Prabal Gurung's Runway Rebellion: Fashion as a Platform for Political Expression

Fashion designer Prabal Gurung used his latest runway show at New York Fashion Week as a platform to encourage people to vote, with his designs carrying deeper meanings. By wearing a shirt with the Harris/Walz ticket at the end of the show, Gurung made it clear who he supports in the upcoming November election. For the Nepal-born, New York-based designer, the fashion runway is more than just a showcase for new seasonal outfits – it's a stage to share important ideas and make a statement.

Defying Conventions, Embracing Diversity

Vibrant Hues and Festive Flair

Gurung's spring 2025 collection presented a vibrant mix of colorful, decorated clothes that defied traditional fashion norms. The show started with pastel dresses featuring fitted tops and skirts inspired by sarongs, a nod to his Nepalese heritage. Some outfits were sheer, with colorful embroidery giving a festive feel, while others were covered in long strips of PVC, including a pale blue skirt that looked like it came from the ocean. These unconventional design choices challenged the boundaries of what is typically expected on the runway.

Elegant Elegance and Airy Allure

Alongside the bold and experimental pieces, Gurung also showcased elegant party dresses with full, flowing skirts that caught the breeze during the show. One standout look was a molten gold dress with a light, airy hem worn by model Caroline Trentini, exuding a sense of refined sophistication.

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity

The finale of the show was a powerful display of diversity and inclusivity, with models appearing in different white outfits and tossing pink powder into the air, referencing the Hindu festival of Holi. This gesture seemed to symbolize a hope for a vibrant and colorful spring season, where differences are celebrated and unity is embraced.

Fashion as a Platform for Political Expression

Gurung's decision to wear a shirt with the Harris/Walz ticket at the end of the show was a clear statement of his political leanings. By using the fashion runway as a platform to express his support for specific candidates, the designer demonstrated the power of fashion to transcend its traditional boundaries and become a vehicle for political and social commentary.

Challenging the Status Quo

Gurung's collection and his political statement on the runway challenged the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is expected from a fashion show. By using his platform to encourage people to vote and to express his own political views, the designer showed that fashion can be a powerful tool for driving change and inspiring civic engagement.

A Reflection of the Times

Gurung's runway show was a reflection of the current political and social climate, where fashion designers are increasingly using their platforms to address important issues and inspire their audiences to take action. In a time of heightened political polarization and social unrest, Gurung's bold move to wear a shirt supporting specific candidates on the runway was a bold and unapologetic statement of his beliefs.

A Call to Action

Gurung's runway show was not just a display of fashion, but a call to action. By encouraging people to vote and by wearing a shirt supporting specific candidates, the designer was urging his audience to engage in the political process and to make their voices heard. In a world where fashion is often seen as frivolous or apolitical, Gurung's show demonstrated the power of fashion to be a catalyst for social and political change.