Designer Prabal Gurung talks about dressing Michelle Obama, his love for art and being a voice for Nepal.
It’s a story almost out of a fairytale. A young boy, born in Singapore, raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, studies hotel management before he decides to dedicate himself to fashion. A stint at NIFT, New Delhi is quickly followed by a degree from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. Once he sets foot in the Big Apple, it’s clear that there’s no turning back. In 2009, he launched his own label without any financial support or backing. Praba Gurung would go on to win the CFDA Swarovski Fashion Award in 2011 and become the designer of choice for women like Michelle Obama, Zoe Saldana and Deepika Padukone, who appreciate his ability to make poised, elegant dresses with subtle, sexy undercurrents.
Tell us about the start of your label.
When I launched the label, we were in the midst of a recession (2009). Many people suggested I wait for a better time but I had gone on unemployment and put everything I had behind this. Our first collection and presentation was an intimate one. When I woke up the next morning and saw that we had made the cover of Women’s Wear Daily, I called my family back home in Nepal. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
How has your home in Nepal influenced your aesthetic?
This story is from the September 01 2016 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 01 2016 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Get Out Of Text Tension
Ravina M Sachdev shares insights on how fexting might be ruining your relationship and how it can backfire in the long run
Pick Your Patterns Of Love
Prachi Rijhwani teaches you a thing or two about how to embrace healthy dating practices
TAME THAT TEMPER
You've probably seen children sprawled out on the floor in department stores or during festive occasions. Ever pondered the reason behind their behaviour? It is called toddler aggression and here's how to handle it.
HOW YOUR PALS POWER YOUR LOVE
Prachi Rijhwani discusses the positive impact of healthy friendships on your love life
An ITALIAN AFFAIR
TOSCANO has just opened another outpost in Wakad, and Pune is all for it
MAKING IT BIG
Restaurateur DHAVAL UDESHI talks to Ravina M Sachdev about starting from scratch in hospitality and making it big
SUNDAY BRUNCHES WITH Avartana's Award-Winning Food
Enjoy a Sunday brunch with the meticulously-curated menus at concept restaurant AVARTANA at ITC Maratha, Mumbai.
Of Culture And Curry
EDDIE SCOTT, winner of MasterChef UK 2022, knew that he needed to expand the West's horizon of Indian food beyond the notion of butter chicken and curry. He tells Shraddha Kamdar how he has attempted to do it with his book Misarana
THE WAY OF THE WATER
Happy, luxurious, chic, good times are the only way to roll on a vacation. AMBIKA MUTTOO has found her new favourite spot in the Indian Ocean, and is letting you in on the secret
HOT RIGHT NOW
All things fresh and fun in the beauty space