Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung

Prabal Gurung was born in Singapore (1979) to Nepalese couple and grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal. He studied at St. Xavier’s School which was one of the most reputed Jesuit Catholic schools in his city and finished his schooling from there.

Gurung’s design career commenced in India’s one of the most populous cities New Delhi. While attaining education from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, he did apprenticeships at many local fashion and production houses and worked under Manish Arora. This is just what happened in India which is a nation near his home country, the best part of his early career was that he found the opportunity to assist stylists in London and Melbourne during fashion shows and for international print media.

In 1999, he relocated to New York, where he apprenticed with Donna Karan alongside studying at Parsons School of Design. In only his first year, he received best designer award in the FIT/Parsons design contest. After finishing his educational at Parsons, he worked two years with the design team of Cynthia Rowley.  Shortly afterwards, Gurung became the design director at the fashion house Bill Blass. Following more than four triumphant years there, he launched PRABAL GURUNG, his own line during the popular New York Fashion Week in 2009. A year later, he stage his debut fashion show at Bryant Park in Tents.

His designs have been seen on famous personalities including Demi Moore, Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lawrence, Zoe Saldana, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson, Scarlett Johanson, January Jones, Amanda Seyfried, Emma Watson, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Catherine (The Duchess of Cambridge), Lady Gaga, Elettra Wiedemann, and Marion Cotillard. In addition to this, his works have been worn by Bollywood actresses such as Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone as well as Katrina Kaif.

In 2010, he received Ecco Domani Fashion Fund Award and was also nominated for Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Swarovski Women’s Wear Award. Moreover, he was selected by prominent retailers, business individuals, designers and editors for the 2010 to 2012 CFDA Fashion Incubator. Additionally, Gurung was the runner up for Vogue and CFDA Fashion Fund award. Three years after this, he acquired his US citizenship.

During an interview, the designer described a little about his habits. Gurung considers meditation as a habit that changed his life for better since it helps him to be focused. In contrast to this, one thing he does not like about himself is his impulsiveness. Moreover, the naughtiest thing Gurung can do is to excessively indulge in something at times. A habit he thinks he should have is a proper morning breakfast every day. According to him, men should express their gratitude and read plus exercise regularly. On the other hand, he thinks that men shouldn’t be greedy, selfish or doubt themselves.

He feels that he is still at the start of his career and thinks that he has a lot to accomplish but since his brand was born, Gurung has extensively contributed to the world of design. He serves as a role-model for aspiring fashion designers because Gurung’s story is inspiring in many ways as he climbed the ladder of success very quickly. For his accomplishments, the designer explains that his love for his ambitions and craft has given him the strength to work hard and reach here.