Kathmandu

He was so different that the traditional expectation that he would become a doctor or engineer was not there. He “wanted to do something else. Then I didn’t know…now I look back, I had sketches only, on the back of books”.

With his dream of fashion designing that he later realised, and courage, he has become the brand 'Prabal Gurung' that the whole world knows. His designs have been worn by many including the US First Lady Michelle Obama and The Duchess of Cambridge to name a few among others. And who doesn’t want to don his designs?

Gurung has carved a niche in the world fashion industry. But how did he do it? He shared his story on April 19 at Russian Culture Centre, Kamalpokhari at a programme of Ma Movement facilitated by banker Anil Shah. From creative childhood days to New Delhi’s fashion movement to cut-throat yet exciting and stimulating New York stories, Gurung got candid to the venue full of people.

At the beginning of the event, Gurung recalled his childhood days in a “unique and creative family that accepted each other differently, it encouraged me to think, or think differently”. He was allowed to think and to be different, ask questions, be courageous, and had adult conversations.

He studied in St Xavier’s School. While growing up, “I was very different. I looked around and couldn’t see anyone who acted like, looked like me or thought like me. Though I am extrovert and talkative, internally I was extremely lonely.” But he made his differences his “asset”.

Gurung shared his inspiring story with all honesty and energy. He made the audience laugh and got emotional too.

His another step to the world of fame was New Delhi, India where his “true interest and passion for fashion started”. He pointed out, “There was a movement happening India. Rohit Bal, Ritu Kumar all were happening. I was intrigued by it.” He took up fashion designing as per the advice of his brother-in-law and he enjoyed it.

Gurung likes “challenges”. And believing in his dream, he went to study in Parsons New School for Design, New York, USA. When he landed there, “I knew I was home. I felt this was it”. Wining from ‘Best Designer’ in his first year to internship with famed American fashion designer Donna Karan to working with Cynthia Rowley and later launching his own label, he has become who he is now — Prabal Gurung.