Prabal Gurung stands as a beacon in the global fashion landscape, a designer whose creations transcend mere aesthetics to embody powerful cultural narratives and social commentary. His work is a testament to the transformative potential of fashion, blending modern luxury with an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and advocacy. This report delves into the multifaceted life and career of Prabal Gurung, exploring how his roots in Nepal, his formative experiences, and his personal journey as a queer immigrant have profoundly shaped his distinctive artistic vision, leading him to redefine contemporary fashion as both an art form and a potent platform for social change. For an art magazine, understanding Gurung isn’t just about his garments, but the intricate tapestry of influences, struggles, and triumphs that imbue his designs with meaning. His narrative is one of resilience, a journey from a challenging childhood in Kathmandu to dressing global icons and becoming a vocal champion for marginalized voices.
Roots of Resilience, Early Life and Formative Influences
Born in Singapore on March 31, 1979, to Nepali parents, Prabal Gurung was primarily raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, attending St. Xavier’s School in Jawalakhel. His initial academic path led him to a bachelor’s degree in hotel management at the National Council of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, a stark contrast to his eventual calling. This early detour from fashion highlights an initial search for direction before his true passion took hold.
A pivotal figure in Gurung’s early life was his mother, Durga Rana, a former boutique owner and later a politician. She raised Prabal and his two older siblings, Pravesh Rana Gurung, an Indian film director, and Kumudini Shrestha, a teacher and social worker, as a single mother, navigating an unfaithful and abusive marriage. Gurung consistently refers to his mother as his “north star” and “blueprint of strength,” crediting her unconditional love and resilience as his first lesson in perseverance. She instilled in him the value of using one’s platform to make an impact, a principle that would become central to his career.
From a young age, Gurung’s interest in fashion, including experimenting with makeup and feminine clothing, was “highly unconventional in Nepal at the time”. He faced teasing, bullying, and academic struggles, often being demeaned with phrases like “walk like a girl,” “cry like a girl,” or “talk like a girl”. These experiences, rooted in a society that struggled to understand his difference or queer identity, were painful but ultimately forged his resilience and determination to be unapologetically himself. The very phrase “Walk Like a Girl,” initially a pejorative, later became the title of his memoir and a powerful symbol of strength. This transformation of an insult into an emblem of empowerment illustrates a profound process where early adversity, rather than stifling his creativity, became a foundational wellspring for his artistic expression and advocacy. His personal experience of being “othered” cultivated a deep empathy and a rebellious streak , directly informing his later commitment to inclusivity and social justice in his designs. The “injustice of the situation” he faced in childhood transformed into a powerful drive for a more equitable world, channeled directly through his art.
Despite initial studies in hotel management, Gurung’s passion for fashion led him to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi. While there, he apprenticed with Indian designer Manish Arora, and at other local fashion and production houses. Though he quietly denies Arora directly shaped his aesthetic, he admits to admiration and learning to “step out of boundaries and challenge them”. This period also involved assisting stylists and editors for fashion shows and photoshoots in Melbourne and London for seven years, broadening his global perspective and understanding of the industry. He found India an “incredible place,” drawing inspiration from Bollywood, its vibrant fabrics, embroideries, and textures found in places like Chandni Chowk. This extensive geographical and cultural exposure, moving from Nepal to India, then assisting stylists in Australia and England, before finally settling in New York, is deeply linked to his design philosophy. This global immersion allowed him to synthesize disparate influences into a unique, universally appealing style, positioning him as a truly international designer from the outset. It highlights how his diverse international experiences, including the “brilliance of Bollywood,” Indian textiles, and global fashion trends, formed the rich, layered foundation of his design vocabulary.
Forging a Path, Apprenticeships and Professional Development
In 1999, driven by a dream and inspired by an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show about living one’s dreams, Gurung relocated to New York City. He found New York to be a “best culmination of people, cultures and creative freedom,” feeling immediately at home despite the daunting realities of competition, financial hardship, and cultural adaptation. This move marked a pivotal moment, placing him at the epicenter of the global fashion industry.
Gurung enrolled at Parsons School of Design, a renowned institution. During his studies, he interned with Donna Karan. While specific contributions are not detailed in the available information , this internship provided crucial early exposure to the American fashion industry. After graduating, he spent two years working with Cynthia Rowley’s design and production teams. Gurung admired Rowley’s independent brand and her consistent joy and optimism, even in hard times, which likely influenced his own approach to the demanding industry. These initial experiences were foundational, allowing him to absorb the intricacies of design and production in a fast-paced environment.
Following his time at Cynthia Rowley, Gurung was appointed design director at the iconic American fashion house Bill Blass, a post he held for five years until launching his own label. He famously referred to this period as his “PhD” or “Masters” in fashion, indicating its profound impact on his understanding of design and industry operations. While specific projects or collections from his tenure at Bill Blass are not detailed , this five-year role provided him with invaluable experience in crafting a design ethos that combined sophisticated structure with emotional storytelling. This progression from intern to design director at established houses was not merely a resume builder; it was a crucial incubator where Gurung could hone his technical skills, understand the commercial realities of high fashion, and, critically, develop his unique voice
before launching his independent brand. The lack of specific project details might imply that his role was more about absorbing the holistic workings of a major house, preparing him for the immense responsibility of his own label. It was a period of structured learning that empowered his eventual leap into independent creative direction.
The Eponymous Label, A New Voice in American Fashion
In February 2009, Prabal Gurung launched his eponymous label during New York Fashion Week. The brand was founded on a philosophy encompassing modern luxury, indelible style, and an astute sense of glamour.
His inaugural collection quickly gained recognition for its modern, feminine, and luxurious aesthetic, featuring vibrant prints and rich textures. Notably, his first collection predominantly featured black, white, and vibrant red, setting an early tone for his bold use of color. The debut was met with “thunderous applause” , and influential figures like Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue, were early champions, selecting him as a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in December 2010. Critics noted his ability to portray the realities of being an independent designer, and his confidence and empathy radiated through his work. After five years at Bill Blass, a well-established house, Gurung chose to launch his
own label in 2009. This was a significant leap, especially given the competitive fashion landscape. The immediate critical acclaim and early support from industry titans like Anna Wintour suggest that his prior experiences provided not just skills, but a clear, refined vision that resonated instantly. This highlights that the “solid foundation” gained during his apprenticeships was not just about technical proficiency but about developing a distinct, commercially viable, and critically appealing brand identity. The rapid success of his debut collection indicates that his “PhD” at Bill Blass prepared him exceptionally well to translate his unique artistic perspective into a successful business venture, minimizing the inherent risks of launching an independent label.
A core tenet of the Prabal Gurung brand is its commitment to quality and supporting local communities. Over 80% and even over 90% of his collections are produced in New York City. This strategic choice not only upholds high standards of quality but also sustains domestic employment and income, reflecting his dedication to ethical practices and community engagement.
The Art of Design, Philosophy, Style, and Cultural Infusion
Gurung’s design philosophy is rooted in modern elegance, characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and contemporary sensibilities. His collections are instantly recognizable for their bold use of vibrant colors, rich textures, and dramatic silhouettes. He prioritizes luxurious fabrics and impeccable craftsmanship, focusing on innovation and an astute sense of glamour. His designs often feature cut-out detailing, delicate rouleau buttons, and dramatic draping, creating pieces that are both sophisticated and alluring.
Gurung’s designs are a direct reflection of his multicultural background and global influences, seamlessly blending Eastern heritage with Western modernity. His early exposure to the vivid colors, intricate textiles, and traditional craftsmanship of Nepal laid the foundation for his aesthetic sensibilities. He frequently incorporates Nepalese embroidery and traditional patterns into contemporary silhouettes, making his success a source of pride in his home country.
Gurung views himself as a storyteller, and his designs are the medium. His collections draw inspiration from a diverse range of cultural and artistic sources, from his favorite designer Yves Saint Laurent, to erotic photographs by Nobuyoshi Araki, and even literary characters like Miss Havisham from
Great Expectations. A standout example is his Spring/Summer 2025 collection, which was inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi, reflecting themes of diversity, cultural heritage, and vibrant celebration. In his Fall/Winter 2023 collection, he made waves by incorporating sindoor (vermillion) in various shades, further highlighting his cultural heritage. Gurung explicitly states that his designs are “backed by receipts of his experiences”. This reveals a deeper connection between his personal narrative, including his difficult childhood, queer identity, and immigrant experience, and his artistic output. His designs aren’t just beautiful clothes; they are visual manifestations of his identity, resilience, and advocacy. This elevates his fashion beyond commerce, positioning it firmly within the realm of art, where personal narratives are explored and expressed through creative mediums.
Central to Gurung’s philosophy is the empowerment of women. He famously states, “I don’t dress women to make them look beautiful, they already are. What I do is to mirror their strengths”. This “deep love of women” translates into designs that embody a delicate balance between femininity and empowerment, appealing to strong, intelligent, and independent women.
Beyond the Runway, Activism, Inclusivity, and Impact
Beyond his design work, Gurung is a vocal activist, using his platform to champion critical social issues such as gender equality, body positivity, and immigrant rights. He has been particularly outspoken about the rise of anti-Asian violence and has supported various social causes, including Planned Parenthood and the ACLU. Early in his career, this stance was unconventional, leading him to feel like a “lone ranger” and receive messages to “stay in your lane”. However, he persisted, and the fashion world eventually caught up to his pioneering advocacy.
Gurung has powerfully integrated his activism into his collections through iconic slogan T-shirts. These include “We Will Not Be Silenced,” “Love Is the Resistance,” and “Nevertheless She Persisted”. His Fall 2017 ready-to-wear collection featured the direct statement “I am an immigrant”. In 2022, in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling, he released T-shirts proclaiming “Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights”. His “Who Gets to Be American?” collection boldly addressed immigration and identity politics, turning his runway into a conversation about inclusion and representation. The “This Is What a Feminist Looks Like” T-shirt, created with Glamour in 2014, became a symbol of feminist empowerment. Gurung’s activism isn’t an add-on; it’s deeply embedded in his brand identity, from his runway casting to his slogan tees. He was “very open about his support for issues that mattered to women, long before it was a thing”. The fashion industry, initially resistant, eventually adopted similar stances. This highlights a powerful trend: fashion’s role evolving from merely reflecting societal trends to actively shaping them. Gurung’s consistent, authentic advocacy acted as a catalyst, pushing the industry towards greater diversity and social consciousness. His work demonstrates that fashion, as a highly visible cultural medium, possesses significant power to drive social change and normalize conversations around critical issues like immigration, gender, and body image. This is a clear example of how art can lead, rather than just follow, cultural shifts.
Gurung has been a trailblazer for inclusivity within the fashion industry. He was one of the first designers to consistently feature models of diverse backgrounds, sizes, and races on his runways, challenging traditional beauty norms and promoting a more inclusive vision of fashion. His commitment extends to collaborations, notably with the plus-size retailer Lane Bryant in 2017, aiming to provide stylish options for women of all sizes.
Gurung’s commitment to social justice extends to tangible philanthropic efforts. In 2011, he and his siblings established the Shikshya Foundation Nepal, which focuses on providing education to underprivileged children, challenging them to positively impact the country’s future. The foundation aims to support at least 300 children within ten years, with over 60 currently in the program. Also in 2011, he was named goodwill ambassador for Maiti Nepal, a foundation dedicated to preventing girl trafficking. Following the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, Gurung launched a relief fund that raised nearly $1 million USD.
Accolades and Collaborations, Milestones of a Modern Icon
Gurung’s contributions to fashion and society have garnered numerous accolades. Key awards include the Ecco Domani Fashion Fund Award (2010/2011) and the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear (2011). He was a runner-up for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2010. More recently, he was honored as Designer of the Year at the American Image Awards (2022), received the Humanitarian Award at the 38th Annual Night of the Stars Gala (2022), and won the Positive Social Influence Award as a member of the “Slaysians” at the CFDA Awards (2022). In 2019, he was named the first Honorary Designer of the National Portrait Gallery Celebration at the Smithsonian , and in January 2023, he was elected Vice Chair of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), solidifying his leadership role in the industry.
Gurung has strategically expanded his brand’s reach and message through diverse collaborations. These include high-profile partnerships with Target (2013), bringing his designs to a broader audience , and MAC Cosmetics (2014). He collaborated with TOMS in 2016 to support Shikshya Foundation Nepal and was named Global Creative Director for Japanese jewelry house Tasaki in 2017. More recent collaborations include the iMPOWER collection with JCPenney (2023) for accessible high-fashion, a second home décor line with Rugs USA (2024), and a limited-edition collection with Hanky Panky celebrating female empowerment (2024). He also designed new uniforms for Sephora beauty advisors in 2011 and was chief designer for Onward Kashiyama’s ICB brand in 2011/2012.
Gurung’s designs have graced the wardrobes of some of the world’s most influential women, solidifying his status as a key player in contemporary fashion. His clientele includes former First Lady Michelle Obama, who first wore his creation in 2010. Other notable figures include Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge , Priyanka Chopra , Oprah Winfrey , Zoe Saldana , and Sarah Jessica Parker. His extensive clientele also includes Vice President Kamala Harris, Anne Hathaway, Demi Moore, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and many more, spanning Hollywood, politics, and royalty. Gurung’s ability to create custom, bespoke silhouettes that reflect the wearer’s personality makes him an “architect of personalities on fabrics”. Gurung’s career is marked by a dual trajectory: high-fashion acclaim (dressing world leaders and celebrities) and broad accessibility (Target, Lane Bryant, JCPenney collaborations). His numerous awards confirm his critical standing, while his diverse clientele and mass-market partnerships confirm his commercial success and cultural impact. This demonstrates a strategic and successful navigation of the often-dichotomous worlds of haute couture and mass-market fashion. By dressing influential figures, he gains immense visibility and validates his artistic vision. By collaborating with accessible brands, he democratizes fashion, extending his message of inclusivity and empowerment to a wider audience. This symbiotic relationship amplifies his brand’s message and ensures his enduring relevance across different market segments, making his art not just for the elite, but for everyone.
“Walk Like a Girl,” A Memoir of Self-Discovery
In May 2025 , Gurung released his memoir, “Walk Like a Girl,” published by Viking/Penguin Random House. The book was six years in the making , described by Gurung as a “cathartic and emotional journey of self-discovery and healing”. He admitted that processing his childhood experiences, including an abusive father, bullies, and predators at school, to write the book was the “hardest thing he’s ever done,” bringing back harrowing memories and a sense of injustice.
The memoir delves into his personal journey, challenges, and triumphs, offering insights into his experiences growing up in Nepal, moving to New York, and establishing his fashion label. It traces his South Asian roots and difficult childhood. A central theme is his queer identity and the struggle to fit in, but also finding strength in vulnerability and self-acceptance. His mother, Durga Rana, is highlighted as the “hero of the book,” whose unwavering love and support empowered him to be unapologetically himself.
The book’s title, “Walk Like a Girl,” is a purposeful nod to the pejorative insults hurled at him in his youth. Gurung chose to reclaim this phrase, transforming it into a term of power, courage, and empowerment. He believes that “to walk like a girl in this world is to walk through softness and defiance and complexities and courage and vulnerability,” emphasizing self-worth and belonging. He hopes the book inspires readers to be free, authentic, and unapologetic about their true selves. The memoir’s release, its themes, and the personal difficulty Gurung experienced writing it suggest it is more than just a chronological autobiography. It is a deeply personal and vulnerable act of self-reflection, directly linking his childhood trauma and identity struggles to his adult success and advocacy. The act of “reclaiming” the pejorative “Walk Like a Girl” is a powerful symbolic gesture. This indicates that the memoir serves as a crucial piece in understanding Gurung’s entire artistic output. It provides the narrative scaffolding that explains the depth and authenticity of his design philosophy and activism. The book isn’t just a separate project; it is the culmination of his journey to integrate his personal identity with his public persona and artistic expression. It validates the “authentic place” from which his designs and advocacy stem, offering a complete perspective on the man behind the brand.
Legacy and Future Vision, An Enduring Influence
Prabal Gurung’s journey from a young boy in Nepal to an internationally acclaimed fashion designer exemplifies dedication, talent, and passion. His ability to blend modern elegance with social activism has profoundly redefined contemporary fashion, making him a significant figure in the industry. He represents a “new wave of American fashion: bold, reflective, and unafraid to challenge convention”.
Gurung has always been a storyteller, first through his Nepal-inspired designs and now through his memoir. His authenticity, both on and off the runway, is a defining characteristic, and his experiences serve as tools for his narratives, whether about craft, color, heritage, or people in his life.
Beyond fashion, he harbors a significant future aspiration: to create an Asian-American museum. This dream underscores his ongoing commitment to representation, cultural storytelling, and using his platform to make a lasting impact beyond the confines of the fashion industry. He is also a co-founder of Gold House, supporting Asian-Pacific creators. Gurung’s career trajectory shows a consistent expansion of his influence, from designing clothes to advocating for social issues, and now to a long-term vision of an Asian-American museum. This is not merely a hobby; it is a profound commitment to cultural preservation and representation. This indicates a natural evolution of his purpose. Having achieved significant success and influence within fashion, Gurung is now leveraging his platform and resources to address broader societal and cultural needs. The museum project is a testament to his understanding of the power of narrative and representation on a grander, more permanent scale, solidifying his legacy as not just a fashion designer, but a cultural architect and advocate for his community.
Prabal Gurung, The Artist and Advocate
Prabal Gurung’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, artistic innovation, and profound social engagement. From his challenging yet nurturing upbringing in Nepal to his rise as a global fashion icon, he has consistently woven his personal story and cultural heritage into a distinctive aesthetic. His designs, characterized by modern elegance, vibrant colors, and meticulous craftsmanship, are more than garments; they are canvases for storytelling and vehicles for empowerment.
Gurung’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and authentic self-expression has not only redefined contemporary fashion but has also inspired a generation to view style as a powerful tool for change. As he continues to innovate and champion meaningful causes, Prabal Gurung stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect, challenge, and ultimately shape the world.