Fashion Group International of Dallas (FGI of Dallas) recently announced that designer Prabal Gurung will receive the Career Achievement in Fashion Award at the annual Night of Stars Gala, an event held to honor the fashion stars of the fashion industry.
The Nepalese fashion designer began his career in New Delhi, India. While studying at New Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, he designed with Manish Arora and apprenticed at numerous local production houses.
In 1999, Gurung moved to New York where he interned for Donna Karan while attending Parsons The New School for Design. During his time at Parsons, he earned the Best Designer Award at the annual Parsons/Fashion Institute of Technology design competition. Gurung joined Cynthia Rowley’s design team straight out of Parson’s. He spent two years with the design and production teams before being appointed design director at Bill Blass. Five years later, Gurung left Bill Blass to launch his namesake collection at New York Fashion Week. In 2010, Gurung received the Ecco Domani Fund Award and was the recipient of the CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear. The designer’s eponymous line is sold in over twenty countries, is featured in fashion’s top publications and is consistently worn by the world’s most prominent women. The collection is currently showcased at Neiman Marcus, a Dallas fashion staple store.
I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to sit down with Gurung and chat over coffee about inspiration, pop culture and the future of fashion.
On receiving the career achievement in fashion award from FGI Dallas.
PG: “It is exciting, as a designer you don’t plan to receive certain awards or achievements. It is a byproduct of the work that you put into the collection and brand to receive such recognition.”
ESD: You’ve had some unique opportunities throughout your career (Designing for Airlines, First Ladies and celebs). Can you speak to that?
PG: “We are very careful about who we dress. It’s a matter of “Am I inspired by this woman? Would like to sit down and have coffee or lunch with her? Am I creatively motivated, inspired or challenged by what they are doing?” It’s very important for me to have that kind of relationship. All of these women that I’ve had the opportunity to dress I also know they have plethora of choices and racks of clothes to choose from. The fact that they decide to wear one of my designs, it isn’t up to me anymore there are lots of factors. I am truly grateful that they choose my designs over others.
I have been such an advocate for inspiring women, to celebrate them and when it resonates with them, it becomes more than just fabric, needles and sewing.”
We got to talking about some of his fondest memories and Gurung mentioned that Kristen Wiig happens to be a wonderful date. The designer also reminisced on his close relationship with powerhouse women like Michelle Obama, Demi Moore and Amanda Seyfried.
ESD: Motto for staying true to inspiration and brand?
PG: “You know, for me personally before I got into fashion, my motto has always been ‘Grace under pressure’. The world that we live in there is so much information, so many things out there on social media, you might feel that your life is less than. You feel that you need to compete. I’ve always been very clear and confident that my path is going to be mine and not imitate other. Generally speaking, amongst my designer friends we notice comparison. My philosophy is competitive and I push my limits, but there is a need for depth, levity and humor.”
ESD: What does the future of fashion look like? Any words of advice to up and coming young designers?
PG: “Sure. If you’re getting into fashion and design because you want to be famous I don’t think that’s the right goal. Fame is a product of your hard work. I’ve never chased recognition; I wanted to make beautiful products for the right audience. I now have a platform to talk about my passions, my foundation and get to business. Other advice? Be clear on who you are and have a sense of self. Understand why you are doing what your doing and that the glamorous side of things will be 1%, the rest is hard work.”
ESD: One woman you would love to see wearing your collection?
PG: “There isn’t one, there are several.”
ESD: Amy Schumer? Caitlyn Jenner?
PG: “Yes! It’s so funny, I was just about to mention. Amy, Adele. You’re just moved by the pure ferocity of their talent. Even someone like Angelina Jolie or Hillary Clinton, I want to work with women who are impacting the world in some way.”
We wrapped by discussing his love of Dallas, he spoke to the polite nature of the locals and love of dressing up for any occasion.
Prabal Gurung is set to be honored at the FGI Night of Stars Gala this weekend. Proceeds from the event fund FGI of Dallas’ foundation scholarships. This past April, FGI of Dallas presented over $45,000 in cash scholarships and prizes to 16 college students.
