The front row of last night’s Prabal Gurung runway looked considerably different to that of most other NYFW shows with Gloria Steinem, one of the world’s most ardent feminist activists, turning up alongside inspirational 24 year-old poet Rupi Kaur and civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson.
Prabal has received praise for using his label and platform to raise awareness of important issues like women’s rights, particularly since Trump’s inauguration. Earlier this year he sent models down the catwalk wearing t-shirts baring slogans like, The Future Is Female, Love Is Love, Break Down Walls and Nevertheless, She Persisted. And while he certainly wasn’t the only designer to do so, Prabal followed through, selling versions of his t-shirts for around $130 and donating profits to the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood and a Nepalese Foundation which raises funds for the education to underprivileged children. A few years before, in 2015, he helped raise over $200,000 in a crowdfunding campaign to help victims of an earthquake in his native Nepal. Given this, it’s heartening to see the designer’s genuine action being acknowledged with the attendance at his show of such discerning guests.
Walking in the show, which featured lots of colour and flesh-exposing cut outs, alongside both Bella and Gigi Hadid, were Ashley Graham and Andreja Pejic. It must have been quite the honour to be involved in the very first fashion parade seen by the 83 year old legend.