Prabal Gurung

Nepalese-American fashion designer Prabal Gurung launched his eponymous label in 2009 with a design aesthetic rooted in modern luxury and quiet glamour.

Born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu.. New York-based Nepalese-American fashion designer Prabal Gurung developed an interest in Fashion at an early age… inspired by his mother Durga Rana who owned a fashion salon. Before giving wings to his passion and entering the fashion industry.. he began his fashion education at at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, India before moving to New York to enhance his education at Parsons The New School for Design.

On graduation.. Gurung spent two years with Cynthia Rowley before he was appointed design director at Bill Blass- a position he held for five years until he launched his eponymous label at New York Fashion Week. He prefers to manufacture his collections in New York to support the local community. Per Vogue, it was "… a clever hand at draping, a comprehension of graphic color and a boldness that banished any notions of nicey-nice. 'A thinking man’s sex symbol' Gurung later said of his ideal customer. 'A beautiful woman with brains, a lethal combination.’"

Today his collections are sold in over twenty countries- featured in International fashion publications and favoured by the global A-list set including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, The Duchess of Cambridge, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anne Hathaway. In addition to designing for his own label.. Gurung was chief designer for Onward Kashiyama's ICB in 2011 and partnered with Target in 2013. 

Per The Interview: “At this point in his career Gurung conveys absolute clarity of vision. He maintains a balance between the business and creative aspects of his work by focusing on numbers and logistics until 3 p.m., then throwing himself into the designing half of his day with an imperviousness to outside whims." 

And his star continues to rise. Prabal Gurung FW23 was well received by fashion connoisseurs and editors. Per Vogue: "The collection was a dialogue between western and eastern modes of dress, between hard and soft, and masculine and feminine. Historically, Gurung has never been a minimalist, but as he suggested backstage, all is change."

But what sets the fashion designer apart is his conviction to unite activism, inclusivity and justice in his work. Prabal Gurung believes in giving back. In 2011 Vogue spotlighted The Shikshya Foundation: a non-profit program founded by him to benefit underprivileged young girls n Nepal. Funded in part with his CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize winnings.. the foundation also funds workshops and orientations in mathematics and finance. In addition, Gurung supports Planned Parenthood, ACLU, voter registration and has also created a relief fund for Nepal earthquake victims in 2015 which raised almost one million in funds. 

Gurung also lent his support to a campaign to stop the rise in Asian hate-crimes and racism. Being an immigrant, his Spring 2020 collection featured the burning question "Who Gets To Be American?" on sashes worn by the models and his Autumn Winter 2019 collection supported the Black community. What's more proceeds from one of his collection was donated to The Bail Project: a nonprofit organization that pays bail for people in need.

Fashion designer Prabal Gurung's mission is to redefine modern luxury fashion by merging timeless style with a keen understanding of contemporary glamour. His eponymous fashion brand embodies an aesthetic that is both sophisticated and accessible, catering to the discerning tastes of those who seek distinctive, high-quality fashion that transcends fleeting trends. 

Gurung's designs are characterized by their bold silhouettes, vibrant colors, and meticulous craftsmanship, creating pieces that exude confidence and elegance. Each collection is a testament to his commitment to delivering fashion that not only looks exquisite but also makes a statement, reflecting a deep appreciation for beauty and artistry.

At the core of Gurung's mission is the belief that luxury should be inclusive and meaningful, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. His work is driven by a desire to empower people through fashion, offering them the opportunity to express their unique identities and embrace their own sense of style. By combining modern luxury with an indelible sense of glamour, Gurung aims to create a lasting impact on the fashion industry, celebrating the beauty of individuality while setting new standards for what it means to be truly fashionable in today’s world.

Prabal Gurung’s vision extends beyond creating luxury fashion; he sees the industry as a powerful platform to advocate for social change and raise awareness for important causes. His brand is rooted in the principles of activism, inclusivity, and justice, reflecting his commitment to using fashion as a medium to address societal issues. 

By integrating these values into his work, Gurung challenges conventional narratives in the fashion world, promoting diversity and representation both on and off the runway. His collections often draw attention to political and social themes, using his visibility and influence to spark conversations about topics like gender equality, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Through his designs, he seeks to empower individuals and communities, demonstrating that fashion can be both aesthetically compelling and socially conscious.

Gurung's dedication to activism is evident in his consistent support for various causes. He has leveraged his platform to champion Planned Parenthood, advocate against racism, and encourage voter registration, recognizing the power of collective action in driving change. In addition to his advocacy work in the United States, Gurung is committed to supporting his native Nepal. 

In 2015, he established the Shikshya Foundation Nepal, a relief fund for earthquake victims, showcasing his dedication to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. He has also initiated programs to provide education and opportunities for underprivileged young girls in Nepal, funded partly by his CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund prize. Through these efforts, Gurung exemplifies how fashion can transcend commerce, becoming a vehicle for philanthropy, social justice, and community empowerment.

In 2010, he was the recipient of the Ecco Domani Fashion Fund Award and selected as runner up for the 2010 CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund. The following year, he was one of USA Network’s Character Approved Award recipients; named goodwill ambassador of Maiti Nepal; finalist of the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award and proud recipient of the Swarovski Award for Womenswear at the CFDA Fashion Awards.

Prabal Gurung’s collections are a celebration of modern femininity, characterized by a distinctive blend of sophistication, boldness, and elegance. His womenswear offerings include an array of meticulously crafted garments, each piece embodying his signature style that combines intricate detailing with innovative designs. Known for his expert use of vibrant colors, unique prints, and luxurious fabrics, Gurung creates pieces that stand out while maintaining a timeless appeal. His dresses, often featuring asymmetrical cuts, dramatic drapes, and structured silhouettes, are designed to flatter and empower the wearer, making them ideal for both high-profile events and everyday sophistication.

Per WWD: Prabal Gurung’s fall 2024 collection was designed out of his grief, with the designer creating silhouettes that offered a balance of warmth and melancholy through tactile fabrics, sculptural silhouettes and ethereal gowns. Gurung explained the collection was informed by a loss in his home country of Nepal, which gave him the opportunity to look over his old diaries, examining sketches, doodles and dried flowers he had collected in his earlier years.  “It was to give into grief,” Gurung said backstage. “That was a new thing for me, but I decided to give in simply because that was the only way that I could go through it… It was just so cathartic and so healing, so I brought this to life because it gave me comfort.” 

Complementing his ready-to-wear collections, Prabal Gurung’s line of accessories adds a refined touch to his fashion offerings. The accessories range includes statement jewelry, elegant handbags, and chic footwear, all designed to elevate and complete any ensemble. Each accessory reflects the same attention to detail and artistic vision found in his clothing, often featuring bold designs, playful elements, and a harmonious balance of form and function. Through his collections, Gurung not only delivers pieces that are visually stunning but also deeply expressive, allowing his customers to showcase their personal style with confidence and grace.