Prabal Gurung is a name synonymous with an evolving American fashion narrative. Born in Singapore, raised in Kathmandu, and shaped by New York, Gurung launched his eponymous label at New York Fashion Week in 2009. Since then, his collections have been known for their bold statements, marrying an understanding of high-fashion elegance with an inclusive, modern edge. Today, his pieces are sold across twenty countries, worn by everyone from Michelle Obama to Sarah Jessica Parker—a testament to Gurung’s enduring relevance.
Gurung’s journey to launching his own brand was marked by several significant chapters. He cut his teeth in fashion in New Delhi before making his way to New York to attend Parsons School of Design. There, his path led him to a stint with Cynthia Rowley, followed by a role as design director at Bill Blass. His five-year tenure at Blass allowed him to craft his design ethos—a combination of sophisticated structure and emotional storytelling—before taking the leap to launch his own label.
Beyond his namesake brand, Gurung has navigated collaborations that speak to his understanding of fashion as a connector. In 2011, he became chief designer for Onward Kashiyama’s ICB, and in 2013, he brought his vision to a wider audience through a high-profile collaboration with Target. The collection embodied Gurung’s belief that great fashion should be accessible—an idea that continues to resonate with his work.
Gurung is also an advocate for diversity, social responsibility, and inclusion within the industry, using his platform to amplify causes that are important to him. From the runway to his activism, Gurung represents a new wave of American fashion: bold, reflective, and unafraid to challenge convention, always with an eye towards the future.
