Mac Duggal and his fabulous array of prom, pageant, couture, homecoming and other special occasion dresses are certainly enjoying that view these days, thanks to a trifecta of top-tier accolades, some of the highest awards available in the fashion industry.
On Aug. 7, Mac Duggal stepped forward to accept three prestigious awards from Top 10 Prom during the annual Atlanta Apparel World of Prom Market. The designer, who will celebrate 30 years in fashion next year, was honored by Top 10 Prom with the Customer Service Award, the Most Improved Vendor Award, and Top Sales for dollars earned for official retailers.
Top 10 Prom is a direct mailing book sent out to markets each year, aimed at advertising the top prom fashions to junior and high school girls. Denise Knapp, owner of Top 10 Prom, said that more than 700,000 books are mailed out each year, featuring the designers Sexy Strapless Cocktail Dresses in the collective. Mac Duggal is among one of the most honored designers of Top 10 Prom this year. The book represents about 100 total retail stores and exclusive boutiques across the nation, all which feature all the Top 10 Prom designers.
Knapp said that the awards are well deserved by Mac Duggal and his entire team.
"Mac gives exceptional customer service," Knapp said. "Mac' s dresses also sell so well, that it helps our group make money… What I care about it what sells from the floor out the door. And that’s what we track. And Mac Duggal helped our group make money last year. So they got the award for dollars produced for our group."
Knapp said that the Most Improved award is like an MVP for Top 10 Prom, because Mac Duggal’s "rating" by stores and customers grew the most from 2012 to 2013.
But above the awards themselves, Knapp said that the kudos well deserved because of the way that Mac Duggal does business.
"I think Mac is a very sincere person," Knapp said. "I think Mac is the real deal. I like Mac as a friend and I think if I was not in the industry, I would still have him as a friend, a good friend. I’d do anything for him."
Knapp also noted that Mac Duggal keeps his designs fresh and appealing by surrounding himself with dedicated and talented staff who work hard season after season with the customer in mind.
"All of Mac’s people love and care for him and they love and care for the company," Knapp noted. "I think that their loyalty to him is very strong. And when you have people Sweetheart Cocktail Dresses who are that dedicated, your success is abundant. And so that’s what I think about his collection is that it shows the true hard work that his people give."
Mac himself noted that hard work plays a big role in the continued success of the gorgeous lines of Mac Duggal dresses.
"These awards are really a reflection of all the hard work of our whole team,” Mac said while accepting the awards. "We work hard to make sure we get all the right dresses in all the right stores. We make sure that the customers are getting the products that they truly need."
And Knapp noted that the general public should keep an eye out for the Spring 2014 Mac Duggal Collection, because Mac Duggal is one of the most fashion-forward stars of the entire industry, with a natural “couture” eye.
"I love Mac, and he never ceases to just amaze me," Knapp said. "He can walk in somewhere and see something that nobody else sees, but he sees it. And I just think he’s brilliant. He’s always been extremely good to me, and for that I’m thankful."