Born in Thailand and raised in Nebraska, designer Thakoon Panichgul worked at J. Crew and Harper's Bazaar before pursuing a formal design degree at Parsons. In 2004, he unveiled his first collection of poised but playful designs and won praise for his witty, subtle flourishes — think mesh-trimmed culottes and metallic taffeta skirts. Since then, Thakoon has outfitted high-profile clients such as Tilda Swinton and Michelle Obama in his ultra-feminine dresses; collaborated with the chic footwear brand Giuseppe Zanotti; designed his own line of shoes and boots; released an eyewear collection; partnered up with Hogan, the Gap and Target; and possibly slept a few hours here and there. Thakoon's two diffusion labels, Addition and Carbon Copy, have won him legions of younger fans who love his easy, wearable ensembles in playful prints.