Prabal Gurung Loves to Manifest as Much as You Do

Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting world of fashion and beauty as New York Fashion Week takes center stage. Among the highly anticipated shows, Prabal Gurung's presentation for his fall 2024 collection, titled "Fragmented Memories," left everyone in awe. Drawing inspiration from his teenage diary, where he once dreamt of a remarkable life, Gurung's collection is a testament to the power of imagination. The delicate pressed flowers that adorned the pages of his diary served as a poignant reminder of the beauty that can emerge from unexpected places. If you share our fascination with this concept, you'll be thrilled to know that key pieces from Gurung's collection are already available for preorder. Thanks to a collaboration with Rakuten, one of the leading shopping platforms, you can now indulge in the creations of four of New York Fashion Week's most prominent designers. We had the opportunity to speak with Gurung about his fall 2024 collection, his partnership with Rakuten, and the profound influence our younger selves can have on our creative endeavors.

On the Meaning of "Fragmented Memories"

Introducing the Fall 2024 collection, we proudly present "Fragmented Memories." This captivating concept delves into the realm of memories, but with a unique twist. It transcends nostalgia and delves into the realm of inspiration that shapes one's journey towards becoming a designer. Reflecting on my own experiences, I drew inspiration from my travels spanning Nepal, India, Singapore, London, Europe, and beyond. Additionally, I found inspiration in the works of talented artists and captivating designs that have left an indelible mark on my creative spirit. Join us on this enchanting voyage as we bring together the essence of these fragmented memories into a collection that will ignite your imagination.

The journey began when I stumbled upon my old diary in Nepal, where I had penned down my dreams and aspirations, now commonly referred to as manifestations. Despite having explored various places, America remained uncharted territory for me, and my burning desire was to become a designer. However, those around me dismissed it as an unattainable dream. Nevertheless, I defied the odds and transformed my dream into reality. Reflecting upon the diary now, I am amazed to see how the pages have become adorned with an exquisite collection of pressed flowers, their vibrant colors gracefully merging with the words over time.

This collection embodies the essence of fragmented memories, with each piece, including the print of the blouse, inspired by photographs I captured of delicate pressed flowers. In a world where we are always focused on the future, it's important to occasionally reflect on our past to gain insight on how to progress. This collection holds a special place in my heart, as it is a personal and sentimental journey through my own experiences.

On the Exclusive Pieces

In the process of selecting the featured looks for preorder in collaboration with Rakuten's New York Fashion Week, we engaged in a thorough deliberation. However, I have managed to narrow it down to two exquisite pieces that perfectly encapsulate the essence of the collection and embody the brand's values. The first one is a charming chiffon pleated long-sleeved blouse, adorned with a delicate pussy bow at the back. This particular design has become synonymous with our brand and represents our ongoing commitment to elegance. The print on this blouse draws inspiration from the beauty of pressed flowers, adding a touch of natural allure. The second piece is a captivating black-and-white double-pleated satin wrap trench coat. Its style is reminiscent of the way people in the Nepalese mountains elegantly drape their jackets and coats, creating a sense of timeless sophistication.

Everything is created right here in New York, where I am located. It's all about the fusion of two different worlds and the beautiful result that emerges. This blouse is perfect for any occasion - whether it's a day at the office, a night out, or transitioning from work to cocktails. The trench coat adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. I designed these pieces with inspiring women in mind, women who are seeking versatile staples for their wardrobe. The concept of a classic trench coat paired with a stunning blouse resonated with me as something they would truly appreciate.

On Reaching a New Audience with Rakuten 

Typically during fashion week, buyers have the final say in selecting pieces from the collection that will be made available for purchase. However, Rakuten took a different approach by allowing us designers to choose our favorite pieces. This was incredibly meaningful to us because there is a deep sentimental value attached to the creations we bring to life. We dedicate months of hard work, from sketching to building, to craft each collection. So when Rakuten asked us, "What do you want to showcase? How do you want to tell your story?" it truly touched our hearts. In today's interconnected world, we can no longer thrive in isolation. Collaborations have become the essence of a collective journey, and this is what makes it truly special.

On Making Luxury More Accessible

Since the inception of my brand, I have consistently emphasized one thing: my role extends beyond creating clothes. The price point of my designs reflects the quality fabrics I carefully select and the location where they are produced. Over 98% of my collection is proudly made in New York. However, as a creative individual, I also consider myself a storyteller. It is my responsibility to make people feel acknowledged and understood through my creations. As a student, I couldn't afford luxury designers like Yves Saint Laurent and McQueen, but their dreams and narratives inspired me to pursue a career in design and made me feel seen in countless ways. Consequently, I believe it is crucial to present my stories and showcase diverse models on the runway. This has been my unwavering commitment since the beginning, and I firmly believe it is an essential aspect of any reputable brand. As designers, it is our duty to embrace this responsibility.

Gain exclusive access to Rakuten's vast audience to share my story and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about fashion, global issues, and lifestyle. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to reach new customers and build a strong community based on shared values and interests. Join forces with us for a meaningful and joyful experience!

How He Hopes the Fall 2024 Collection Impacts Viewers

I am excited for everyone to experience my fall 2024 collection, whether they see it in person or from the comfort of their homes. My team and I put so much effort into creating pieces that will only be showcased for a short amount of time on the runway. Fashion is a reflection of life's fleeting nature, urging us to live in the present moment. I hope that the audience not only enjoys the curated items from the Rakuten collaboration but also connects with the story behind the entire runway collection. Take advantage of the preorder access and cash back, but most importantly, take a moment to reflect on your journey and appreciate how far you've come.

On How His Design Aesthetic Has Evolved

I have never been one to concern myself with fleeting trends, but there have been two notable developments throughout the years. My beliefs and the type of individuals I aspire to dress have remained steadfast. I have always catered to people of substance, those who possess an innate curiosity. These are the global, glamorous nomads who yearn to explore the world and embrace their place within it. My vision has naturally evolved through the sheer power of curiosity. As the world undergoes transformations, as our values shift, and as our perspectives broaden, my collection adapts accordingly. The consistency and curiosity that define my work have grown and flourished over time. They embody the world I have crafted, a world that seamlessly blends style and substance.

On the Significance of Fashion Week in 2024

Fashion week is not just about the clothes; it is a reflection of society and the current trends. It serves as a window into the zeitgeist, capturing what is about to happen and what is already happening. Unlike other artists, fashion designers have the unique opportunity to tell a story every six months. While musicians and filmmakers may take years to create something, fashion designers can address the ever-changing zeitgeist in a timely manner. If you truly want to grasp the pulse of the world and witness its transformation, look no further than the runway shows. They hold the key to understanding the shifts and dynamics of our society.

In addition to that, I constantly find myself believing that runway shows and fashion commence with lookbooks or however individuals prefer to approach it. What this truly signifies is the concept of pursuing your aspirations, that feeling of saying, "This is what I desire." It is effortless for us to be in this stage of our lives and careers and advise others on what they should or shouldn't do. However, we must also recall our own experiences when we were 16 or 17 years old, filled with grand dreams but overwhelmed by fear. Did we truly believe it was attainable? Therefore, I always aspire that beyond the financial aspects, it ignites a spark within people to become ambitious dreamers. If anything, what the world truly craves right now are dreamers and storytellers, for storytellers possess the power to heal."