Thakoon’s Print Paradise

I cried when Barack Obama became our 44th Presidential Elect. All his calls for hope and change made me emotional, as did his personal thanks to the youth who participated in getting him this far (that’s me). However, and I hate to admit this, despite all the history-making, I was so distracted by the mess that was Michelle’s dress. I credit her to bringing back a woman’s love for a sheath, but that Narciso Rodriguez get-up (Spring 2009) was not a favorite of mine, nor many the fashion critic.

I won’t dwell though—I like to see the good in people—so I will dismiss this incident as a single lapse of judgment (though it was one momentous-ass occasion!) and give props to Michelle for recognizing the talent of Thakoon Panichgul. Much like the attention that was caused by her Election Night dress (though that was more fashion “don’t” than “do”), was the frenzy made over her floral frock just a couple of months ago at the Democratic National Convention.

Michelle understands the less-is-more mantra – unlike Cindy Mac who prefers the blinding colors of $3000 suits by renown Oscar De La Renta, and the not-so-subtle adornment of diamonds and pearls – and so, Mrs. President chose a red/purple, scoop neck printed piece (Radzimir Kimono, Pre-Spring 2009) by the lesser known Manhattan-based designer.

To more applause, she rocked Thakoon again in September at the University of Mississippi Presidential Debate in Oxford, wearing a floral, ballet-neck dress made of silk and inside-out insets from the Fall 2008 line.

Who wouldn’t want to be the First Lady? Or at least look like one?

Target has appointed Thakoon as its latest designer (this is the 14th, if you’re counting) to contribute to its GO! International series. The pieces of his capsule collection manage to stay true to the bargain boutique’s price range ($20 – $70) without compromising the designers signature use of prints and posies. However, don’t expect to wear any of these pieces during the winter months, unless you’re going away for vacation, because not only has he created string bikini’s and short-shorts, but tunics, tees, sun dresses, and cover-ups made for layering. The coastline-and-sunshine collection is full of bold color and textiles, and is just the thing you’ll need to bring you out of the rut that tends to be caused by the holiday seasons cold weather, cloudy skies, and—who are we kidding?—inescapable financial woes.

To drop Christmas Day, December 25.

-Danielle Cheesman