PS: What does it mean to be a woman who wears your line? What makes a PG muse?
PG: What I'm interested in is style and substance. I've always been intrigued by women who have an absolute love of fashion and, at the same time, are extremely aware of the space that they occupy and the relationship they have with the world. Someone who is assured, someone who is unafraid to be vulnerable, unafraid to challenge the status quo. Someone who is interesting and engageing. I always say it's both levity and depth.
Ashley Graham is another PG Muse, and for me, it's the essence of who she is that's really empowering and exciting. Ashley Graham is a curvy model. And beyond that, she's a force of nature. That's why I'm attracted to her and that's why I use her for my show.
PS: It's very impressive that you started your line with only $10k. Do you have advice for young women who are aspiring designers and want to break into the industry?
PG: Don't do it! Just kidding. I went through unemployment for many months. My friend's living room was our showroom. At the time it was something I really wanted to do. I knew instinctively that it felt right for me. And worst case, I thought, it wouldn't work out and I'd blame it on the recession. My advice to anyone is: 'Do you really want to do it?' There may come a time when the entire world is against the very notion of what you are creating. Do you still have the conviction to do it? If you do, then go for it.
PS: So a few lightning questions. Diamonds or pearls?
PG: Pearls, always. Pearls by Tasaki!
PS: Dream dinner guests?
PG: Oprah, Gloria Steinem, Michelle Obama, Ezra Miller, Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga.
PS: Top lesson you learned in 2018 is?
PG: A lesson that I learned after the election is that we have to be far more engaged and there is still a lot more we have to do.