down the runway. There is no better feeling! When Fashion Week comes to an end I look forward to market and going to Paris for market week out there. It's an ongoing cycle and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Name your favorite celebratory cocktail to drink at the after-parties.
There is nothing like a cool glass of Savignon Blanc especially after the September show when it's still quite warm out.

Fill in the blank: "The moment I walk out to take my bow after my runway show, I feel..."
... one billion exhilarating thoughts racing through my mind all at once! I also have an urge to give each and everyone a huge hug for showing up.