NYFW: Designer Prabal Gurung makes statement on runway with ‘Who gets to be American?’ sashes
'This country has always been a melting pot that is colourful, multicultural, and beautiful'
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Fashion designer Prabal Gurung has made a bold statement on the runway at New York Fashion Week, dressing his models in sashes which read: "Who gets to be American?" for his catwalk finale.
The Nepalese-American designer, who moved to New York City when he was 20 years old, explained the inspiration behind his spring/summer 2020 collection in a press statement.
Gurung wrote that the question of who gets to define themselves as an American "permeates the air of today's national discussion", and is one that is "deeply personal" to him.
"To me, this country has always been a beacon of hope where one's wildest ambitions can come true, a melting pot that is so colourful, multicultural, and beautiful," he said.
"In the last few years, incited by the divisive rhetoric of our current administration, I've considered the many faces of America and how we should seek to redefine it."
The 40-year-old explained that while his roots lie with his family in Nepal, he regards America as his home, stating: "America is where my heart is."
"I am an American. As immigrants continue to birth this 'new America', we must remember all versions of our history and take ownership of our past while forging a new legacy," Gurung stated.
The fashion designer added that the aim of his latest collection, which marks the 10th anniversary of his brand, is "to celebrate hope, courage, and present an ode to the true American dream".
Gurung's collection featured a variety of nods towards classic American sartorial style, including raw denim cargo bottoms and embroidered roses, the official flower of the United States.
The fashion designer added that 90 per cent of the range was manufactured in New York City – "a show of artisanal couture celebrating our nation's craftsmanship".
Gurung hinted on social media at the inspiration behind his collection's name, sharing a Time magazine cover from December 2018, which featured a multicultural group of people on the cover and the headline: "Who gets to be American?".
The creative received praised regarding the thought process which went into his New York Fashion Week-debuted spring/summer 2020 collection.
"From one immigrant to another... kudos," one person commented on Instagram.
"You're an artist. Always inspired by you," another remarked.
To see all the best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, click here.
To take a look at the most stylish fashion aficionados hitting the streets of the Big Apple during Fashion Week, click here.
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