Prabal Gurung Interview at Teen Vogue Summit 2018

Why Prabal Gurung Uses His Runway to Design "Vote" Tees Alongside Couture Gowns

We caught up with the star Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung, an industry heavyweight who isn't afraid to design strong pieces with a political message. Prabal's New York Fashion Week shows are frequented by icons like Sarah Jessica Parker and Anna Wintour, and his cast of muses includes Gigi and Bella Hadid.

In dressing some of the most influential women, including Oprah and Michelle Obama, Prabal has used his platform as a prominent designer to engage in the political space and empower his customer. His runway collections are peppered with political statements, with blouses emblazoned with slogans like "Nevertheless, She Persisted" and "The Future Is Female." At the Teen Vogue Summit, Prabal explained why he feels so strongly about using his platform to effect change.

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PS: During the most recent election season, your "Vote" and "Love is love" t-shirts have been worn by leading women such as Gigi Hadid. Why design pieces that have a political or social meaning?

PG: I think it's not just designers, but anyone with an audience - whether its an audience of one or one million or 100 million - to be responsible and aware of the audience that we have, and to talk about issues that are close to your heart. For me personally, in this current political and cultural climate, I think it's extremely important to talk about issues other than fashion - which is my passion and first love - because we don't live in a vacuum. The decisions made at the White House affect all of us, and I think now more than ever, we are in a position where we are able to make a very significant decision with the simple action of voting, and decide who will decide the future.

So when Gigi saw that I had designed and worn the 'Vote' shirt for my show, she said, 'Oh my God, P, I want that!' and so I sent it to her, and then she wore it just before voting ended. And that's what is incredible about her and her sister [Bella Hadid]. They are extremely aware about what they are able to create and the captive audience that they have, and they are unafraid to use their voices. So it was exciting. And when I saw it, I texted her, 'You're good.'

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PS: Who or what is inspiring you right now?

PG: So many things. The young generation, who are so active on social media, in politics, in music, and in challenging the status quo. I'm also currently obsessed with Michelle Obama's book. I just finished it and it was so good. It made me miss those moments when I used to go to the White House!

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PS: What does it mean to be a woman who wears your line? What makes a PG muse?

PG: What I'm interested in is style and substance. I've always been intrigued by women who have an absolute love of fashion and, at the same time, are extremely aware of the space that they occupy and the relationship they have with the world. Someone who is assured, someone who is unafraid to be vulnerable, unafraid to challenge the status quo. Someone who is interesting and engageing. I always say it's both levity and depth.

Ashley Graham is another PG Muse, and for me, it's the essence of who she is that's really empowering and exciting. Ashley Graham is a curvy model. And beyond that, she's a force of nature. That's why I'm attracted to her and that's why I use her for my show.

PS: It's very impressive that you started your line with only $10k. Do you have advice for young women who are aspiring designers and want to break into the industry?

PG: Don't do it! Just kidding. I went through unemployment for many months. My friend's living room was our showroom. At the time it was something I really wanted to do. I knew instinctively that it felt right for me. And worst case, I thought, it wouldn't work out and I'd blame it on the recession. My advice to anyone is: 'Do you really want to do it?' There may come a time when the entire world is against the very notion of what you are creating. Do you still have the conviction to do it? If you do, then go for it.

PS: So a few lightning questions. Diamonds or pearls?

PG: Pearls, always. Pearls by Tasaki!

PS: Dream dinner guests?

PG: Oprah, Gloria Steinem, Michelle Obama, Ezra Miller, Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga.

PS: Top lesson you learned in 2018 is?

PG: A lesson that I learned after the election is that we have to be far more engaged and there is still a lot more we have to do.

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