The Well-Appointed Catwalk: CFDA Emerging Talent Nominees

Prabal Gurung and Joseph Altuzarra [via The Business of Fashion]

The CFDA nominees for emerging talent in womenswear are out, and the contenders are Prabal Gurung, Joseph Altuzarra and Jason Wu.

Thanks to Michelle Obama, we all know Jason Wu. (In fact, it seems as though he has already emerged!) But the other two nominees were mysteries to me, and I decided to do some research.

Prabal Gurung is based in New York, but was born in Singapore, raised in Nepal and schooled in India. His international influence seems to shine through in his use of color - splashes of bright blue and dark fuscia for spring 2010 and rich jewel tones for fall. The architectural feel of Gurung's shapes is what appeals to me most, though.

Prabal Gurung Fall 2010

Prabal Gurung Spring 2010

Joseph Altuzarra was born and raised in Paris but began his career working for the New York avante garde, including Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler. His fall 2010 collection for his label ALTUZARRA is tough as nails and even a little goth, with black leather and fur accented by a few deep red pieces reminiscent of the vampire craze. Looks for spring 2010 stick to a neutral khaki and olive pallete (in perfect sync with the season's safari trend), but the designer's tough aesthetic is softened by white lace and ruffles.