Who

Up-and-coming designer Thakoon Panichgul is known for his minimalist and sophisticated womenswear designs.

Backstory

Panichgul was born in northern Thailand and emigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 11, settling in Omaha. After graduating from Boston University with a degree in business, he landed a job as a buyer at J. Crew. But he soon departed for an editorial position at Harper's Bazaar and took tailoring classes at Parsons in his spare time. In 2004, a 29-year-old Panichgul launched the Thakoon label; within months his clothes were gracing the pages of Vogue, Elle and W. A year later, he won the Ecco Domani fashion foundation award for new talent, an award that had helped launch of the careers of Zac Posen, Derek Lam, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. These days the Thakoon label is carried by the poshest stores around, including Barneys, Kirna Zabête, Harvey Nichols, and Jeffrey.

Of note

Panichgul's modern, minimalist aesthetic, which relies on an earthy palette, isn't revolutionary, but the celebs and socialites who have fallen for him aren't looking for avant-garde "statement" clothes. Since his arrival on the scene, he's become a favorite of A-listers like Natalie Portman, Demi Moore, America Ferrera, and Sarah Jessica Parker, and he's been busy capitalizing on his newfound fame. In 2006, he lent some glamour to footwear chain Nine West with a capsule collection of accessories. (The ultra-femme purses, gloves and boots flew out of stores.) In 2007, the Gap released a line of limited-edition white t-shirts designed by Thakoon, along with fellow '06 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominees Doo-Ri Chung and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. He's now planning to expand the label's reach both in the U.S. and abroad. (Given that his clothes can now be found in Japan and Indonesia, presumably an outlet in his native Thailand isn't far off.) Fall '08 will see the debut of his ready-to-wear collection for Hogan, the shoes and accessories brand owned by Tod's, and there's also talk he may be introducing a men's collection in the near future.

AKA

His first name is pronounced Ta-KOON.

Personal

The quiet designer, who usually appears for his post-show wave in jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt, lives in Chelsea. He was forced to leave his previous apartment in Tribeca when it turned out to be an illegal sublet.