A Monastic Hymn - Prabal Gurung's Spring 2016 Collection

Ethnic nobility took its place on the runway recently with Prabal Gurung’s Spring 2016 collection. Paying homage to the victims of the devastating earthquake that affected Nepal in April earlier this year, Gurung rose up to this occasion and curtly responded to the issue with his eclectic display. The show began with bellowed chants in baritones by Nepalese Monks filling the room with vibes that set the stage for what Prabal was about to unleash.

The collection was a reflection of Prabal Gurung's upbringing, reminiscing to his days of refuge in Nepal. Inspired by the Himalayan summits and the colors of the robes of the monks in prayer, this collection stood close to Gurung's heart; it was his memoirs of the place that he called "home".

Gurung's ensembles flutter with elegance, applying simple silhouettes with emphasis on the surface. The runway was filled with straight cut garments carrying a "chemise" type look, only to be glamourized with the use of silk fabric that sashayed along as the models walked. His dresses had a painterly effect resembling smeared colors of a warm palette, much like the streaks of color one would see during Holi. Taking inspiration from the paintings of Laxman Shrestha, Prabal's painted cocktail gowns echo with ethereal beauty.

Prabal gradually shifted from the somber undertones and brought out the monk-like colors. Plunging necklines and silhouettes cut on the bias exemplifies grace. The block colored garments accented with metallic pieces created a balance like no other. The subtle transfer from color blocked ensembles into dreamy, layered chiffon dresses was a step back into the dream like image Prabal sought to begin with. The layered garments liquidate the collection, emphasizing on the fluidity of fabrics.

Finally Gurung tied up the collection by stepping up with laser cut out ensembles accompanied with jacquard fabrics, in order to create the climax to the show. He skillfully jazzes up the ensembles with a minimal use of fringes. His garments bore a nude under-layer sheathed by embellishments cut into the fabric, which ultimately reveals the summery vibe of the entire collection.

Prabal brings his journey from Nepal, envisioning his treks along the mountains. Resembling imagery of the snow and the wind blowing in its dream like stance; the monasteries and the rocky terrains. Every element represented in color and in cut, Prabal's Spring 2016 collection is a certain win for New York Fashion the next season. His ensembles celebrates empathy as he spreads cultural awareness with his collection; offering fashion a little piece of his own journey from Nepal to New York.

Sources -

Leah Chernikoff, "CHANTING MONKS OPEN PRABAL GURUNG'S MOVING SPRING SHOW", 14 Sept 2015, Elle.com, Web, 29 Oct 2015, http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a30432/prabal-gurung-spring-show-chanting-monks/

images taken from Vogue.com, http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2016-ready-to-wear/prabal-gurung#collection

Jessica Iredale, "Prabal Gurung RTW Spring 2016", 13 Sept 2015, WWD.com, Web, 29 Oct 2015, http://wwd.com/runway/spring-ready-to-wear-2016/new-york/prabal-gurung/review/