To celebrate the launch of The Glenlivet 14 Year Old, the nearly two-century-old distillery has teamed up with designer Prabal Gurung to create runway worthy pieces just in time for New York Fashion Week. The timing couldn’t have been better as the globally renowned fashion designer marks the 10th anniversary of his NYFW debut and unveils his latest collection on Sunday, September 8.
The Glenlivet 14 Year Old is the first single malt Scotch whisky to be selectively finished in ex-Cognac casks, and to commemorate this special release Gurung co-designed a flask and leather carrying bag in the same luxurious color scheme as the bottle. Fans will then be able to shop the pieces in limited quantities immediately following his NYFW show. “The Glenlivet is a modern brand in the truest sense,” said Gurung in a press release. “I’m so pleased to be a partner in the launch of The 14 Year Old, celebrating a rich brand legacy by creating an inclusive Scotch whisky that addresses the contemporary drinker.”
The Glenlivet x Prabal flask is designed with stylish details in mind and polished to a golden luster, and when you’re not sipping your luscious liquid, it tucks away neatly into its own handcrafted leather satchel. To better understand his relationship with The Glenlivet, we spoke with Gurung via email to get a sense of how the collaboration came to be and how his design ethos translates into the world of luxury spirits.
Prabal, tell us about your design aesthetic.
My aesthetic seeks to break the boundaries of traditional feminine allure, and to deliver style with substance in each design. This style, which I fondly call “femininity with a bite”, is modern, yet romantic at the same time. It projects strength, honors diversity, and celebrates inclusivity.
How did you translate that design aesthetic into a flask?
I have always admired The Glenlivet's modern point of view within the scotch category. I took inspiration from The Glenlivet 14 Year Old purple packaging for the color of the flask bag, and created a sleek flask that combined style with functional, to attract forward thinking and stylish drinkers.
Tell us about the flask and your vision for it with The Glenlivet.
I designed a beautiful and modern flask to be paired with a matching flask bag. I loved the vibrant purple color of The Glenlivet 14 Year Old packaging and translated that into a minimal leather bag with hardware to compliment the flask itself.
How would you compare designing an object to designing clothing?
I approach design, whether it be an object or a runway collection, with the intention to create something that is equally visually compelling as it is impactful. I always seek to create meaning and incite emotion with every design.
What similarities do you see between the fashion world and the world of luxury spirits?
The ethos of the Prabal Gurung & The Glenlivet brands converge in our shared mission to break traditions and push boundaries. From a broader perspective, there is a shared craftsmanship between the worlds of fashion and luxury spirits, whether you are designing a stunning gown, or creating a bottle of scotch whisky, there is a high level of skilled involved.
