As New York-based designer Prabal Gurung continues to raise money for the victims of the recent Earthquake in Nepal, his emotions were interpreted onto the runway.
By Susan Devaney
“We’re working with a number of relief organisations on the ground to disperse the funds but the country will need much more than just that. Anything I can do to bring attention to what still needs to be done there, I will do. Society tends to turn to the next disaster quite quickly so it’s even more important that these efforts are continued,” Gurung told MOJEH back in May. On Saturday, April 25th 2015 Gurung’s ambitions permanently changed; a date that will forever be ingrained in his mind as an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 left a rising death toll in its wake in his home country. “I will be looking to help rebuild Nepal for the rest of my life,” he said without hesitation.
Prabal Gurung S/S16. Images courtesy of Getty. ^
And he brought the attention to the runway. 30 monks clad in familiar saffron and ochre robes opened his show, chanting. It was a small thank-you from the designer, who used his fashion connections to raise over $1 million for his country. Last season, he looked to his beloved Himalayas for inspiration, and again, his thoughts led to home. Working with simple and clean shapes – from slip dresses and deep-V sheaths – it was understated elegance. The rich colour palette of the monks’ robes was delicately splashed across painterly jacquards in Nepalese orange and rose. Sweeping gowns in silk charmeuse and chiffon floated across silhouettes with ease. It was a sincere gesture and ode to his birthplace.
“When the earthquake hit, I felt even more connected to my home,” he told MOJEH. “I have been lucky enough to build a following on social media and within the industry that has given me access to tools that spread awareness and raised close to $1 million. The Nepal Earthquake Fund’s team has started to build over 1,500 homes for those affected by the earthquake. It has truly now become an integral part of my business and lifelong commitment to continue to rebuild and help those displaced.”
