Thakoon is a New York-based women's fashion designer whose collections blend minimalism, sophistication, and femininity and have won the praise of stars such as Demi Moore, Natalie Portman, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Thakoon was born in Thailand but raised in Omaha. He earned a business degree from Boston University and soon moved to New York to begin his fashion career — first in production, then in merchandising. He worked at Harper's Bazaar for four years, as both a writer and editor, before deciding to try his own hand at design and enrolled at Parsons. In 2004, at 29, Thakoon launched his eponymous label, which was quickly favored by high-fashion magazines, such as Elle, W., and the arbiter of all trends, Vogue. Uncharacteristically, Vogue's ice-queen editor, Anna Wintour, was instantly fond of Thakoon, as documented in 2009's The September Issue, and thus, his status as the hottest new designer was solidified. Thakoon's collaboration with Gap (featuring only lowly white shirts and shirt-dresses) even made the cover of Vogue. With the support of fashion's harshest critic, Thakoon quickly assembled a cult following, including First Lady, Michelle Obama. The First Lady wore Thakoon's designs throughout her husband's campaign, including the final night of the Democratic National Convention and the first Presidential Debate.

Thakoon has struck up collaborations with myriad companies, ranging from fashion to cosmetic, including Target, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Lancôme.