Mac Duggal Designs Couture for the Modern Woman

While I’m not dashing off to fancy galas and award ceremonies I couldn’t help but tiptoe into the magical and feminine world of couture at Mac Duggal’s Spring/Summer 2018 New York Fashion Week runway show. According to industry insiders, the Indian born and Chicago based designer is said to be the “biggest designer you’ve never heard of, yet.”

Mac Duggal designs have been modeled by stars from reality shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The Voice, American Idol, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, and The Real Housewives series. Mac has had a massive impact on fashion and up to this point, quietly so. His triple threat influence of dressing Hollywood celebrities, reality stars, and prom queens nationwide is finally gaining more attention.

I made my way through the crowded lower level of the Angel Orensanz Center in the Lower East Side of Manhattan to talk more about Mac’s star-studded résumé with the designer himself. Although celebrities indulge in Mac’s glamorous designs he’s not chasing A-list celebs for popularity.

“I don’t work that way. I put out a collection that looks best to me, and it should be worn by the woman who feels the energy of the dress. I don’t think [my team] should be running after anyone to wear a dress, Mac shares.”

There is nothing vain about Mac’s perspective. Fashion designs have been compared to works of art for centuries. His approach steps away from that concept just enough to bring the essential reason for dressing up to the forefront.

“My gowns are accessories to enhance the beauty of the woman and her energy. Nobody should just be telling you ‘your dress is beautiful.’ I think everybody should be saying ‘you’re beautiful and by the way, your dress looks good on you.’ That’s how we design, and that’s how we feel.”

Mac’s SS18 collection is another reflection of how his gowns are in sync with the women wearing them. The designer used a combination of advanced production techniques like 3-D prints of lace, the artisanal handwork of embroidery, and beading and sequins—an absolute feminine touch with the most modern design methods.

“It’s a new season coming up, a new year—everything changes. It’s cutting-edge fashion. We take you back 100 years ago and infuse [designs] to be more modern and that’s why you’ll see a lot of fringes and a lot of beading inspired by the 1920s.”

Mac was not quick to dive into detail about his brand’s upcoming fashion ventures, but one thing is for sure, he will continue to design unique pieces that are a representation of the modern woman.

“I’ve been doing this for about 30 years. I really, truly believe it’s not about the dress. It’s about the woman.  It’s always about the woman. You have to feel the inside of the woman shown on the outside. It’s all about body-positivity.”

Here are some of our favorite looks from the upcoming Mac Duggal collection.