Prabal Gurung on fashion, identity and the American dream

Prabal Gurung is a name synonymous with boldness, inclusivity, and storytelling in fashion. Known for his distinctive designs that merge glamour with meaningful narratives, Singapore-born, Nepal-raised Gurung has consistently challenged North American norms and championed diversity in the country. From dressing former American first lady Michelle Obama, to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, as well as British royalty like Kate Middleton, Gurung has styled many red carpet looks for prominent women figures around the world. The veteran designer was in Hong Kong to attend Fashion Asia’s Fashion Challenges Forum to speak about his commitment to authenticity and representation in his role as vice chair of the Council of Fashion Designers in America (CFDA). In this exclusive interview with Jing Daily, Gurung delved into his Nepali roots, building a global fashion brand in New York, creative process, the power of silence and solitude, and the fashion industry’s evolving dynamics. He also shared insights on his upcoming memoir, Walk Like a Girl (launching in May 2025), and his efforts to amplify Asian voices. Jing Daily: How should we credit you in this interview? Prabal Gurung: He/him. My title would be fashion designer, creative director, and CEO of Prabal Gurung. And an amazing singer. JD: What’s your go-to song? PG: Oh my God, so many. I sing a lot of Bollywood songs because I grew up in India. One of my favorites is Creep by Radiohead. I’m also obsessed with Chandelier by Sia. JD: What’s your approach to design? PG: Music, art, books, stories, and cultural movements all inspire me. My creative process begins the moment a show ends. I like to travel, but not just to see new places — travel forces me to embrace solitude, which is vital for creativity. Silence and stillness are when ideas emerge. I also meditate, something my mom has done for 30 years. Curiosity is key. It’s about observing the world, whether it’s a story someone shares or the changing landscapes while biking in New York City. JD: Your views on silence and solitude are quite philosophical. PG: Absolutely. In today’s noisy world, creating silence is essential. Boredom, often viewed negatively, is important. It’s when the mind begins to imagine. I’m often busy, but I value moments of stillness. Little joys — like listening to music while getting ready, build happiness. For me, it’s not just about the runway show; it’s the journey of seeing an idea come to life that brings joy. JD: You saw your dreams come true when Michelle Obama wore one of your dresses back in 2010. Would you say that your definition of success has changed since then? PG: For sure. Early on, success was defined by other people around me as: Money, fame, accolades. But that didn’t resonate with me. I’ve shifted to doing what makes me happy. As a designer, I wanted my brand to reflect more than just fashion. I’ve always been about art, politics, culture, and human stories. In the beginning, people thought I was crazy, but now the world has caught up. Conversations about visibility and identity, especially for the Asian diaspora, are more accepted. JD: Visibility seems central to your work. Does that boldness manifest in your designs? PG: Yes. As a person of color, my existence on its own challenges norms. By being unapologetically myself, I dismantle the status quo. My clothes reflect that philosophy. Life’s too short to live by someone else’s definition. We should define our own identities. JD: Can we talk about your upcoming book, Walk Like a Girl? PG: Thank you. It’s a literary memoir I’ve worked on for seven years. It’s about my immigrant journey from Nepal to America, being queer, and pursuing the fragmented American dream. It’s a story about race, identity, politics, and fashion, but also a love letter to my mother. I wrote it to help others feel less alone. JD: I’m sure it will resonate with many. You mentioned the American dream. How do you see its connection to the fashion industry? PG: The American dream is alive, but not accessible to everyone. Fashion, like America, is paradoxical. It represents hope and identity while being a complex, flawed system. As creatives, our job is to tell stories — stories that reflect diverse realities. By doing so, we resist erasure and celebrate existence. JD: Would you say storytelling is central to your philosophy? PG: Absolutely. Creatives are storytellers, and storytellers are healers. Intentionality in creation can impact lives. We must be mindful of the narratives we tell ourselves and others. Words have the power to heal and transform. JD: How do you see the shift in Asian consumers’ influence on the fashion industry? PG: For a long time, the global fashion lens was quite colonial. Now, with the rise of Asia’s power — China, India, and beyond — we’re dictating our own tastes. This shift is exciting and long overdue. Platforms like Gold House, which I cofounded, support Asian-Pacific creators in film, fashion, and beyond. It’s about giving visibility to cultures that have so much to offer. JD: You’re also involved in the CFDA’s diversity initiatives. Can you share more on your work with this? PG: As CFDA co-chair, I focus on fostering diversity and creating a sustainable ecosystem for new designers. A colorful, diverse world is more empathetic and interesting. We aim to celebrate stories from all parts of the world, moving beyond a single lens. Jing Daily presents Jing Masterminds — a regular, exclusive interview series profiling today’s most iconic names in art, fashion, commerce and culture. Delving deep into their personal journeys, creative processes, business strategies and societal impacts, the series offers readers an intimate look at the lives and minds shaping our industries.

Prabal Gurung on fashion, identity and the American dream

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Published December 11, 2024

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Prabal Gurung on fashion, identity and the American dream