Ace Award Winner Prabal Gurung
Designer of the Year
Prabal Gurung: Designs of an American Dream
By Roxanne Robinson
While Prabal Gurung’s designs may epitomize an elevated East-meets-West aesthetic, the concept goes far beyond the clothes that don his racks to the universe he has created. Often referring to himself as the ultimate ‘American dreamer,’ Gurung has parlayed the success of his clothing brand as a way to champion dreams for the next generation. In the last year, he successfully added the new division Atelier Prabal Gurung to his ready-to-wear house, expanded his offerings to reach a moderate-level consumer in both fashion and home goods, and has taken on the role as co-vice chair at the CFDA to uplift American designers globally, especially those from the BIPOC community.
Born in Singapore and raised in Nepal, Gurung was educated and worked in India before landing in New York. He finished his education at Parsons and began his New York career working for Cynthia Rowley and Bill Blass. In 2009, he launched his ready-to-wear collection to much fanfare. “I came here not knowing anyone, and this American dream happened to me here in NYC; I know it wouldn’t have happened anywhere else like this,” he said during a phone interview.
Fast-forward to the pandemic — when everyone had resigned themselves to the ubiquitousness of sweatpants and loungewear — Gurung noticed a demand for elevated special occasion red carpet-worthy designs. Thus, the designer began to imagine what expanding his private client business would look like.
“The idea for Atelier Prabal Gurung was first seeded during the Met Gala dressing opportunity. However, as the pandemic continued and lockdown restrictions varied, I had clients globally looking for occasion dressing for weddings and holiday events, such as Diwali and Lunar New Year. I realized there was an appetite for this. There are many markets — America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India (which is growing in power) — where I have a presence,” Gurung explained.
He tested the idea with a soft retail launch last Spring, and the reaction at stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman, was encouraging. “The first season, certain styles sold out immediately, ranging from $5,000 to $7,000. It’s taken off well; looking back, I should have done this sooner,” he continued.
The global celebrity world also took notice and there followed notable red carpet sightings of Atelier Prabal Gurung. Among the most recent: Australian actress Sarah Snook in a black point d’esprit ballgown, actress and TV host Padma Lakshmi in a shimmering mermaid gown, and Beyoncé in a white silk/cotton hand-pleated dhoti pant set. Other notable fans include Lady Gaga, Alicia Keyes, Sarita Choudhury, Mumbai best actress winner Janhvi Kapoor, and “Westward” co-creator, writer, director, and executive producer Lisa Joy.
Gurung admitted he also loves working on everyday styles, a practice that opens up his designs to a wider market. This last year yielded his successful iMPOWER collection with JCPenney, and last fall he teamed up with Hanky Panky for his first intimates collaboration.
To read the rest of the his amazing story head to our ACE issue HERE.